Ireland's cricketers have set the UAE a target of 148 to win today's Twenty-20 semi-final in Abu Dhabi.

After a disappointing start to their innings, which saw William Porterfield, James Shannon and Gary Wilson all lose their wickets cheaply, a partnership between Kevin O'Brien and John Mooney settled any Irish nerves.

The tail-order then managed to add some vital runs with veteran all-rounder Trent Johnston scoring 35 runs off just 18 balls.

Speaking before their hosts began their innings, Johnston admitted that the Irish batsmen had taken a long time to adjust to the pitch:

The winners of this evening's game will face Afghanistan in tomorrow's final after they beat Nepal in the first of today's semi-finals.

John Mooney of Ireland © 2013 IDI/Getty Images