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Ireland vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI Commentary, Live Updates

IRE vs AFG, 2019 - ODI Live Commentary

Ireland vs Afghanistan Scorecard

Match Ended

1st ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast , May 19, 2019

Ireland

210 (48.5/50)

Afghanistan

138 (35.4/50)

Ireland beat Afghanistan by 72 runs

So that is all from here at Stormont! An emphatic victory for the Irish. They will now look to win the 2nd game and seal the series on Tuesday, 21st of May. That game will begin at 1045 local (0945 GMT). Join us for the coverage of the same to find out whether Afghanistan can come back harder in the second game and level in the series or not. Till then it is goodbye from us. Take care and cheers!

Victorious Ireland skipper, William Porterfield says that they have played good cricket in patches over the past month but admits that this was a pleasing performance, especially winning by 70-80 runs. Tells that he has built a good relationship with Stirling over the years and it is always good to bat with him. Mentions that they felt that the score was a bit under par and during the start of the defense, they were not bowling well but came back into the game and won it comprehensively in the end.

Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib says that the bowlers did their job but their batting was not good. Credits the way Ireland bowled and never let them get away. Also praises Stirling and Porterfield for their stand which took Ireland to that total.

Well, not much cannot be said about the batting of Afghanistan as a highest score of 29 will never be good enough. All the batsmen struggled against the right line and lengths bowled by the Irish bowlers. When you get bowled out and five batsmen get single-digit scores, you are always going to be in trouble. That is exactly what happened and Afghanistan slid to a horrific defeat here in Belfast. The captains' thoughts to follow...

The bowling performance was started off brilliantly by Tim Murtagh and Andy McBrine who bowled economically as well as picked two wickets in their opening spell. There on, the pressure was unrelenting and Mark Adair added the gloss on the performance picking up 4 wickets of his own. Boyd Rankin had a tough opening spell but his captain kept him on and he proved the worth with 3 wickets in the middle stages which put Ireland on the top in this game.

This has been an incredible bowling performance from the hosts but on the other hand, a very poor batting show from the away side, Afghanistan. They never got going in the chase of a total that looked under par on that wicket. They were too cautious in the beginning and lost wickets too while playing extremely slowly. They could never recover from that and eventually the pressure got to them and they kept losing wickets, crumbling to a defeat. Ireland though must be credited for the right lines and lengths that they bowled, never letting the visitors get any sort of advantage in the chase.

35.4

Mark Adair To Mujeeb Ur Rahman OUT!

OUT! Caught and bowled! It is all over here! IRELAND WIN BY 72 RUNS!!! A remarkable catch to bring the game to an end. A fuller ball on middle, Mujeeb hits the ball back to the bowler who gets his arm up in front of his face and holds onto the sharp return catch. Mujeeb cannot believe this. Meanwhile, Adair picks up his 4th wicket! We cannot believe this, Afghanistan have blown up a chase of 210 and fallen to a demoralizing loss.

35.3

Mark Adair To Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Fuller one on middle first up to Mujeeb, he hits it firmly to mid on who makes a good tumbling stop. He even throws the ball back in anger at the non-striker's end.

35.2

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib OUT!

OUT! That could be the final nail in the Afghanistan coffin. Naib holes out at long on trying to smash his way to a win. A length ball on off, Gulbadin wants to hit a maximum over the bowler's head but fails to get enough power on that ball as it goes off the inside. It goes high and the substitute fielder, Kane there settles under the ball and takes a very good, calm catch! Just one away now from the win are Ireland!

35.1

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib

Defended off the back foot by Naib to this ball on a length outside off.

End Of The Over 35 : 138/8

11 Runs

234.1
434.2
134.3
034.4
034.5
434.6

A. Alam

5 (7)

G. Naib

20 (16)

B. Rankin

7-1-40-3

34.6

Boyd Rankin To Aftab Alam

FOUR! Shot! Aftab Alam had no half-measures there. A short of a length ball on middle, Alam pulls this through mid-wicket. The ball raced away to the fence. Brilliant shot, just swung through the line.

34.5

Boyd Rankin To Aftab Alam

Back of a length outside off, Aftab pushes the ball towards backward point after getting out of the way.

34.4

Boyd Rankin To Aftab Alam

Aftab Alam defends the ball with a straight bat.

34.3

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin pushes the ball through point for a single.

34.2

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Poor ball! On the pads, Naib has nudged the ball fine down the leg side. The ball races to the boundary. Four runs have been signalled by The Umpire.

34.1

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Back of a length outside off, Naib gets it off the outside half to the left of point. Two runs taken.

End Of The Over 34 : 127/8

7 Runs

433.1
033.2
133.3
133.4
133.5
033.6

A. Alam

1 (4)

G. Naib

13 (13)

M. Adair

6-0-19-2

33.6

Mark Adair To Aftab Alam

Outside off on a length, Aftab looks to hit the ball outside off but is beaten.

33.5

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib

Pulled away to deep mid-wicket by Naib for a run.

33.4

Mark Adair To Aftab Alam

This ball is hit towards mid on uppishly by Alam and the ball lands just short. That could have been out had the fielder reacted a bit more quickly there. A single is taken as the batsmen run through.

33.3

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib

A misfield slight one by Dockrell at cover means the batsmen can pick up a single.

33.2

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib

Defended towards the offside by GN.

33.1

Mark Adair To Gulbadin Naib

FOUR! Good effort but in vain! A short length ball on middle, Naib pulls this away through mid-wicket. The fielder chases it, dives to keep it in but the effort goes in vain as the body was in contact with the rope at the same time as the ball.

Mark Adair comes back on now.

End Of The Over 33 : 120/8

0 Runs

W 32.1
032.2
032.3
W 32.4
032.5
032.6

A. Alam

0 (2)

G. Naib

7 (9)

B. Rankin

6-1-29-3

32.6

Boyd Rankin To Aftab Alam

Outside off, Aftab wanted to play that ball but lets it alone in the end.

32.5

Boyd Rankin To Aftab Alam

Defended off the front foot by the new batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Aftab Alam walks in at number 10.

32.4

Boyd Rankin To Dawlat Zadran OUT!

OUT! Third wicket for Rankin! The wheels are coming off really hard here for the visitors. A short length ball on middle, Zadran looks to pull this but gets a top edge. The ball lobs towards the keeper, Gary Wilson who takes the simplest of catches. This has been one big turnaround from the hosts!

32.3

Boyd Rankin To Dawlat Zadran

On a length on middle, pushed defensively back to the bowler.

32.2

Boyd Rankin To Dawlat Zadran

Back of a length on off, Zadran defends the ball towards cover. Looks for a quick single but it would have been suicidal.

Drinks break. Ireland are cruising at the moment. With 91 needed off 107 balls. This is surely Ireland's game to lose now. They are just 3 wickets away from sealing this game here. Dawlat Zadran will walk out to bat after the break.

32.1

Boyd Rankin To Rashid Khan OUT!

OUT! The seventh one goes down! Afghanistan are now in a huge spot of bother. Rashid Khan departs now. A short ball outside off, Rashid looks to hit it over mid off but fails to time it. It goes straight to William Porterfield at mid off who makes no mistake. Ireland will now feel really in the driver's seat! Gulbadin Naib would be the only one who can really take the game away from them now onward.

End Of The Over 32 : 120/6

15 Runs

631.1
231.2
031.3
031.4
631.5
131.6

R. Khan

16 (10)

G. Naib

7 (9)

K. O'Brien

3-0-19-1

31.6

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

Rashid will keep the strike. He strokes the last ball to long on and gets a run.

31.5

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

SIX! Second six in the over and Rashid is playing the way he knows to play. As they say attack is the best form of defence. Rashid gets another full ball on off, this time he smashes it over the long off fence for a six.

31.4

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

On the stumps, Rashid blocks it with a straight bat.

31.3

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

Good length ball on off, Rashid hits it straight to cover.

31.2

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

Back of a length ball on off, Rashid pulls it wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a couple.

31.1

Kevin O'Brien To Rashid Khan

SIX! That's out of here! Full length ball on off, it is in Rashid's zone. He whacks it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

End Of The Over 31 : 105/6

2 Runs

130.1
W 30.2
030.3
030.4
030.5
030.6

R. Khan

1 (4)

G. Naib

7 (9)

B. Rankin

5-0-28-1

30.6

Boyd Rankin To Rashid Khan

Another length ball on middle, Rashid blocks it off his front foot and takes a single as the ball goes towards cover.

30.5

Boyd Rankin To Rashid Khan

Back of a length ball on off, Khan defends it with straight bat.

30.4

Boyd Rankin To Rashid Khan

Another incoming delivery on middle and leg, Rashid cannot do much but just block it.

30.3

Boyd Rankin To Rashid Khan

Length ball on the body, Rashid cannot do much but just block it.

Rashid Khan walks out to bat.

30.2

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan OUT!

OUT! Boyd Rankin strikes. Ireland have got the wicket they were looking for. Good length ball pitching on off. It comes in after hitting the deck. Afghan looks to defend but gets beaten by the inward movement. The ball hits him on his knee roll. The Irish players all go up in appeal and the umpire slowly raises his finger.

30.1

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

A length delivery on middle and leg, Gulbadin Naib flicks it to fine leg for a run.

End Of The Over 30 : 103/5

5 Runs

129.1
1 LB 29.2
129.3
129.4
029.5
129.6

G. Naib

6 (8)

A. Afghan

29 (50)

K. O'Brien

2-0-6-1

29.6

Kevin O'Brien To Gulbadin Naib

Single to end the over. On the pads, Naib flicks it down the leg side for a run.

29.5

Kevin O'Brien To Gulbadin Naib

On off, Naib blocks it.

29.4

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

Back of a length ball on off, Afghan defends it with soft hands and takes a quick single as the ball goes towards cover. George Dockrell gets to the ball and has a shy at the keeper's end. He hits the target and Wilson was confident they had got their man. But the square leg umpire says that Naib was in and rules his decision in the batsman's favour.

29.3

Kevin O'Brien To Gulbadin Naib

On the pads once again and Naib flicks it to the on side for one.

29.2

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Afghan looks to flick but it goes off his thigh pad towards fine leg and they take a leg bye.

29.1

Kevin O'Brien To Gulbadin Naib

Length ball on off, Naib plays it towards cover and gets a run.

End Of The Over 29 : 98/5

4 Runs

128.1
228.2
028.3
028.4
128.5
028.6

A. Afghan

28 (48)

G. Naib

3 (4)

B. Rankin

4-0-27-0

28.6

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

28.5

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Pulled away for a single to deep square leg.

28.4

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Short of a length this time, Naib goes for the pull but fails to connect.

28.3

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

28.2

Boyd Rankin To Gulbadin Naib

Angled fine on the off side for a couple of runs this time by Naib.

28.1

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

A length ball outside off, Afghan looks to cut this through point The ball goes to third man for a single.

Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat next.

End Of The Over 28 : 94/5

2 Runs

027.1
1 WD 27.2
027.2
027.3
127.4
027.5
W 27.6

M. Nabi

27 (25)

A. Afghan

27 (46)

K. O'Brien

1-0-2-1

27.6

Kevin O'Brien To Mohammad Nabi OUT!

OUT! No luck this time and Kevin this time finds the outside edge of Nabi's bat. Good length ball outside off. Nabi goes chasing after it. He plays a lazy drive and after the previous ball missing the outside edge, this time they get it. The 54-run stand is broken and Afghanistan have half their side back in the hut.

27.5

Kevin O'Brien To Mohammad Nabi

Just misses. Length ball outside off, Nabi looks to drive but misses. It was not too far away from the outside edge.

27.4

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Asghar flicks it to square leg for a run.

27.3

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

Length ball on the stumps, Asghar defends it with straight bat.

27.2

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

Length ball on off, Afghan blocks it off his front foot.

27.2

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

WIDE! Kevin misses his line and bowls it down the leg side. Afghan looks to flick it but misses. Wide signalled.

27.1

Kevin O'Brien To Asghar Afghan

Fuller on off, Afghan blocks it off the front foot.

Kevin O'Brien into the attack now.

End Of The Over 27 : 92/4

4 Runs

026.1
026.2
126.3
226.4
126.5
026.6

M. Nabi

27 (23)

A. Afghan

26 (42)

B. Rankin

3-0-23-0

26.6

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Good length ball outside off, Nabi lets it go the keeper.

26.5

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Afghan flicks it to fine leg for a run.

26.4

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Length ball outside off, Afghan slaps it over point and wide of sweeper cover for a couple.

26.3

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

In the air...but safe. Back of a length ball on off, Nabi pulls it over mid-wicket but does not time it well. The ball falls short of the fielder in the deep and they take a run.

26.2

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Good length ball outside off, Nabi looks to drive but misses.

Mohammad Nabi needing some attention now after copping a blow on the finger of his right hand.

26.1

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

A short delivery on off, Nabi looks to defend it on the back foot but the ball hits him on his glove.

End Of The Over 26 : 88/4

14 Runs

1 B 25.1
025.2
625.3
625.4
125.5
025.6

A. Afghan

23 (40)

M. Nabi

26 (19)

G. Dockrell

3-0-26-0

25.6

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

Fuller length around off, Afghan tries looks to defend but misses the ball, the ball hits the pads. A huge appeal by the bowler denied by the umpire.

25.5

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Full on off, Nabi drives it to mid off for a run.

25.4

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

SIX! A short delivery this time, Nabi rocks back and pulls it above the mid-wicket region for another maximum.

25.3

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

SIX! Just what Afghanistan wanted. A flighted delivery on middle and leg, Nabi dances down the track and lofts it over the mid-wicket fence for a huge six.

25.2

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Full on leg, Nabi plays it back to the bowler.

25.1

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

Back of a length on off, Asghar looks to defend it but gets beaten, miss by the keeper results in a run. Bye signalled.

End Of The Over 25 : 74/4

10 Runs

1 WD 24.1
1 WD 24.1
024.1
424.2
024.3
124.4
1 WD 24.5
124.5
124.6

A. Afghan

23 (38)

M. Nabi

13 (15)

B. Rankin

2-0-19-0

24.6

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Another flick for a single by AA. 10 runs off this over, just what the doctor ordered for Afghanistan.

24.5

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Nabi flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

24.5

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Wide! This one is down the leg side and has been penalised by the umpire. Rankin is all over the place today.

24.4

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Afghan pulls this short ball away on the leg side. Single taken easily.

24.3

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.

24.2

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

FOUR! Rankin is proving to be just the blessing in disguise that Afghanistan needed. The ball is full on the pads, flicked away through backward square leg and all the way to the fence for a boundary.

24.1

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Straying down the leg side again, Afghan looks to flick that ball away but misses. It takes the shirt on its way through. The bowler mistakes it for an edge and hence appeals but the umpire is unfazed.

24.1

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Wide! Bowled way, way down the offside. It is outside the tramline and hence has been wided by the umpire.

24.1

Boyd Rankin To Asghar Afghan

Wide! This one is down the leg side and has been wided by the umpire.

End Of The Over 24 : 64/4

6 Runs

023.1
123.2
023.3
023.4
423.5
123.6

A. Afghan

17 (33)

M. Nabi

12 (14)

G. Dockrell

2-0-13-0

23.6

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

Flights it on off, Afghan strokes it towards cover and gets a run.

23.5

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

FOUR! Swept and swept fine. Floated on middle and leg, Afghan plays the sweep wide of short fine leg towards the square leg region for a boundary.

23.4

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

On the stumps, Afghan calmly blocks it.

23.3

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Afghan flicks it to the man at square leg.

23.2

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Shorter on off, Nabi slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.

23.1

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Floated on off, Nabi blokc sit off his front foot.

End Of The Over 23 : 58/4

10 Runs

022.1
022.2
422.3
1 WD 22.4
022.4
422.5
1 LB 22.6

M. Nabi

11 (12)

A. Afghan

12 (29)

B. Rankin

1-0-9-0

22.6

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Bowled on the hips, Nabi misses the flick. The ball goes off the side of the batsman and a leg bye is stolen.

22.5

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

FOUR! Another freebie from Rankin. A length ball on the pads, Nabi runs the ball fine on the leg side with ease. Another boundary, the second of the over. This comes as a welcome change of pace for Afghanistan.

22.4

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

22.4

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Wide! Down the leg side and it is wided.

22.3

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

FOUR! Welcome runs for Afghanistan! A length ball on the pads, Nabi runs it really fine on the leg side. These are easy pickings for a batsman of his caliber.

22.2

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

Defended solidly by MN onto the surface on the front foot.

22.1

Boyd Rankin To Mohammad Nabi

A length ball outside off, Nabi looks to cut this ball away but fails to put bat on ball as it just moves away at the last moment.

Boyd Rankin comes on to bowl now.

End Of The Over 22 : 48/4

7 Runs

021.1
121.2
121.3
121.4
421.5
021.6

A. Afghan

12 (29)

M. Nabi

3 (6)

G. Dockrell

1-0-7-0

21.6

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

Floated on middle, Afghan tucks it to mid-wicket.

21.5

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet. Tossed up on middle and leg, Afghan comes down the track and lofts it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

21.4

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Short on the body, Nabi milks it down to long on and rotates the strike.

21.3

George Dockrell To Asghar Afghan

Short outside off, Afghn looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge towards third man for a single..

21.2

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Shorter off spinner on off, Nabi strokes it to covers and gets a run.

21.1

George Dockrell To Mohammad Nabi

Starts with a flatter delivery on off, Nabi looks to defend but does so off the inner portion of his bat.

George Dockrell replaces Andy McBrine.

End Of The Over 21 : 41/4

1 Runs

020.1
020.2
120.3
020.4
020.5
020.6

A. Afghan

7 (26)

M. Nabi

1 (3)

M. Adair

5-0-12-2

20.6

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

Dot to finish the over. 7 runs off the last 3. The last ball is on off, Asghar defends it to see off the over.

20.5

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

Length ball on off, it moves away after pitching. Afghan has a poke at it but misses.

20.4

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

On middle and leg, Afghan flicks it to mid-wicket.

20.3

Mark Adair To Mohammad Nabi

Good length ball on off, Nabi taps it to point and gets a run.

20.2

Mark Adair To Mohammad Nabi

On the stumps, Nabi defends it with straight bat.

20.1

Mark Adair To Mohammad Nabi

Length ball on off, Nabi gets on his front foot and blocks it.

End Of The Over 20 : 40/4

0 Runs

019.1
019.2
019.3
019.4
019.5
019.6

A. Afghan

7 (23)

M. Nabi

0 (0)

A. McBrine

10-4-17-0

19.6

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Stand up and applaud this guy! 4 maidens in an ODI! A flatter one on middle to end, pushed back to the bowler by the former skipper. McBrine finishes his quota of overs. He has incredible figures of 10-4-17-0!!!

19.5

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Fired in on the pads, flicked again to the same fielder.

19.4

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Flatter on middle, flicked by AA to mid-wicket.

19.3

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Another flatter one on off, cut away by Afghan towards the point fielder.

19.2

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Asghar looks to turn this ball towards mid-wicket but cannot time the ball well.

19.1

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Flatter on middle, kept out towards the offside by the batsman.

Mohammad Nabi walks out to bat.

End Of The Over 19 : 40/4

6 Runs

418.1
018.2
118.3
118.4
018.5
W 18.6

H. Shahidi

12 (31)

A. Afghan

7 (17)

M. Adair

4-0-11-2

18.6

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi OUT!

OUT! Adair gets another one. He once again hits the length hard and bowls it outside off, Shahidi looks play it on the off side but gets a thick outside edge which goes straight to Gary Wilson behind the stumps. He takes a simple catch. Shahidi starts walking and the players are excited.

18.5

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Play and a miss. Length ball outside off, Shahidi has a poke at it but misses.

18.4

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Asghar flicks it to square leg and gets a run.

18.3

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Outside off on a length, Shahidi taps it down to third man for a run.

18.2

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Full on off, Shahidi hits it straight to mid off.

18.1

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

FOUR! What a shot! Full outside off, It is in Shahidi's slot. He cream his drive through covers for a boundary.

Drinks break! Ireland have choked Afghanistan's chase here and are right on top. Another wicket or two will mean that the visitors will be in extreme trouble. They need a partnership and some boundaries to get them going. The good thing working in their favour is that the total is not a very big one. A very entertaining passage of play lies ahead, who will come on top?

End Of The Over 18 : 34/3

3 Runs

017.1
017.2
217.3
117.4
017.5
017.6

A. Afghan

6 (16)

H. Shahidi

7 (26)

A. McBrine

9-3-17-0

17.6

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

On the pads, Afghan flicks it but finds square leg.

17.5

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

On the stumps, Asghar blocks it off his front foot.

17.4

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Floated on off, Shahidi milks it to long on and gets a run.

17.3

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

On the pads, Shahidi lofts it to mid-wicket but does not time it well so gets only one.

17.2

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Tossed up on off, Shahidi pushes it to cover.

17.1

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Floated on off, Shahidi blocks it off his front foot.

End Of The Over 17 : 31/3

3 Runs

116.1
116.2
016.3
016.4
016.5
116.6

H. Shahidi

4 (22)

A. Afghan

6 (14)

M. Adair

3-0-5-1

16.6

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

On off, Shahidi strokes it wide of mid off and gets a run.

16.5

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

On a length on off, Shahidi strokes it to the man at cover.

16.4

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Good length ball on off, Shahidi strokes it to cover.

16.3

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Length ball on off, Shahidi pushes it to point.

16.2

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

Full again outside off, Afghan taps it to point and gets a run.

16.1

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Full length ball on off, Shahidi drives it to covers and takes a quick run as the fielder there fumbles.

End Of The Over 16 : 28/3

4 Runs

015.1
215.2
115.3
015.4
015.5
115.6

H. Shahidi

2 (17)

A. Afghan

5 (13)

A. McBrine

8-3-14-0

15.6

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Flatter on middle and leg, turned towards mid-wicket by Shahidi for a run. McBrine's figures read 8-3-14-0 now!!!

15.5

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Fired in on off, the batsman defends the ball back to the bowler once more.

15.4

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Flatter on middle, defended back down the ground to the bowler by the southpaw.

15.3

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Turned away through mid-wicket for a single by AA.

15.2

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Shorter this time outside off, Asghar chops the ball past extra cover to his right. Long off comes around and cuts the ball. 2 runs taken in the time.

15.1

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Flatter on middle, pushed towards mid-wicket by Afghan.

End Of The Over 15 : 24/3

1 Runs

014.1
114.2
014.3
014.4
014.5
014.6

H. Shahidi

1 (14)

A. Afghan

2 (10)

M. Adair

2-0-2-1

14.6

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Patted towards point by the batsman. Just 1 run off this over.

14.5

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Back of a length on middle, HS defends back down the ground.

14.4

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Another ball outside off that is left alone by Shahidi.

14.3

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Outside off, left alone by the southpaw at the last moment.

14.2

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

Quick single! This is what you need to do when the runs have dried up. Asghar pats this ball towards the off side and calls his partner for a quick single.

14.1

Mark Adair To Asghar Afghan

Length ball outside off, Afghan looks to hit this ball on the off side but fails to put bat on ball once more.

End Of The Over 14 : 23/3

0 Runs

013.1
013.2
013.3
013.4
013.5
013.6

H. Shahidi

1 (10)

A. Afghan

1 (8)

A. McBrine

7-3-10-0

13.6

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Maiden over. He has been very good in this game so far. He bowls a flatter one on the stumps, Shahidi comes down and taps it back to the bowler.

13.5

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

5 dots in a row now. This is floated on off, strokes it to the man at cover.

13.4

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Quicker through the air on middle, Shahidi defends it off his inner half of his bat.

13.3

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Tosses it up on off, Shahidi comes down the track and defends it.

13.2

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Flighted on middle and leg, Shahidi taps it back to the bowler.

13.1

Andy McBrine To Hashmatullah Shahidi

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

End Of The Over 13 : 23/3

1 Runs

012.1
W 12.2
012.3
012.4
012.5
112.6

H. Shahidi

1 (4)

A. Afghan

1 (8)

M. Adair

1-0-1-1

12.6

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Length ball outside off, Shahidi taps it down to third man and gets off the mark. Brilliant over from Adair. Tremendous start. Just a single and a wicket off his first.

12.5

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

On off, Shahidi does not take any risk and just blocks it.

12.4

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

On the stump now, Shahidi defends it with straight bat.

12.3

Mark Adair To Hashmatullah Shahidi

Outside off, Shahidi leaves it alone.

Hashmatullah Shahidi walks out to bat.

12.2

Mark Adair To Hazratullah Zazai OUT!

OUT! Bowled 'em. Big wicket for Ireland. They know how dangerous Zazai can be having seen it in the T20I earlier in the year. Adair has got the breakthrough in his very first over. Length ball pitching on middle and off, Zazai looks to pull, but the ball is not short and it goes onto disturb the off stump. The Irish players are happy and why won't they be?

12.1

Mark Adair To Hazratullah Zazai

Starts right on the money. Length ball going away with the angle. It is on the body of Zazai blocks it.

Mark Adair is introduced into the attack.

End Of The Over 12 : 22/2

1 Runs

011.1
011.2
011.3
011.4
111.5
011.6

A. Afghan

1 (8)

H. Zazai

14 (38)

A. McBrine

6-2-10-0

11.6

Andy McBrine To Asghar Afghan

Floated on off and middle, Afghan keeps it out.

11.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

On middle and leg, Zazai glances it to mid-wicket for a run.

11.4

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Tossed up on off, Zazai defends it off his front foot.

11.3

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Appeal for lbw turned down. Floated on middle and leg, Zazai looks to sweep but gets hit on the pad. Andy was excited but the umpire was not. The keeper also was not too keen.

11.2

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Floated on the stumps, Zazai looks to defend but does so off the inner half of his bat.

11.1

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Tossed up on off, Zazai strokes it to the man at cover.

End Of The Over 11 : 21/2

0 Runs

010.1
010.2
010.3
010.4
010.5
010.6

A. Afghan

1 (7)

H. Zazai

13 (33)

T. Murtagh

6-2-12-2

10.6

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Another maiden from Murtagh! A length ball wide outside off, left alone by the batsman. This is unbelievable stuff from Tim!

10.5

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

10.4

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Back of a length on middle, Afghan looks to whip this ball away but misses and gets hit high on the thigh pad. An appeal comes, it is very optimistic though.

10.3

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Asghar looks to poke at this ball outside the off stump but fails to put bat on ball as it holds its line instead of coming inward like the first two balls.

10.2

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Coming in again, turned off the pads by Afghan towards mid-wicket.

10.1

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Back of a length and coming into him from outside off, defended from the crease

End Of The Over 10 : 21/2

0 Runs

09.1
09.2
09.3
09.4
09.5
09.6

H. Zazai

13 (33)

A. Afghan

1 (1)

A. McBrine

5-2-9-0

9.6

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Another defensive stroke from HZ. What a brilliant start this has been from the Irish! Afghanistan are 21/2 at the 10 over mark.

9.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai comes ahead and keeps this ball out.

9.4

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Hazratullah looks to work this drifting ball on middle and leg away but fails to put bat on ball. He gets hit on the pad but nothing too worrisome.

9.3

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai defends this ball onto the surface once more.

9.2

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

9.1

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter on off, kept out by Zazai coming ahead.

End Of The Over 9 : 21/2

2 Runs

08.1
08.2
08.3
W 8.4
18.5
18.6

H. Zazai

13 (27)

A. Afghan

1 (1)

T. Murtagh

5-1-12-2

8.6

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

On the pads, Zazai flicks it to fine leg and gets a single. End of an excellent over. Just 2 runs and a wicket.

8.5

Tim Murtagh To Asghar Afghan

Murtagh bowls it on off, Asghar looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge down to third man for one.

Asghar Afghan is the new man in.

8.4

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah OUT!

OUT! Caught! Three dots on the trot and Rahmat got under pressure. Murtagh smartly bangs one in short. Rahmat looks to pull it but gets a top edge which goes aerially to mid-wicket. Paul Stirling there takes a dolly. He is not going to drop those and Afghanistan lose their second wicket.

8.3

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Fuller on off, Shah drives it straight to mid off.

8.2

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Once again Tim bowls it on a length around off, Shah solidly blocks it.

8.1

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Good length ball on off. The ball comes in after pitching. Rahmat looks to defend but it goes to mid-wicket off the inner half of his bat.

End Of The Over 8 : 19/1

5 Runs

07.1
07.2
17.3
47.4
07.5
07.6

H. Zazai

12 (26)

R. Shah

4 (8)

A. McBrine

4-1-9-0

7.6

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

HZ goes for the wild swing this time but once again, completely loses the radar of the ball and misses it. This is excellent bowling so far from Ireland, the visitors are not even scoring at 2.5 runs per over.

7.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Length ball on middle and leg, Zazai tucks this towards the fielder at square leg.

7.4

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

FOUR! What a shot! Right off the middle of the bat. A flatter one on middle, Zazai hits this one through mid off. No stopping that one.

7.3

Andy McBrine To Rahmat Shah

Fuller on middle, driven to long on for a run by Rahmat.

7.2

Andy McBrine To Rahmat Shah

This time the batsman goes back in the crease and keeps the ball out from the crease.

7.1

Andy McBrine To Rahmat Shah

Flatter on off, Rahmat has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

End Of The Over 7 : 14/1

5 Runs

06.1
06.2
16.3
46.4
06.5
06.6

H. Zazai

8 (23)

R. Shah

3 (5)

T. Murtagh

4-1-10-1

6.6

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Hazratullah has failed to put bat on ball this time again outside off stump. The ball is moving a bit here!

6.5

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai looks to smash this one through the offside but the ball moves away at the last moment to go past the outside edge.

6.4

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

FOUR! Terrific shot! A fluent drive from Zazai this time and the ball finds the gap through the covers. Some pressure relieved!

6.3

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Only a single as Zazai falls while trying to turn around and come for the second run. A length ball on the pads, flicked away through mid-wicket. Two runs were easy there but unfortunately the batsman slipped at the non-striker's end.

6.2

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

6.1

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

On a length on off, Rahmat keeps this ball out back onto the surface.

End Of The Over 6 : 9/1

1 Runs

15.1
05.2
05.3
05.4
05.5
05.6

H. Zazai

4 (20)

R. Shah

2 (2)

A. McBrine

3-1-4-0

5.6

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Shorter and quicker on middle, defended from the crease by the opening batsman.

5.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flighted outside off, this time Zazai drives the ball to cover.

5.4

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter on off, chopped towards cover.

5.3

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Fired in quicker and full on off, the southpaw comes ahead and defends the ball into the surface.

5.2

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter outside off, patted towards point by the left-hander.

5.1

Andy McBrine To Rahmat Shah

Flatter on the pads, turned away through mid-wicket by Shah for a run.

End Of The Over 5 : 8/1

1 Runs

04.1
W 4.2
14.3
04.4
04.5
04.6

H. Zazai

4 (15)

R. Shah

1 (1)

T. Murtagh

3-1-5-1

4.6

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Hazratullah this time looks to smash this one over the bowler's head but fails to put bat on ball. Another excellent over for Ireland, 1 run off it and a wicket as well.

4.5

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Length ball outside off, punched hard but straight to mid off by the southpaw.

4.4

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Back of a length outside off, Zazai punches this ball towards cover.

4.3

Tim Murtagh To Rahmat Shah

Fuller one on middle, Rahmat is off the mark with a flick shot through mid-wicket. Single taken.

Rahmat Shah walks out at number 3.

4.2

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad OUT!

OUT! Struck in front and the finger goes up! On a length on middle, Shahzad looks to flick this away but the ball is missed by him. He gets hit in front of the wickets. The appeal is not even completed and the finger went up! This is the early wicket that Ireland so desperately needed. This could be a really tricky chase if Afghanistan lose early wickets.

4.1

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

Back of a length outside off, Shahzad pushes this ball towards point.

End Of The Over 4 : 7/0

0 Runs

03.1
03.2
03.3
03.4
03.5
03.6

H. Zazai

4 (12)

M. Shahzad

2 (12)

A. McBrine

2-1-3-0

3.6

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai pushes this ball towards cover. 2nd maiden on the trot!

3.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

3.4

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter one on the pads, Zazai looks to flick this ball but it goes away slightly aerially towards square leg.

3.3

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Another flatter one on off, kept out by Hazratullah coming ahead.

3.2

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Watchfully defended by the southpaw once more.

3.1

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter outside off, Zazai defends the ball on the front foot.

End Of The Over 3 : 7/0

0 Runs

02.1
02.2
02.3
02.4
02.5
02.6

M. Shahzad

2 (12)

H. Zazai

4 (6)

T. Murtagh

2-1-4-0

2.6

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

Another back foot defense this time from Mohammad. Maiden from Murtagh!

2.5

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

On a length on middle, kept out from the crease towards mid-wicket by MS. They want a single but fail to get one.

2.4

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

On a length on middle, kept out again by Mohammad.

2.3

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

2.2

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

This keeps slightly low on middle but MS adjusts and keeps this ball out with a good defensive shot.

2.1

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

On a length outside off, Shahzad comes ahead and defends the ball back down the ground.

End Of The Over 2 : 7/0

3 Runs

01.1
01.2
01.3
11.4
21.5
01.6

H. Zazai

4 (6)

M. Shahzad

2 (6)

A. McBrine

1-0-3-0

1.6

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

1.5

Andy McBrine To Hazratullah Zazai

Flatter outside off, Zazai chops this ball really late past the slip fielder. 2 runs are taken.

1.4

Andy McBrine To Mohammad Shahzad

Shahzad mistimes a lofted shot over mid on. A single is taken. The batsman looked to go against the turn there, could have been really risky.

1.3

Andy McBrine To Mohammad Shahzad

MS prods ahead and defends this ball back down the ground.

1.2

Andy McBrine To Mohammad Shahzad

Shahzad flicks this ball towards the leg side to the square leg fielder.

1.1

Andy McBrine To Mohammad Shahzad

Flatter one outside off first up from the offie, Shahzad defends from the crease.

End Of The Over 1 : 4/0

4 Runs

1 WD 0.1
00.1
10.2
00.3
00.4
20.5
00.6

H. Zazai

2 (4)

M. Shahzad

1 (2)

T. Murtagh

1-0-4-0

0.6

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Dot to finish the over. Four runs off the first over. It is outside off, Zazai taps it to the man at point.

0.5

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai is off the mark too. He also does so with a flick wide of fine leg for a couple.

0.4

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Outside off on a length, Zazai taps it to short third man.

0.3

Tim Murtagh To Hazratullah Zazai

Good length ball outside off, Zazai looks to defend but gets beaten.

0.2

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

Shahzad is off the mark. On the pads, he flicks it to fine leg for a run.

0.1

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

Now corrects his line and bowl it on off, Shahzad looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

0.1

Tim Murtagh To Mohammad Shahzad

WIDE! The chase is off the mark, albeit with a wide. Not the start Ireland would have wanted. Murtagh bowls it down the leg side, Shahzad looks to flick it but misses.

We are back for the chase. The Irish players are out on the field and take their fielding positions. Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai are the openers for Afghanistan. Tim Murtagh has one new ball in hand and will bowl the first over.