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Ireland vs Afghanistan, 5th T20I Commentary, Live Updates

IRE vs AFG, 2022 - T20 Live Commentary

Ireland vs Afghanistan Scorecard
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Match Ended   
56/3 (6.4/7)
95/5 (15.0/20)
Ireland beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets (D/L method)
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. Andy Balbirnie is joined by his team-mates to begin the celebrations of winning the series. The squad poses for a picture with the trophy. A great day for Ireland cricket. Ireland now have a short break before they head out to Australia for the T20 World Cup in October. For Afghanistan though their next challenge isn't far away as they head down to UAE for the Asia Cup 2022. They will be competing in the opening fixture of the competition against Sri Lanka on 27th August, 2022. The first ball will be at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) but you can join us for the build-up much sooner. Until then, take care and goodbye.
Andy Balbirnie, the victorious skipper is in for a chat. He says they had a long summer with results not going their way. Mentions he always believed if the side sticks to the plan a series win isn't that far away. Adds they have a really great group and it is good to see the squad getting bigger. Says that they knew they had to start pretty well and it is always tricky to chase such target. Praises the effort of George Dockrell throughout this series and confirms that he will be a huge part of the squad going forward. Further adds that this series win is a big one for this group. Nonetheless, they have a big challenge coming up in Australia in October and will focus on their training after a few days break. Ends by saying a few players from the group haven't been there yet. So its going to be exciting.
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they cannot control the weather and it was a really good game in the end. Further says that they threw a few early wickets today and the guys are improving day by day. Further adds the DLS was a bit unfair to them. Says that batting and bowling are important and they need to improve day-by-day. Ends by saying they have enjoyed their stay in Ireland.
George Dockrell is adjudged as the Player of the Series for his incredible form with the blade throughout the series. In fact, he remains unbeaten throughout the series. He says that he is really enjoying the new role he has taken up this year. Adds that he is really happy to contribute to the side. Mentions that they are doing really well to execute their plans and hopefully they are able to continue in the same manner in the future.
Mark Adair wins the Man of the Match award for his exceptional spell with the ball. He says that it was a good game and it came out a bit lucky for them today. Further says that they always need to bowl good and give their best on the field. Mentions that it is always good to finish the series and win it.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the innings, after being put in to bat. Afghanistan did not start as they would've wanted too. They lost the cream of their batting order in quick succession. Usman Ghani was the only batter who added some impetus on the scoreboard. Afghanistan were 95/5 after 15 overs, before the rain gods decided to play its part. Later, after quite some delay, the target was revised to 56 and Ireland made sure to get over the line with two balls to spare.
The rain certainly ruined a spectacular game for us. Afghanistan would be a bit disappointed about the same but this is what the game of cricket is all about. Afghanistan came out on the field and put up a solid fight. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman did well to put some pressure on the batters but it was a bit too much to ask from them.
The rain delay put Ireland on the driving seat when they came out to chase 56 runs of 7 overs. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie got off to a solid start, but both slipped out in quick succession. Later, George Dockrell and Harry Tector held their nerves and managed to get their side over the line.
It was always going to be an easy task for Ireland to chase down the revised target. The Afghans though did not let them breeze away and gave a run for their money with the limited overs in hand. In the end, it is Ireland who seal the series with a tally of 3-2.
End Of The Over 6.4 : 56/3
7 Runs
  • 16.1
  • 16.2
  • 46.3
  • 16.4
G. Dockrell
7 (4)
H. Tector
9 (5)
F. Ahmad
1.4-0-14-0
6.4
1
Fareed Ahmad To George Dockrell
George Dockrell wins it for Ireland. Shorter and on off, George Dockrell hits it over mid off for a single. Ireland wins by 7 wickets!
6.3
4
Fareed Ahmad To George Dockrell
FOUR! Shorter and on leg, George Dockrell pulls it firmly through deep square leg for a boundary. Rashid Khan makes a diving effort at the fence but couldn't reach it. 1 needed now!
6.2
1
Fareed Ahmad To Harry Tector
Shorter again, outside off, Harry Tector hits it to mid off for one more. 5 needed from 4 balls now!
6.1
1
Fareed Ahmad To George Dockrell
Shorter and on off, George Dockrell fends it to short third man for one.
End Of The Over 6 : 49/3
6 Runs
  • 15.1
  • 15.2
  • W5.3
  • 15.4
  • 15.5
  • 25.6
H. Tector
8 (4)
G. Dockrell
1 (1)
R. Khan
2-0-17-1
5.6
2
Rashid Khan To Harry Tector
This is really good running! Flatter one, outside off. Harry Tector stays back and cuts it hard to deep point. There is protection in the deep but the batters do well to put pressure on the fielder and they run two.
5.5
1
Rashid Khan To George Dockrell
Short ball, around middle and leg. George Dockrell pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep does well to keep it down to one.
5.4
1
Rashid Khan To Harry Tector
Fuller, around middle. Harry Tector hits it down to long on and crosses for a single.
George Dockrell walks in now.
5.3
W
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! The game is still on for Afghanistan here! Flatter and on middle, Lorcan Tucker looks to sweep it but gets a top edge and carries towards the Fareed Ahmad at short third man who takes an easy catch.
5.2
1
Rashid Khan To Harry Tector
On middle, Harry Tector flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
The physio is out on the field. Rahmanullah Gurbaz seems to be in some pain after being hit on his left shoulder. Doesn't take long for him to get back on his feet.
5.1
1
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker
Slightly shorter one and a googly, Lorcan Tucker dances down the track to loft it. The ball gaps between his bat and the pads and hits the keepers shoulder. They cross. Keeper looks in a bit of trouble here.
End Of The Over 5 : 43/2
12 Runs
  • 64.1
  • 04.2
  • 14.3
  • W4.4
  • 14.5
  • 44.6
H. Tector
4 (1)
L. Tucker
13 (10)
Ur Rahman
2-0-17-2
4.6
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Harry Tector
FOUR! Nicely played! Easy picking for Harry Tector. It is a full toss, around middle. Harry Tector give himself some room and slaps it over extra cover. It races away to the boundary. Ireland need 13 off 12 now.
4.5
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
Quicker and full, outside off. Tucker shuffles across and pushes it gently towards covers. They take one.
Harry Tector walks out at number 4.
4.4
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Paul Stirling OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! Shorter and on middle, Paul Stirling pulls it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes in the air and towards square leg into the hands of Naveen-ul-Haq who makes no mistake. Paul Stirling makes his way back into the dressing room. He departs at 16.
4.3
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
Flatter and on middle, Lorcan Tucker drills it to point for one.
4.2
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller again, On middle, defended solidly.
4.1
6
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
SIX! Lorcan Tucker joins the party. Fuller and on off, Lorcan Tucker slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
End Of The Over 4 : 31/1
11 Runs
  • 03.1
  • 23.2
  • 13.3
  • 63.4
  • 13.5
  • 13.6
L. Tucker
5 (6)
P. Stirling
16 (9)
R. Khan
1-0-11-0
3.6
1
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker
Darts it on middle, Lorcan Tucker hits it to long on for one more. 11 off the over!
3.5
1
Rashid Khan To Paul Stirling
Fuller one on off, Paul Stirling guides it to point for one.
3.4
6
Rashid Khan To Paul Stirling
SIX! BANG! This should release some pressure. It is full and on off. Paul Stirling gets down on one knee and slogs it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.
3.3
1
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker
Shorter, on middle and leg. Lorcan Tucker pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
3.2
2
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller and on middle, Lorcan Tucker sweeps it to square leg for a run. He slips in between as the fielder throws towards the non-striker's end. Rashid Khan fails to grab it as the batters steal for another run. Two runs.
3.1
0
Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker
Flatter and outside leg following the batter, Lorcan Tucker shuffles across to play at it but misses. Dot.
Rashid Khan is into the attack now.
End Of The Over 3 : 20/1
6 Runs
  • 12.1
  • 22.2
  • W2.3
  • 12.4
  • 12.5
  • 1 LB2.6
L. Tucker
1 (2)
P. Stirling
9 (7)
Ur Rahman
1-0-5-1
2.6
lb
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
LEG BYE! It is tossed up, full and on leg. Lorcan Tucker goes for the sweep but misses. It rolls to the leg side off his pads. They collect a leg bye. Ireland need 36 runs off 24 balls now.
2.5
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Paul Stirling
It is fuller, on middle and leg. Paul Stirling flicks it to square leg for a single.
2.4
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Lorcan Tucker
Lorcan Tucker is off the mark. Touch short, outside off. Tucker shuffles across and cuts it to backward point. The fielder there fumbles and the batters rotate the strike.
Lorcan Tucker is the new man in.
2.3
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Andy Balbirnie OUT!
OUT! LBW! A quicker one on the stumps, Andy Balbirnie shuffles across for a slog sweep but misses as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up! Andy Balbirnie departs for 9 as Afghanistan have a breakthrough.
2.2
2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Andy Balbirnie
On a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie lofts it to long off. They get a couple of runs.
2.1
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Paul Stirling
Flatter and outside off, Paul Stirling looks to slog sweep it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls towards short third man. They cross.
Change. Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes into the attack now. Ireland now need 42 runs off 30 balls.
End Of The Over 2 : 14/0
7 Runs
  • 11.1
  • 01.2
  • 01.3
  • 01.4
  • 01.5
  • 61.6
A. Balbirnie
7 (7)
P. Stirling
7 (5)
F. Ahmad
1-0-7-0
1.6
6
Fareed Ahmad To Andy Balbirnie
SIX! Andy Balbirnie finally gets it right. Fuller and outside off, Andy Balbirnie reaches out, gets under it and launches it over long off for a maximum.
1.5
0
Fareed Ahmad To Andy Balbirnie
Outside off and on a good length, Andy Balbirnie looks to drive it but misses again. Four dots in a row!
1.4
0
Fareed Ahmad To Andy Balbirnie
Play and a miss again! On a length and outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to play at it but misses again. Good bowling.
1.3
0
Fareed Ahmad To Andy Balbirnie
On a length and outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to drive it but misses. This was close!
1.2
0
Fareed Ahmad To Andy Balbirnie
Full length, on off. Andy Balbirnie eases it to mid off. He is struggling to get going here.
1.1
1
Fareed Ahmad To Paul Stirling
Length ball, outside off. Paul Stirling stays back and punches it to sweeper cover. He takes one. Paul Stirling crosses the 3000-run mark in T20Is. He is up there with some of the best players in cricket. An exceptional milestone for the Irish opener.
Fareed Ahmad to steam in from the other end.
End Of The Over 1 : 7/0
7 Runs
  • 40.1
  • 00.2
  • 10.3
  • 00.4
  • 10.5
  • 10.6
P. Stirling
6 (4)
A. Balbirnie
1 (2)
Naveen
1-0-7-0
0.6
1
Naveen-ul-Haq To Paul Stirling
Fuller again, Paul Stirling flicks it to square leg for one.
0.5
1
Naveen-ul-Haq To Andy Balbirnie
IN THE AIR...SAFE! Fuller one and on off, Andy Balbirnie moves to his off side and flicks it. The ball goes in the air and towards square leg towards the fielder who makes a diving effort to his right. They cross. Andy Balbirnie gets a lucky escape.
0.4
0
Naveen-ul-Haq To Andy Balbirnie
Fuller and on off, Andy Balbirnie pushes it towards the bowler who makes a diving stop to his left. Dot!
0.3
1
Naveen-ul-Haq To Paul Stirling
Naveen-ul-Haq bowls it on a length and on off, Paul Stirling punches it to covers for one.
0.2
0
Naveen-ul-Haq To Paul Stirling
Touch fuller this time, Paul Stirling looks to defend it but misses.
0.1
4
Naveen-ul-Haq To Paul Stirling
FOUR! A perfect start for Ireland. Slightly shorter and outside off, Paul Stirling slaps it past point for a boundary!
Match Info
  • Venue Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
  • Weather Overcast
  • Toss Ireland won the toss and elected to field
  • Result Ireland beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets (D/L method)
  • Player of the Match Mark Adair
  • Player of the Series George Dockrell
  • Umpire Jareth McCready (IRE), Roly Black (IRE) and No TV Umpire
  • Referee Graeme McCrea (IRE)
Match Notes
  • Ireland 52/3 in 9.2 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): Ireland 33/3
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    Match Poll

    Who will win the Match

    Latest Form
    • L
    • L
    • W
    • W
    • L
    • W
    • W
    • L
    • L
    • W
    Worm
    PlayerRunsAvg.
    George Dockrell IRE141-
    Lorcan Tucker IRE12625.20
    Najibullah Zadran AFG12525.00
    Andy Balbirnie IRE12224.40
    Rahmanullah Gurbaz AFG10821.60
    PlayerWicketsEco.
    Naveen-ul-Haq AFG78.74
    Mark Adair IRE78.80
    Josh Little IRE77.00
    Mujeeb Ur Rahman AFG66.86
    Gareth Delany IRE67.17
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