Stand-in Scotland captain Gordon Drummond paid tribute to Qasim Sheikh for his first-innings century in their rain-affected draw with Ireland in the Intercontinental Cup in Aberdeen.

Scotland, who at 72-5 chasing 297 were saved courtesy of heavy rain at Mannofield, are top of the eight-team table due to the six points they earned for carving out a first innings lead against the holders.

And Drummond insists Scotland owe the points to the efforts of Sheikh – who has since been called up to the Scotland one-day squad - after the 24-year-old scored an unbeaten 100 on an uncompromising wicket.

"It was a phenomenal effort by Qasim,” said Drummond. “To score a century against Ireland is a fantastic achievement at any time but particularly on a wicket which was doing a lot and when wickets were falling around him.”

Drummond also maintains his side deserved their luck with the weather due to their first-innings performances.

He added: “The weather has probably saved us today although I am confident the guys would have battled all the way.

“But sometimes you earn your luck in sport. I didn’t think we got too many breaks during the game so we’ll happily accept the rain and the draw.

“This outcome shows the importance of getting a first innings lead and we can take a great deal of confidence from this game.”