Qasim Sheikh hit a stunning century but was powerless to prevent Scotland’s batting order crumbling on day two of their Intercontinental Cup game against Ireland.

Sheikh was left stranded on 100 as the not out batsman as Scotland made 208 in reply to Ireland’s first innings total of 202.

Ryan Watson made 29 while Neil McCallum and Richie Berrington made 14 and 15 respectively as Regan West (7-88) ripped through the hosts' attack in Aberdeen and left Scotland with a lead of just six runs.

But Gordon Drummond’s men made early in-roads into the visitors’ batting order after tea to leave Ireland on 102-3 in their second innings.

Majid Haq (2-22) was first to strike, taking the wicket of Jeremy Bray for 33 before bowling Paul Stirling just three balls later for a duck.

Watson then bowled Andre Botha for nine to leave the score at 86-3 but skipper Will Porterfield (52 not out) and Kevin O’Brien (five not out) dug in to take Ireland past 100 before stumps.