Ireland vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I Live Highlights: Ireland took a 2-0 lead over Afghanistan in a best-of-five T20 series after George Dockrell's 25 not out saw the hosts home for a five-wicket win in Belfast on Thursday. Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi chose to bat first after winning the toss, but the tourists left themselves too much to do with the ball after posting just 122-8 from their 20 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi top scored with 36 as Josh Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany each took two wickets. Ireland had lost eight successive T20 internationals prior to the series opener on Tuesday, but looked set to cruise home thanks to captain Andy Balbirnie's 46. However, the loss of three wickets for 14 runs gave Afghanistan hope until Dockrell's 19-ball cameo got Ireland over the line with an over to spare.
Here are the highlights from the IRE vs AFG second T20I:
IRE vs AFG, 2nd T20I Live Updates
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We are back for the chase. The players of Afghanistan are out in the middle. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie to open for Ireland. Naveen-ul-Haq to start with the ball.
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...THE RUN CHASE...
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For Afghanistan, they just never got going. Just the one batter crossed the 30-run mark but he too scored it at a very slow rate. Their batting just was not up to the mark and now their bowlers need to bowl out of their skin to defend this. Ireland though have a strong batting line up and will back themselves to score it. The target is well below-par and Ireland have a chance to go 2-0 up. Stay tuned for the second half.
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The key for them was wickets at regular intervals. Ireland just managed to take wickets whenever needed. They got three in the Powerplay and after that kept the pressure on. Josh Little was brilliant with the ball and so was Mark Adair. Curtis Campher impressed with the ball and Gareth Delany yet again did a commendable job. A complete performance overall with the ball from the home team.
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End of an excellent bowling performance from Ireland and they are in pole position to take a 2-0 lead in this series.
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19.62Mark Adair to Naveen ul Haq
Two runs off the final ball! This is full and outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq goes inside-out over extra covers for a couple of runs. Afghanistan end with 122/8.
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19.50Mark Adair to Naveen ul Haq
Slower, bouncer, outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq waits and tries to play it over third man but misses.
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19.41 lbMark Adair to Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Leg bye! Short again. Mujeeb Ur Rahman tries to reverse slap it as he stands tall but gets hit on the forearm and it rolls away for a leg bye.
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19.31Mark Adair to Naveen ul Haq
Shorter and on off. Naveen-Ul-Haq looks to pull but gets a top edge to square leg for a single.
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19.21Mark Adair to Mujeeb Ur Rahman
played towards mid wicket for a single.