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Afghanistan vs Ireland, AFG and IRE in UAE, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full score card

Result

1st ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, 07 Mar, 2024

Afghanistan

AFG

310/5

(50.0) overs

Ireland

IRE

275/8

(50.0) overs

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 35 runs

Player Of The Match

Rahmanullah Gurbaz,

Afghanistan

Summary

Scorecard

Commentary

News

Ireland

Afghanistan

Ireland • 275/8 (50.0 overs)

H Tector 138 (147)

L Tucker 85 (76)

F Farooqi 4/51 (10)

A Omarzai 2/47 (10)

Afghanistan • 310/5 (50.0 overs)

R Gurbaz 121 (117)

I Zadran 60 (93)

van Woerkom 3/55 (10)

G Hume 1/40 (9)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from the game. Afghanistan have taken a 1-0 lead in this ODI series. The action continues as the second game will be played on Saturday, the 9th of March. The game will begin at 5 pm IST (11.30 am GMT). Do join us for the early build up as well. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that he is happy with my team's performance. He adds that they played really well out there and they had to do something special. He says that Fazal bowled well with the new ball and Ibrahim and Gurbaz were amazing with the bat. Ends by saying that they will hope they carry on with the winning momentum.

Paul Stirling, the skipper of Ireland, says that Afghanistan are the deserving winner, as they played better than them. He adds that the toss was the factor and Harry Tector has been superb with the bat. Ends by saying that they will turn the tables at the end of the series.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the Player of the Match. He says that he is happy with the win. Says that they all played well and he always loved batting with Ibrahim. Says that the wicket was not easy at start but they did well in the end. Credits the bowlers for their effort and he feels excited about his hundred.

Time for the presentations...

Mohammad Nabi is in for a chat. He says that the wicket was good and there was dew as well. Adds that they bowled tight lines and lengths and got their rewards. Says that Gurbaz played well and showed his class. Ends by saying that hitting is going well and he hopes to do well in the coming games as well.

Earlier in the game, Afghanistan scored 310 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran had a strong opening partnership of 150 runs. Gurbaz scored 121 runs while Zadran scored 60 runs. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with quick runs. Theo van Woerkom took 3 wickets for Ireland, while Graham Hume and Craig Young took one wicket each.

Ireland were off to a shaky start as their top order collapsed early on. However, Tucker and Tector formed a strong partnership, with Tucker playing aggressively and Tector anchoring the innings. Tector scored a century but Ireland fell short of the target by 35 runs. Lorcan Tucker was dismissed for 85 while Harry Tector fell after scoring 138.

A convincing win for Afghanistan in the first ODI! Afghanistan were excellent with the ball with Farooqi and Omarzai proving to be formidable bowlers. They were the standout bowlers, with Farooqi taking 4 wickets and Omarzai taking 2. They had a slight hiccup, breaking the Harry Tector-Lorcan Tucker partnership, which went on for 173 runs! Once that was broken, they gained their momentum back.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 275/8

G Hume9 (8)

van Woerkom2 (2)

G Naib6-0-38-1

49.61

Slower one, on off, Graham Hume toe ends it towards mid on for one. Afghanistan beat Ireland by 35 runs!

49.51lb

Lands it down leg as this goes off Theo van Woerkom's pads towards the leg side. They cross for a leg bye.

49.42

Bowls it on off, Theo van Woerkom flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Theo van Woerkom walks in.

49.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Fuller one, on off, Harry Tector lofts it but mistimes it completely. It goes in the air towards long off. Mohammad Nabi settles under it and takes a fine catch. Harry Tector walks back after an excellent knock!

49.21

Lands it on off, Graham Hume flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

49.11

Lands it on off, Harry Tector slogs it to mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 269/7

G Hume7 (6)

H Tector137 (145)

A Omarzai10-0-47-2

48.64

FOUR! Streaky! A low full toss, Graham Hume looks to drive it but gets an outside edge. The ball finds the third man fence for a boundary!

48.50

Bowls it outside off, it keeps low, Graham Hume looks to heave it but misses.

48.41

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to deep covers for one.

48.31

A low full toss, Graham Hume taps it to covers for one.

48.21

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to covers for one.

48.10

Bowls it outside off, Harry Tector looks to slap it but misses.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 262/7

H Tector135 (142)

G Hume2 (3)

F Farooqi10-1-51-4

47.61

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to mid off for one.

47.51

Lands it on off, Graham Hume taps it to covers for one.

47.41

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to mid off for one.

47.32

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to deep covers for a brace.

47.22

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

47.14

FOUR! Fine shot! Bowls it on off, Harry Tector scoopes it over short third for a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 251/7

H Tector125 (137)

G Hume1 (2)

A Omarzai9-0-40-2

46.61

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to covers for one.

46.51

Lands it outside off, Graham Hume pushes it to covers for one.

Read full commentary

Commentary

... THE RUN CHASE ...

For Ireland, Hume, Theo and Andy were good. Not sure why Andy McBrine did not bowl his full quota. The rest though were quite inconsistent. Adair was way too expensive. Now their batters face a stiff task. The wicket is tricky and they'll have to bat really well. Afghanistan on the other hand, will back themselves to defend it. Stay tuned for the chase.

That is a top effort from Afghanistan and they'll be very pleased with where they stand in the game at the moment. The start was slow but once the openers got their eye in, they scored freely. They added a massive stand for the first wicket and laid the foundation. Zadran fell but Gurbaz continued. He scored a fine ton. They did lose a couple quickly but Shahidi along with the lower order ensured they got over the 300-run mark.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 310/5

H Shahidi50 (33)

G Naib8 (5)

C Campher4-0-32-0

49.61b

A bye to end! Shorter and outside off. Shahidi swings but misses. The batters sneak one. Afghanistan end with 310!

49.54

FOUR! Innovation at its best. Lovely. On middle and high he paddle scoop is out. It is hit over the short fine leg fielder and it goes to the fence behind.

49.41

Bowls a yorker outside off. This is jammed through covers for one.

49.36

SIX! Gets hold of this one! This is angled into the body and the length is shorter. It is pulled hard and over the square leg fence for a biggie.

49.20

Two in a row. Naib makes room and he is followed. It is right on the body. It is defended.

49.10

Dots are gold in the final overs. Outside off. A yorker. Naib fails to put bat on ball.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 298/5

H Shahidi46 (31)

G Naib1 (1)

G Hume9-0-40-1

48.66

SIX! He can't, the last two balls spoil it complete. This is fuller and around off. It is lifted over the long off fence for a biggie.

48.54

FOUR! Gets hold of this! This is short and on middle. He pulls it over mid-wicket and it races away. Despite the boundary, it has been a good 49th. Can he end it well now?

48.40

Amother dot! This is turning out to be a very good over! On the pads. Shahidi works it to mid-wicket.

48.30

A good slower one outside off. Shahid swings but misses.

48.21

Shortish and around off, Nabi slaps it past cover for one.

48.1W

OUT! NABI FALLS! A good cameo from him. Short and on middle. Nabi looks to pull but it goes off the top edge. The bowler calls for it and takes it.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 287/4

M Nabi40 (26)

H Shahidi36 (27)

M Adair10-1-79-0

47.61

Angled into the pads. This is nudged on the leg side for one. A big over comes to an end.

47.54

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller and on off. This is lifted over mid off and this races away to the fence.

47.40

Outside off. Nabi waits and then guides it to point. No run. Six, dot, six, dot so far in this over.

47.36

SIX! Two in three balls. That is again wonderful. A slower one and it is picked well. Nabi rocks back and hammers it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

47.20

Outside off. Left alone.

47.16

SIX! Over the fence. That is the perfect start to this over and it could be a big one. Fuller and on off. This is lifted over the bowler's head and it goes all the way.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 270/4

H Shahidi36 (27)

M Nabi23 (20)

C Young10-1-59-1

46.60

A dot to end but that is a good over for Afghanistan. A bumper, takes Shahidi by surprise. He ducks under it.

46.50

Angled into the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one.

46.44

FOUR MORE! Shahidi on the charge. This is short and offers width. A poor ball with third man and point in the ring. This is cut over point and it goes all the way for a boundary.

46.34

FOUR! Finds the gap. Very good placement. Fuller and around off. This is driven through covers and this races away to the fence.

46.21

A single again! Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

46.11

On the fuller side. A slower one. This is hit down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 260/4

M Nabi22 (19)

H Shahidi27 (22)

M Adair9-1-62-0

45.62

Two more! Outside off. This is flayed past point for two.

45.51

Bangs it in short. On the body. Shahidi hits it through square leg and gets to the other end.

45.41

Angled into the pads. This is nudged around the corner for one.

Read full commentary

Ireland

Afghanistan

Batter	R	B	4s	6s	SR
A Balbirnie b F Farooqi	4	18	0	0	22.22
P Stirling c I Alikhil b A Omarzai	5	9	0	0	55.55
C Campher b F Farooqi	9	19	1	0	47.36
H Tector c M Nabi b G Naib	138	147	9	3	93.87
L Tucker c I Alikhil b F Farooqi	85	76	8	2	111.84
G Dockrell c sub N Kharote b N Ahmad	5	10	0	0	50
M Adair b F Farooqi	4	10	0	0	40
A McBrine c G Naib b A Omarzai	0	2	0	0	0
G Hume not out	9	8	1	0	112.50
van Woerkom not out	2	2	0	0	100
Extras (b 0,lb 8,w 5,nb 1,Penalty 0)	14
Total 50.0 (RR: 5.50)	275/8

Did not bat: C Young

Fall of wickets:

1 - 10 (P Stirling, 3.4 ov)2 - 16 (A Balbirnie, 6.1 ov)3 - 34 (C Campher, 10.1 ov)4 - 207 (L Tucker, 39 ov)5 - 223 (G Dockrell, 42.4 ov)6 - 247 (M Adair, 46 ov)7 - 249 (A McBrine, 46.3 ov)8 - 271 (H Tector, 49.3 ov)

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ER
F Farooqi	10	1	51	4	5.10
A Omarzai	10	0	47	2	4.70
Ghazanfar	6	0	34	0	5.66
G Naib	6	0	38	1	6.33
N Ahmad	10	0	61	1	6.10
M Nabi	8	0	36	0	4.50

Batter	R	B	4s	6s	SR
R Gurbaz b van Woerkom	121	117	8	6	103.41
I Zadran b van Woerkom	60	93	4	2	64.51
A Omarzai c C Campher b van Woerkom	19	20	0	1	95
M Nabi c & b G Hume	40	27	3	2	148.14
R Shah c M Adair b C Young	2	5	0	0	40
H Shahidi not out	50	33	6	1	151.51
G Naib not out	8	5	0	1	160
Extras (b 1,lb 5,w 4,nb 0,Penalty 0)	10
Total 50.0 (RR: 6.20)	310/5

Did not bat: I Alikhil, N Ahmad, F Farooqi, Ghazanfar

Fall of wickets:

1 - 150 (I Zadran, 31 ov)2 - 207 (A Omarzai, 38.1 ov)3 - 212 (R Gurbaz, 39 ov)4 - 216 (R Shah, 40.2 ov)5 - 287 (M Nabi, 48.1 ov)

Bowler	O	M	R	W	ER
M Adair	10	1	79	0	7.90
G Hume	9	0	40	1	4.44
C Young	10	1	59	1	5.90
van Woerkom	10	0	55	3	5.50
C Campher	4	0	32	0	8.00
A McBrine	6	0	23	0	3.83
G Dockrell	1	0	16	0	16.00

Ireland

Afghanistan

Commentary

Time for the presentations...

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 275/8

G Hume9 (8)

van Woerkom2 (2)

G Naib6-0-38-1

49.61

Slower one, on off, Graham Hume toe ends it towards mid on for one. Afghanistan beat Ireland by 35 runs!

49.51lb

Lands it down leg as this goes off Theo van Woerkom's pads towards the leg side. They cross for a leg bye.

49.42

Bowls it on off, Theo van Woerkom flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Theo van Woerkom walks in.

49.3W

49.21

Lands it on off, Graham Hume flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

49.11

Lands it on off, Harry Tector slogs it to mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 269/7

G Hume7 (6)

H Tector137 (145)

A Omarzai10-0-47-2

48.64

FOUR! Streaky! A low full toss, Graham Hume looks to drive it but gets an outside edge. The ball finds the third man fence for a boundary!

48.50

Bowls it outside off, it keeps low, Graham Hume looks to heave it but misses.

48.41

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to deep covers for one.

48.31

A low full toss, Graham Hume taps it to covers for one.

48.21

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to covers for one.

48.10

Bowls it outside off, Harry Tector looks to slap it but misses.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 262/7

H Tector135 (142)

G Hume2 (3)

F Farooqi10-1-51-4

47.61

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to mid off for one.

47.51

Lands it on off, Graham Hume taps it to covers for one.

47.41

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to mid off for one.

47.32

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to deep covers for a brace.

47.22

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

47.14

FOUR! Fine shot! Bowls it on off, Harry Tector scoopes it over short third for a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 251/7

H Tector125 (137)

G Hume1 (2)

A Omarzai9-0-40-2

46.61

Touch short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to covers for one.

46.51

Lands it outside off, Graham Hume pushes it to covers for one.

46.40

Bowls it outside off, Graham Hume looks to play at it but misses.

46.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Andy McBrine holes out in the deep! Bowls it on off, Andy McBrine looks to loft it but mistimes it completely. Gulbadin Naib near the fence takes a fine catch.

46.20

Bowls it on off, Andy McBrine taps it to covers.

46.11

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to covers for one.

46.11wd

Wide! Lands it down leg, Harry Tector leaves.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 247/6

M Adair4 (10)

H Tector123 (135)

F Farooqi9-1-40-4

45.6W

OUT! TIMBER! Length and on off, Mark Adair looks to play at it but misses as the ball rattles over the stumps. Mark Adair makes his way back into the hut.

45.50

Bowls it outside off, Mark Adair looks to play at it but misses.

45.40

Bowls it on off, Mark Adair taps it to covers.

45.31

Lands it on off, Harry Tector eases it to covers for one.

45.21

A low full toss, Mark Adair taps it to covers for one.

45.11

Full, on off, Harry Tector drives it to covers for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 244/5

M Adair3 (6)

H Tector121 (133)

N Ahmad10-0-61-1

44.60

Bowls it outside off, Mark Adair looks to play at it but misses.

44.50

Lands it on middle, Mark Adair flicks it to the mid-wicket region.

44.41

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector flicks it to square leg for one.

44.36

SIX! Excellent from Harry Tector! Bowls it on middle, Harry Tector gets low and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum!

44.20

Bowls it outside off, Harry Tector looks to play at it but misses.

44.10

Short and on leg, Harry Tector looks to heave it but misses.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 237/5

H Tector114 (129)

M Adair3 (4)

A Omarzai8-0-36-1

43.61

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to covers for one.

43.56

SIX! Fine shot! Lands it on off, Harry Tector hangs back and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum!

43.52nb

A high full toss, Mark Adair looks to pull it but mistimes it to third man for one. No ball called for height!

43.41

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to mid on for one.

43.31

Too full, on off, Mark Adair digs it to mid off for one.

43.21

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector punches it to covers for one.

43.11

Lands it on off, Mark Adair taps it to covers.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 224/5

H Tector105 (125)

M Adair0 (1)

N Ahmad9-0-54-1

42.60

Fuller one, on off, Harry Tector taps it to covers.

42.51lb

Lands it down leg, Mark Adair looks to flick it but it goes off his pads towards fine leg for one.

42.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Nangeyalia Kharote (Sub) take a blinder at deep mid-wicket. Short and on off, George Dockrell pulls it but mistimes his stroke. Nangeyalia Kharote (Sub) Runs forward from the deep and takes a blinder diving forward.

42.31

Lands it on off, Harry Tector slaps it to covers for one.

42.21

Touch short and on off, George Dockrell flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

42.11

A low full toss, Harry Tector flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 220/4

H Tector103 (122)

G Dockrell4 (8)

M Nabi8-0-36-0

41.61

A single as this is played towards mid on.

41.50

Slower one, on off, Harry Tector blocks it to mid on.

41.42

Short and on off, Harry Tector punches it to deep covers for a brace.

41.30

Lands it on off, Harry Tector flicks it to mid on.

41.22

Hundred up for Harry Tector! What a knock this is! Bowls it on leg, Harry Tector tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

41.11

Lands it on off, George Dockrell knocks it to mid on for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 214/4

G Dockrell3 (7)

H Tector98 (117)

N Ahmad8-0-51-0

40.61

Bowls it outside off, George Dockrell taps it to deep point for one.

40.51

Short and wide, Harry Tector cuts it to deep point for one.

40.41

Lands it on off, George Dockrell taps it to mid off for one.

40.30

Full, on off, George Dockrell flicks it to the mid-wicket region.

40.20

Past the edge! Lands it outside off, George Dockrell looks to block it but misses.

40.11

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to covers for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 210/4

G Dockrell1 (3)

H Tector96 (115)

M Nabi7-0-30-0

39.60

Bowls it on off, George Dockrell eases it to covers.

39.50

Lands it on off, George Dockrell eases it to the cover region.

39.41

Lands it on off, Harry Tector flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

39.30

Full, this is defended towards mid on.

39.21

Bowls it on off, George Dockrell knocks it to mid on for one.

39.11

Full, on off, Harry Tector eases it to mid on for one.

George Dockrell walks in to bat.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 207/4

L Tucker85 (76)

H Tector94 (112)

F Farooqi8-1-37-3

38.6W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The partnership is finally broken! Length and outside off, it shapes away. Lorcan Tucker looks to loft it. Gets a faint edge and Ikram Alikhil behind the stumps does the rest. A big wicket for Afghanistan!

38.54

FOUR! The partnership is growing well here! Lands it down leg, Lorcan Tucker picks it well and tickles it fine for a boundary!

38.44

FOUR! Stand and deliver stuff! Short and on off, Lorcan Tucker stands tall and pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs!

38.30

Lands it on off, Lorcan Tucker blocks it back.

38.22

Bowls it on off, Lorcan Tucker tucks it to mid-wicket for a brace.

38.10

Lands it on off, Lorcan Tucker tucks it to mid-wicket. Dot.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 197/3

H Tector94 (112)

L Tucker75 (70)

M Nabi6-0-27-0

37.66

SIX! Fine shot! Full, on off, Harry Tector hangs back and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum!

37.50

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector taps it to covers.

37.40

Three dots now as this is defended towards mid off.

37.30

Lands it on off, Harry Tector eases it to mid off.

37.20

Bowls it on off, Harry Tector eases it to covers.

37.11

Full, on off, this is played towards mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 190/3

L Tucker74 (69)

H Tector88 (107)

F Farooqi7-1-27-2

36.61

A single as this is nudged around the corner.

36.52

Two! Around off. This is pushed past cover for two.

36.41

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

36.31

On the pads. This is nudged through mid-wicket for one.

36.21

Fullish and on off. This is played through covers for one.

36.10

This is angled into the pads. It is worked to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 184/3

H Tector86 (104)

L Tucker70 (66)

M Nabi5-0-20-0

35.61

On off. This is punched past cover for one more.

35.50

Flatter and around off, this is punched to cover.

35.41

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one more.

35.31

On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

35.20

Flatter and around off. This is pushed to cover.

35.10

Outside off. This is guided to point.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 181/3

H Tector84 (99)

L Tucker69 (65)

Ghazanfar6-0-34-0

34.61

Another single as this is played down to long off.

34.51

Fuller and on off. This is hit down to long off for one.

34.44

FOUR! Up and over! Around off. This is fuller and Tucker hits it over cover and this races away.

34.31

On middle, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

34.21

Another single as this is pushed to long off.

34.11

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 172/3

L Tucker63 (62)

H Tector81 (96)

G Naib5-0-33-0

33.66

SIX! That is massive! On middle and the slog sweep is out. He absolutely nails it over the mid-wicket fence.

33.51

Angled into the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one.

33.40

Around off. Kept out.

33.31

Another single as this is driven through covers.

33.21

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

33.11

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

33.11wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 161/3

L Tucker55 (59)

H Tector79 (93)

Ghazanfar5-0-25-0

32.61

Another single as this is punched through covers for one.

32.50

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

32.41

Om the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

32.30

Flatter and outside off. This turns away. Tector looks to cut but is beaten.

32.22

Two more! On the pads. This is nudged down to fine leg. Two.

32.11

Angled kno the pads. This is worked on the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 156/3

H Tector76 (90)

L Tucker53 (56)

G Naib4-0-22-0

31.62

Two more! On off. Tector pushes it past mid off. Two taken.

31.50

Length and on off. Tector pushes it but finds mid off.

31.40

On the stumps. This is pushed to cover.

31.30

Outside off. Harry misses the cut.

31.21

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

31.11

Another run as this is punched through covers for one.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 152/3

H Tector73 (85)

L Tucker52 (55)

N Ahmad7-0-47-0

30.61

Shorter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

30.50

Outside off. Googly. Tector looks to cut but is beaten.

30.41

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

30.36

SIX! That is a massive blow! They're looking to up the ante. On middle and the slog sweep comes out. This sails over the mid-wicket fence.

30.24

FOUR! Nicely played! On middle. This is played fine on the leg side and it goes to the fence.

30.11

This is worked with the angle on the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 139/3

L Tucker41 (52)

H Tector71 (82)

A Omarzai7-0-23-1

29.60

Around off. This is pushed but to cover.

29.50

This stays low. Outside off. Tucker looks to cut but misses.

29.41

Angled into the pads. This is nudged around the corner for one.

29.31

Angled into the pads. Tucker works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

29.21

Around off. This is punched through covers for one.

29.10

On off. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 136/3

H Tector69 (79)

L Tucker40 (49)

N Ahmad6-0-34-0

28.61

On off. This is punched through covers for one.

28.51

On middle. This is nudged around the corner for one.

28.40

On middle. Defended.

28.31

Shortish and around off. This is punched through covers for one.

28.22

Two! Angled into the pads. Tector works it through square leg and takes two.

28.10

On the off pole. Defended.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 131/3

L Tucker39 (47)

H Tector65 (75)

A Omarzai6-0-20-1

27.60

Around off. Blocked.

27.51

Around off. This is pushed towards cover for one.

27.41

Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

27.31

Tip and run! On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

27.20

Pace is back on. This is on a good length and around off. It is pushed to cover.

27.10

Around off. Defended.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 128/3

L Tucker38 (45)

H Tector63 (71)

N Ahmad5-0-29-0

26.60

Shorter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

26.50

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Change of t shirts for Harry Tector.

26.42

Teo! Nicely played! The scoop comes out and it is played fine on the leg side. Two taken.

26.30

On middle. Tucker works it but to mid-wicket.

26.21lb

Another leg bye! On the pads. The batter looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

26.10

Around off. This is punched to cover.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 125/3

H Tector63 (69)

L Tucker36 (41)

M Nabi4-0-17-0

25.61

On middle. This is tucked around the corner for one.

25.51

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

25.41

A single as this is eased down to long on.

25.30

On middle. Kept out.

25.20

On the stumps. This is nudged around the corner for Jo runs.

25.11

On middle. This is flicked through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 121/3

L Tucker34 (39)

H Tector61 (65)

N Ahmad4-0-27-0

24.61

On middle, this is hit through square leg for one. Really good over.

24.54

FOUR! Three in the over. This could well be the momentum shifting over. Anothet sweep, this time from Tucker and he hits it between mid-wicket and square leg.

24.41

Now takes one as this is pushed through covers.

24.30

On middle. This is tucked to mid-wicket. Dragged his length back a little on this one.

24.24

FOUR MORE! Two in two. Runs were hard to come against Noor but they have 8 in two balls. This is a little too full. Tector gets to the pitch of it and lifts it over mid off.

24.14

FOUR! That is a good start to the over. Yet again the sweep comes out. Tector goes down on one knee and hits this over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 107/3

H Tector52 (61)

L Tucker29 (37)

M Nabi3-0-13-0

23.61

On middle. This is worked towards square leg for one.

23.51

Shortish and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

23.41

On middle. This is nudged around the corner for one.

23.31

Tucker sweeps this but does not get it wide of the fielder at deep square leg. Only one.

23.21

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

23.13lb

Three. Fires it on the pads. Tucker looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls down to fine leg. Three taken. Leg byes signaled.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 99/3

H Tector49 (58)

L Tucker27 (34)

N Ahmad3-0-13-0

22.60

Just a run from the over then. Another leg spinner. Tector works it to mid-wicket. Fails to find the gap again.

22.50

Five now! Around off. Blocked.

22.40

Three in a row now. Good control shown so far in this over. Attacks the stumps. The length is good. This is worked to mid-wicket.

22.30

Another dot as this is yet again played to mid-wicket.

22.20

On the pads. Tector works it to mid-wicket.

22.11

6 in the last seven balls now. Around off. Tucker eases it past cover, towards the sweeper and takes one.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 98/3

L Tucker26 (33)

H Tector49 (53)

M Nabi2-0-8-0

21.61

Five singles from the over then! Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

21.51

Another easy single. Nabi attacks the stumps and Tector pushes this down to long on for one.

21.40

This one is pushed through it is on off. Tector punches it to cover.

21.31

Flatter and around off, this is guided past point. Another one.

21.21

On middle. This is nudged around the corner for one. No dots will be key. Rotation of strike is important.

21.11

Slightly shorter and around off. This is punched past cover for one.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 93/3

L Tucker23 (30)

H Tector47 (50)

N Ahmad2-0-12-0

20.61

Good batting! Takes one after the boundary as this is pushed through covers. Another good over for Ireland. This pair is getting them back into the game.

20.54

FOUR! That is hit so hard! Lovely. Gets on top of the bounce of this one and nails the sweep. Keeps it all along the ground and this races to the square leg fence.

20.40

On middle. Tucker works it to mid-wicket.

20.31

Shortish and on off. This is punched down to long off for one.

20.22

Gets the sweep out and plays it well. It is away from deep square leg and two is taken.

20.21wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Tector misses the flick. Wided.

20.10

Tossed up on off. Tector defends.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 84/3

L Tucker18 (27)

H Tector44 (47)

M Nabi1-0-3-0

19.60

Tucker looks to innovate. Brings out the reverse sweep but finds point. 227 needed in the last 30 overs.

19.51

Slighlty shorter and on off. This is pushed down to long off. Another single.

19.41

Now goes back and then works it with the turn through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Nice little partnership building.

19.30

Around off. Blocked.

19.21

Pushes it through and on middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

19.10

Quicker and around off. Tector waits and guides it to point.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 81/3

L Tucker17 (24)

H Tector42 (44)

N Ahmad1-0-3-0

18.60

Two dots to end then! The leg spinner this time. Tucker picks it and works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

18.50

On the stumps. Seems to be the googly. Defended.

18.41

Around off. Tector guides it through point and gets to the other end.

18.30

Flatter and on off. This is punched to cover.

18.21

Fuller and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

18.11

Slightly shorter and on off. Tector pushes it through covers for one.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 78/3

H Tector40 (41)

L Tucker16 (21)

Ghazanfar4-0-20-0

17.61

A single as this is pushed through covers.

17.50

On off. This is punched to cover.

17.41

Another single as this is pushed down to long off for one.

17.31

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

17.21

A single as this is punched through covers.

17.14

FOUR! Runs coming now! This is a good sweep shot. It is played through square leg for a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 70/3

H Tector38 (38)

L Tucker10 (18)

G Naib3-0-18-0

16.62

Two more! On off, this is driven through covers. Two taken.

16.52

Two! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket.

16.40

On the stumps. Blocked.

16.31

On off. This is pushed through covers for one.

16.21

A single as this is guided down to third man.

16.10

Shortish and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 64/3

H Tector33 (33)

L Tucker9 (17)

Ghazanfar3-0-12-0

15.61

Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long off for one.

15.50

On off. This is pushed to cover.

15.40

Outside off. This is guided but to point.

15.31

Fullish and on off. Tucker strokes it down to long off for one.

15.20

On off. Defended.

15.10

On middle. Kept out.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 62/3

H Tector32 (30)

L Tucker8 (14)

G Naib2-0-12-0

14.60

On the off pole. Blocked.

14.51

On off. This is punched towards cover for one.

14.44

FOUR! Tucker joins the act now. Second boundary in the over. This is a half volley and Tucker caresses it through covers.

14.31

On middle. Tector pushes it to mid on and gets to the other end.

14.20

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

14.21wd

WIDE! Five from the first ball. Down the leg side. Wided.

14.14

FOUR! Cut away! That is a top shot. A little bit of width on offer and it is put away. Outside off. Tector flays it past point. Can they make this into a good over now?

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 51/3

L Tucker3 (12)

H Tector27 (26)

Ghazanfar2-0-10-0

13.60

On middle. Tucker works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

13.51

Just outside off. Tector plays it past cover and takes one.

13.41

Slighlty shorter this time. Tucker has time to go back and push it though covers for one.

13.30

On the stumps. Kept out.

13.21

Another single as this is tucked around the corner.

13.10

On off. Tector stays back and pushes it to covers.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 48/3

L Tucker2 (9)

H Tector25 (23)

G Naib1-0-1-0

12.60

Good length and on off. Kept out.

12.50

Back of a length and on off. Tucker defends.

12.40

On the off pole. This is punched to the fielder at cover.

12.30

On the off pole. Kept out.

12.20

Angled into the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket.

12.11

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 47/3

H Tector24 (22)

L Tucker2 (4)

Ghazanfar1-0-7-0

11.61

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

11.50

Well bowled! This lands around off and spins away. Tector is beaten as he looks to defend.

11.44

FOUR! The paddle sweep comes out. This is on middle. He gets it nice and fine. Just uses the pace and this races away to the fence.

11.31

A single as this is punched on the off side.

11.20

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

11.11

On off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 40/3

L Tucker1 (2)

H Tector18 (18)

F Farooqi6-1-21-2

10.60

On the stumps. Kept out.

10.51

Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

10.44

FOUR! Cut away! Gets width and makes the bowler pay. He cuts it past point and it races away.

10.30

On middle. Kept out.

10.21

Tucker is off the mark! Length and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

10.1W

OUT! Number 3 down. Farooqi has another one. Another beauty! Comes around the wicket. Angles it into off. Gets it to leave the batter. Campher looks to defend but is beaten and it hits the off pole again.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 34/2

C Campher9 (18)

H Tector13 (15)

A Omarzai5-0-17-1

9.61

Shortish and outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

9.50

Around off. Defended.

9.42

Two! On middle. This is clipped through mid-wicket. Two taken.

9.30

Back of a length and on off. Campher pushes it to covers.

9.20

Good length and on off. Kept out.

9.10

Around off, on a length. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 31/2

H Tector13 (15)

C Campher6 (12)

F Farooqi5-1-15-1

8.60

On the off pole. Kept out.

8.54

FOUR! That is nicely played! Outside off. Tector opens the face off the bat and carves it past cover.

8.40

Close! Another one on a length and outside off. Tector looks to drive but is beaten.

8.30

Angled into the stumps from wide of the crease. Tector gets right behind it and keeps it out.

8.20

Beaten again! Length again and around off. Tector looks to drive but is beaten by the movement.

8.11

Around off. This is punched to cover.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 26/2

H Tector9 (10)

C Campher5 (11)

A Omarzai4-0-14-1

7.60

Fuller and on off. Tector drives but to covers.

7.50

On middle. Kept out.

7.44

FOUR! Nicely played! Good batting! On the pads. Tector waits and works it past square leg. This races away to the fence.

7.30

On off. Kept out.

7.20

Good length and around off. This is pushed to cover.

7.10

Just outside off. Shaping away. Left alone.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 22/2

C Campher5 (11)

H Tector5 (4)

F Farooqi4-1-10-1

6.60

On off. Kept out.

6.51

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

6.40

Outside off. Harry looks to cut but misses.

6.30

Outside off. Tector watches it go to the keeper.

6.24

FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark! On the pads. This is clipped nicely through square leg. This races away to the fence.

6.21wd

WIDE! This is down the leg side. Looks to get it back in but the line is off. Wided.

6.1W

OUT! TIMBER! Number 2 goes down and the openers are back in the hut. Ireland in big trouble here. This stays a touch low. It is on off. Andy looks to drive but misses and the off stump goes for a walk.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 16/1

C Campher5 (10)

A Balbirnie4 (17)

A Omarzai3-0-10-1

5.60

On the stumps. Blocked well.

5.54

FOUR! This is nailed! That will release a little bit of pressure. This is shorter and on middle. It is pulled through mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence. Top shot.

5.40

Around off. Good length. This is punched in the up but does not find the gap in the cover region.

5.30

Angled into the pads. Campher works it to mid-wicket. Need to start rotating strike.

5.20

Yet another dot! This will only build pressure! On off, on a length. Kept out.

5.10

Runs way too hard to come by! On off, blocked.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 12/1

A Balbirnie4 (17)

C Campher1 (4)

F Farooqi3-1-4-0

4.60

On off. Blocked well.

4.50

Outside off. Shorter. Andy looks to cut but misses.

4.40

On the stumps, around off, kept out.

4.31

Fuller and on off. This is driven through covers for one.

4.20

On the pads. This is nudged to mid-wicket.

4.11

A single as this is guided down to third man.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 10/1

C Campher0 (2)

A Balbirnie3 (13)

A Omarzai2-0-6-1

3.60

On off, this is pushed to cover.

3.50

Around off. Kept out well.

3.4W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Stirling falls. He is not happy with the decision but has to walk back. Length and around off, this lands and moves away. Paul looks to drive but there is a sound. Gurbaz takes it. Massive wicket. Stirling falls early.

3.32

Two! On off, this is pushed through covers for two.

3.21

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

3.11

Outside off, this is guided past point for one.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 6/0

A Balbirnie2 (12)

P Stirling2 (6)

F Farooqi2-1-2-0

2.60

Top over from Farooqi. Fullish and on off, this is driven to cover.

2.50

Around off. Kept out.

2.40

Another lovely nut! He comes around the wicket. Angles it into the off pole. Gets it to leave the batter after it lands. Andy is beaten all ends up.

2.30

Balbirnie misses out. On the pads. Andy looks to flick but misses. He gets hit on the pad.

2.20

Another dot! On off. Andy pushes it to mid off.

2.10

On off. This is pushed to mid off.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 6/0

P Stirling2 (6)

A Balbirnie2 (6)

A Omarzai1-0-2-0

1.60

Around off. Blocked.

1.50

That is a beauty! This is angled into the off pole. This lands and moves away. Stirling is beaten as he looks to drive.

1.42

Two! Nicely played! Around off. Paul just opens the face of the bat and guides it past point. Takes two.

1.30

Around off. Stirling guides it to point.

1.20

Around off, on a length, this is pushed to cover.

1.12lb

Two more! Leg byes this time! On the pads. Stirling looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards fine leg. Two taken.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 2/0

A Balbirnie2 (6)

P Stirling0 (0)

F Farooqi1-0-2-0

0.62

Balbirnie is underway! Around off, shortish, this is pushed past cover and two is taken.

0.50

Make that five! On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

0.40

Four dots in a row! On middle, this is pushed to cover.

0.30

Around off, this slants across, this is guided to point.

0.20

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid on.!

0.10

Starts off with one that comes back in after landing on middlr. Andy works it to mid-wicket.

Commentary

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 310/5

H Shahidi50 (33)

G Naib8 (5)

C Campher4-0-32-0

49.61b

A bye to end! Shorter and outside off. Shahidi swings but misses. The batters sneak one. Afghanistan end with 310!

49.54

FOUR! Innovation at its best. Lovely. On middle and high he paddle scoop is out. It is hit over the short fine leg fielder and it goes to the fence behind.

49.41

Bowls a yorker outside off. This is jammed through covers for one.

49.36

SIX! Gets hold of this one! This is angled into the body and the length is shorter. It is pulled hard and over the square leg fence for a biggie.

49.20

Two in a row. Naib makes room and he is followed. It is right on the body. It is defended.

49.10

Dots are gold in the final overs. Outside off. A yorker. Naib fails to put bat on ball.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 298/5

H Shahidi46 (31)

G Naib1 (1)

G Hume9-0-40-1

48.66

SIX! He can't, the last two balls spoil it complete. This is fuller and around off. It is lifted over the long off fence for a biggie.

48.54

FOUR! Gets hold of this! This is short and on middle. He pulls it over mid-wicket and it races away. Despite the boundary, it has been a good 49th. Can he end it well now?

48.40

Amother dot! This is turning out to be a very good over! On the pads. Shahidi works it to mid-wicket.

48.30

A good slower one outside off. Shahid swings but misses.

48.21

Shortish and around off, Nabi slaps it past cover for one.

48.1W

OUT! NABI FALLS! A good cameo from him. Short and on middle. Nabi looks to pull but it goes off the top edge. The bowler calls for it and takes it.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 287/4

M Nabi40 (26)

H Shahidi36 (27)

M Adair10-1-79-0

47.61

Angled into the pads. This is nudged on the leg side for one. A big over comes to an end.

47.54

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller and on off. This is lifted over mid off and this races away to the fence.

47.40

Outside off. Nabi waits and then guides it to point. No run. Six, dot, six, dot so far in this over.

47.36

SIX! Two in three balls. That is again wonderful. A slower one and it is picked well. Nabi rocks back and hammers it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

47.20

Outside off. Left alone.

47.16

SIX! Over the fence. That is the perfect start to this over and it could be a big one. Fuller and on off. This is lifted over the bowler's head and it goes all the way.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 270/4

H Shahidi36 (27)

M Nabi23 (20)

C Young10-1-59-1

46.60

A dot to end but that is a good over for Afghanistan. A bumper, takes Shahidi by surprise. He ducks under it.

46.50

Angled into the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one.

46.44

FOUR MORE! Shahidi on the charge. This is short and offers width. A poor ball with third man and point in the ring. This is cut over point and it goes all the way for a boundary.

46.34

FOUR! Finds the gap. Very good placement. Fuller and around off. This is driven through covers and this races away to the fence.

46.21

A single again! Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

46.11

On the fuller side. A slower one. This is hit down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 260/4

M Nabi22 (19)

H Shahidi27 (22)

M Adair9-1-62-0

45.62

Two more! Outside off. This is flayed past point for two.

45.51

Bangs it in short. On the body. Shahidi hits it through square leg and gets to the other end.

45.41

Angled into the pads. This is nudged around the corner for one.

45.34

FOUR! Boundaries will! This is shorter and around off. This is punched past cover and the ball races away to the fence.

45.21

Takes one again. Singles won't harm the e visitors. On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

45.12

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled again through mid-wicket for a couple.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 249/4

H Shahidi23 (19)

M Nabi15 (16)

C Young9-1-49-1

44.61

Shortish and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

44.50

On off. This is punched through covers for one.

44.41

On the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

44.31

Around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

44.22

Two more! A little too straight. This is worked wide of fine leg. Two added to the total.

44.11

Another run! On the pads. This is worked on the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 243/4

M Nabi13 (14)

H Shahidi19 (15)

M Adair8-1-51-0

43.61

Another single as this a nudged on the leg side.

43.51

Goes short and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

43.42

On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

43.31

Angled into the pads. This is worked on the leg side for one.

43.22lb

A little too straight. Mani looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes fine on the leg side. Two taken. Leg byes.

43.11

Angled into the pads. This is nudged around the corner for one.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 235/4

H Shahidi15 (12)

M Nabi11 (11)

C Campher3-0-21-0

42.61

Angled into the pads. This is worked on the leg side for one.

42.52

Two! Shorter and on off, this is punched past cover for two.

42.44

FOUR! That is a welcome boundary! Things had gotten quiet. Shorter and around off, this is flayed past point and it races away to the fence.

42.30

On off. Blocked.

42.21

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

42.11

On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 226/4

H Shahidi7 (7)

M Nabi10 (10)

G Hume8-0-29-0

41.61

Goes short and this is pulled through square leg for one. He ends the over well.

41.50

Anothet dot! Top over so far from Hume. On off, this is pushed to cover.

41.41

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

41.31

Goes short this time! It is pulled through mid-wicket. One taken.

41.20

On the pads. This is tucked to mid-wicket.

41.10

On off. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 223/4

M Nabi9 (9)

H Shahidi5 (2)

C Young8-1-43-1

40.62

Two! On middle, this is worked through square leg for two.

40.50

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

40.41

A single as this is nudged on the leg side for one.

40.34

FOUR! Off the mark in style. A little bit of width on offer and it is put away. Shorter and around off. This is cut past point for a boundary.

40.2W

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Wickets falling quite quickly now. Shah goes. Young has one. Mistimes this. It is fuller and on middle. Shah looks to go downtown but it goes off the toe end. Adair from mid on, takes an easy catch.

40.11

Angled into the pads. This is nudged around the corner for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 215/3

R Shah2 (4)

M Nabi6 (6)

G Hume7-0-26-0

39.60

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

39.50

Flatter and on off. This is punched towards cover.

39.42

Fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for two.

39.30

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

39.21

A single as this is nudged on the leg side.

39.10

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 212/3

R Gurbaz121 (117)

M Nabi5 (4)

van Woerkom10-0-55-3

38.6W

OUT! Gurbaz falls and Ireland have two in quick time. This is the big one. The arm ball does the trick. On middle, this goes on with the arm. Gurbaz looks to defend but it goes past the gap of bat and pad and hits the stumps. Top knock. He has laid the foundation for his side.

38.51

A single as this is pushed down to long off.

38.40

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

38.34

FOUR! Off the outside edge. Shorter and outside off. Nabi waits and then looks to cut. He gets it past point and this races away.

38.20

Around off. Kept out.

38.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Theo has another. The dangerous Omarzai falls. Tossed up on off. This is lifted down towards long off. More off the toe end and Campher this time hangs on.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 207/1

R Gurbaz121 (116)

A Omarzai19 (19)

G Dockrell1-0-16-0

37.60

A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! On middle. Kept out.

37.52

Two! On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket. Two taken.

37.46

SIX! Two in a row and Gurbaz is on the charge here. This is shorter again and Gurbaz picks the length early. He hammers it over the mid-wicket fence.

37.36

SIX! Way too short and Gurbaz won't miss out. He just rocks back and hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

37.21

Fuller and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

37.11

Angled into the pads, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 191/1

R Gurbaz106 (111)

A Omarzai18 (18)

van Woerkom9-0-50-1

36.61

Fuller and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

36.54

FOUR! Cut away! This is shortish and just outside off. This is flayed past point and it runs away to the fence.

36.41

A single as this is cut past point.

36.30

On off. Blocked.'

36.20

Shortish and on off. This is pushed to cover again.

36.10

Flatter and outside off. Omarzai looks to cut but is beaten.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 185/1

A Omarzai17 (14)

R Gurbaz101 (109)

M Adair7-1-45-0

35.61

Fuller and around off, this is pushed to cover.

35.61wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

35.52

Two! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for two.

35.41

On off. This is pushed towards cover for one.

35.31

A single as this is nudged on the leg side.

35.26

SIX! Over the fence. When he hits it, it stays hit. Fuller and on off. This is lifted over the long off fence for a biggie.

35.10

Good length and on off. Omarzai pushes it to covers.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 173/1

A Omarzai7 (9)

R Gurbaz100 (108)

van Woerkom8-0-44-1

34.61

Slightly shorter. Omarzai punches it past cover and takes one.

34.51

A single to end! Tossed up. Nice and slow. This is pushed down to long off for one.

34.40

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

34.30

On middle. Defended.

34.21

Flatter and on off. Omarzai goes back and punches it past cover. Takes one.

34.11

Takes one now as this is pushed past cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 169/1

R Gurbaz98 (104)

A Omarzai5 (7)

M Adair6-1-33-0

33.61

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for one.

33.50

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

33.41

Shortish and on off. This is pushed to cover.

33.31

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

33.21

AO gets off strike now! On middle. This is nudged around the corner for one.

33.11

A single to begin the over! On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 164/1

A Omarzai3 (5)

R Gurbaz95 (100)

van Woerkom7-0-40-1

32.60

Angled into the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket.

32.50

On middle. Blocked.

32.41

Takes one now as this is nudged on the leg side.

32.31

Gives it air and lands it on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

32.20

Around middle. Omarzai works it to mid-wicket.

32.12

Shorter and outside off. This is cut past point for a couple.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 160/1

R Gurbaz94 (99)

A Omarzai0 (0)

C Young7-1-35-0

31.60

Dot to end but a big over! Around off. This is pushed to cover.

31.54

FOUR! Pulled away. This is a poor ball. It is short and on the body. Not a lot of pace. Gurbaz pulls it past short fine leg and the ball races away.

31.46

SIX! Bang! If it is in his slot. He will go after it. This is right up there. Full and on middle. This is lifted over the long on fence for a biggie.

31.30

Another dot! On off. This is pushed to cover.

31.20

Shorter and around off. This is punched but to covers.

31.10

Fullish and on off, this is driven but to mid off.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 150/1

I Zadran60 (93)

R Gurbaz84 (93)

van Woerkom6-0-36-1

30.6W

OUT! TIMBER! Stop the press, Ireland have managed to break the massive stand. A much needed wicket as the two were looking to up the ante. Massive turn there though. This lands on middle and then spins away. Zadran looks to push but misses and it hits the stumps. A good knock from him but he would have loved to make it a big one.

30.50

Tossed up outside off. A little bit of turn. Zadran swings but misses.

30.41

A single now as this is worked on the leg side.

30.30

Flatter and outside off. Stays low. Gurbaz looks to cut but misses.

30.21

Fullish and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

30.11

Another one angled into the pads. Gurbaz works it through mid-wicket. A run taken.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 147/0

I Zadran59 (90)

R Gurbaz82 (90)

C Young6-1-25-0

29.60

Around off, blocked.

29.50

Angled into the pads. This is tucked to mid-wicket.

29.41

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

29.32

Two! Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for two.

29.22

Two! Angled into the pads. Gurbaz works it past mid-wicket and takes two.

29.11

Goes short and on off. Zadran pushes it through covers and takes one.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 141/0

R Gurbaz77 (87)

I Zadran58 (87)

van Woerkom5-0-33-0

28.60

Dot to end! On off, this is punched to cover.

28.54

FOUR! Runs flowing now. Theo has been quite expensive so far. This is short and outside off. This is flayed past point and the ball races away to the fence.

28.41lb

A leg bye! Angled into the pads. Zadran looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

28.31

Takes one now as this is eased down to long off.

28.20

Shortish and around off. Gurbaz pushes it to covers.

28.14

FOUR! The sweep is out again. He is hitting it with the angle. This comes into the pads. It is swept hard through square leg and the ball runs away to the fence again.!

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 131/0

I Zadran58 (86)

R Gurbaz68 (82)

C Young5-1-19-0

27.60

Around off. Kept out.

27.51

Around off. Kept out.

27.40

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to covers.

27.36

SIX! All the way! This is on middle. Fuller. This is lifted over the long on fence.

27.20

Angled into the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket.

27.12

This is angled into the pads. Gurbaz works it through square leg and takes two.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 122/0

R Gurbaz59 (77)

I Zadran58 (85)

A McBrine6-0-23-0

26.61

Around off. This is pushed to cover for one.

26.52

Two! Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.

26.41

On middle. Zadran nudges it around the corner for one.

26.31

Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long on for one.

26.20

Goes for the sweep again but this time it goes off the inner half to short fine leg.

26.14

This time he hits the sweep well. He does play it so nicely. On middle. He gets on top of the bounce and hits it through square leg. This races away.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 113/0

I Zadran57 (84)

R Gurbaz51 (72)

M Adair5-1-28-0

25.60

On off, this is punched to cover.

25.54

FOUR! Deft! This is short and outside off. Zadran waits and then guides it down to third man for a boundary.

25.41

Around off, this is pushed past cover for one.

25.31

Another run as this is pushed through covers for one.

25.22

Two! Nice and fine! On the pads. Zadran tickles it fine on the leg side. Two taken.

25.11

Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 104/0

R Gurbaz49 (70)

I Zadran50 (80)

A McBrine5-0-14-0

24.61

Takes one now as this is worked through mid-wicket.

24.50

Andy has been brilliant! He is going at just the three runs per over and is almost at the end of his fifth. Around off, this is pushed to cover.

24.41

A single now as this is pushed down to long on.

24.31

Slightly fuller this time, this is driven but to covers.

24.21

Amother one. Lets the ball turn into him and then works it on the leg side for one.

24.10

Quicker and on the stumps. This is flicked to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 100/0

R Gurbaz47 (67)

I Zadran48 (77)

G Hume6-0-23-0

23.60

Angled into the pads. Gurbaz works it to mid-wicket.

23.51

Good batting. Takes one after hitting a biggie as he works it on the leg side.

23.46

SIX! Gets hold of this one. He absolutely nails it and that is a welcome biggie. A much needed one. Fuller and on middle. Zadran stands tall and lifts it over the long on fence. It goes all the way. That will release a little bit of pressure that was building.

23.31

Fuller and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

23.21

Angled into the pads, this is nudged on the leg side for one.

23.10

Really good stuff from the Ireland. They are just not giving anything away at the moment. On middle. Blocked.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 91/0

R Gurbaz46 (65)

I Zadran40 (73)

A McBrine4-0-10-0

22.60

On the fuller side. This is pushed back to the bowler. No run taken.

22.51

Just another one! On middle, Zadran pushes it down to long on and takes one.

22.40

Andy is just not giving anything away. He attacks the stumps again. This is on off. It is pushed to the man at cover.

22.30

Two dots in a row! This is flatter and outside off. Zadran pushes it to cover.

22.20

On middle. Zadran works it to mid-wicket.

22.11

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 89/0

I Zadran39 (69)

R Gurbaz45 (63)

G Hume5-0-14-0

21.60

Dot to end! On middle, kept out.

21.50

Around off. Zadran drives but finds cover.

21.41

Tip and run! On off, this is pushed towards cover for one. Gurbaz had to dive to make it in.

21.30

Slightly shorter and outside off. Gurbaz looks to cut but chops it towards cover.

21.21

Angled into the pads, Zadran gets off strike as he works it down to fine leg.

21.11

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

21.11wd

A loud appeal from Hume but wide given! This lands around middle and comes back in. Gurbaz looks to flick but misses. There was a sound. Not sure of what. Stirling has a word with the umpire but nothing doing.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 85/0

R Gurbaz43 (60)

I Zadran38 (66)

A McBrine3-0-8-0

20.61

Takes another one now as this is worked around the corner.

20.50

Around off. Gurbaz pushes it to covers.

20.41

Takes one now as this is nudged fine on the leg side.

20.30

Slightly shorter and outside off. This is cut but to point.

20.20

Flatter and on off. Zadran punches it to covers.

20.10

No run.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 83/0

R Gurbaz42 (58)

I Zadran37 (62)

G Hume4-0-10-0

19.60

Good stuff! Just two from the over. On off, this is pushed to mid off.

19.50

Another delivery goes by without a boundary! Outside off. Shortish. This is chopped to cover.

19.41

Just outside off. Zadran waits and then guides it down to third man. Gets off strike.

19.31

On off, this is pushed past cover for one.

19.20

Another one on a length and around off. This is punched to cover.

19.10

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 81/0

I Zadran36 (61)

R Gurbaz41 (53)

A McBrine2-0-6-0

18.60

Ends the over well then! Around off, turning back in. This is worked to mid-wicket.

18.50

Another dot! Andy has had a tidy start. On middle, this is punched to mid-wicket.

18.41

Sees the batter come down the track and shortens the length. Gurbaz adjust and plays it down to long on for one.

18.30

Flatter and on off. Gurbaz makes room and cuts but finds point. Just needed to find the gap there. No one in the deep on the off side.

18.20

Quicker and on middle. Kept out.

18.11

Looks to push it through but it is on the pads. This is tickled fine on the leg side for one.

DRINKS! Ireland are on the back foot and they need a wicket. The two Afghan batters have got their eye in and they are building towards a good total. Can Ireland fight back?

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 79/0

I Zadran35 (58)

R Gurbaz40 (50)

C Campher2-0-12-0

17.61

Angled into the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket. A single taken.

17.51

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

17.41

On the pads, this is nudged through square leg for one.

17.30

Around off, this is defended.

17.21

Flatter and on the stumps, this is pushed down to long on for one.

17.11

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 74/0

R Gurbaz38 (48)

I Zadran32 (54)

A McBrine1-0-4-0

16.60

Flatter and around off, Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

16.51

On middle, this is punched down to long on for another single.

16.41

Flatter and on off, this is punched down to long off for one.

16.31

Shorter and around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

16.20

Around off, kept out.

16.11

On fuller and around off, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 70/0

R Gurbaz36 (45)

I Zadran30 (51)

C Campher1-0-7-0

15.61

Fuller and on off, this is pushed towards mid off for one.

15.50

Around off, this is kept out.

15.42

Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.

15.34

FOUR! Driven away nicely! This is a lovely stroke. Fuller and outside off, it is driven to covers.

15.20

Angled into the pads, Gurbaz nudges it to mid-wicket.

15.10

Around off, good length. Defended.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 63/0

R Gurbaz29 (39)

I Zadran30 (51)

van Woerkom4-0-24-0

14.61

A single to end. So the pressure that was built by Young in the last over has been let off. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

14.51

Takes one now as this is eased down to long off.

14.41

Takes one now as this is pushed down to long off.

14.30

Around off, quicker. Blocked.

14.20

Could have put that away too. This is way too full and around off. Gurbaz drives but to covers.

14.16

SIX! Over the fence yet again. Another strong sweep. Too short this time and Gurbaz picks the length early. He rocks back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence. This all will be hurting Campher who dropped him.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 54/0

I Zadran29 (50)

R Gurbaz21 (34)

C Young4-1-10-0

13.60

A maiden then from Young! Good stuff. Much-needed after Afghanistan got two decent overs in succession. Around off, on a good length. Zadran looks to drive but this goes off the inside edge and hits the pad.

13.50

Slashes but misses. There was width on offer, it is well outside off. Zadran slashes hard at it but misses.

13.40

Thisbis angled into the middle pole. Zadran pushes it to mid on.

13.30

Yet again, the ball hardly gets off the ground. Outside off. Zadran looks to cut but misses it completely.

13.20

Fuller and on middle, this one tails back in. It is worked to mid-wicket.

13.10

No bounce again! Outside off. On a length. Zadran slashes at it but misses.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 54/0

R Gurbaz21 (34)

I Zadran29 (44)

van Woerkom3-0-15-0

12.60

Dot to end but another productive over for the hosts! On middle. Defended.

12.51

Takes one now as this is pushed through covers.

12.40

Pushes this one through and bowls it on off. Kept out.

12.31

Quick run! Good stuff! Around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

12.20

Flatter this time and on middle. Blocked. Don't think he will be floating it up there now after that biggie.

12.16

SIX! He really plays the sweep well and it is now 10 from the last two balls. Angled into the pads. Gurbaz moves right across and sweeps it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 46/0

I Zadran28 (42)

R Gurbaz14 (30)

C Young3-0-10-0

11.64

FOUR! Nice and fine! That is very nicely played. Spoils the over. Outside off. Good length. This is guided fine on the off side. Not sure he wanted to get it that fine but does so and it races away.

11.61wd

WIDE! Down the leg side this time. Zadran looks to flick but misses.

11.51

Another quick run! Fuller and on middle. Gurbaz pushes it towards mid on and gets to the other end. On a tough wicket, running between the wickets are quite important.

11.40

Not a lot of bounce! On middle, this stays a touch low. Blocked.

11.31

Quick single! Around off, on the fuller side. This is pushed to mid off and a single is taken.

11.20

Yet again on the stumps. Not giving anything away. Blocked.

11.10

On a good length and around off. Relentless line and length. Blocked.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 39/0

R Gurbaz13 (28)

I Zadran23 (38)

van Woerkom2-0-7-0

10.60

On off, it is kept out. Tidy from Theo.

10.51

Two from the five balls bowled in this over! On middle, this is punched down to long on for one.

10.40

Three dots in a row now! Quicker and on middle. Zadran plays it back to the bowler.

10.30

Pushes this one through, on the off pole. Zadran goes back and punches it to cover.

10.20

Flatter and on off, blocked.

10.11

Shorter and around off, this is pushed past cover for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 37/0

I Zadran22 (34)

R Gurbaz12 (26)

C Young2-0-3-0

9.60

On a length and on middle. Zadran defends it out.

9.50

Length ball close to off. Zadran leans and defends it out.

9.41

A single now as Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

9.30

On the middle, Zadran fends it on the leg side.

9.21

Full and on middle, this is tucked to deep square leg for a single.

9.10

Length and on middle. Zadran blocks.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 35/0

R Gurbaz11 (24)

I Zadran21 (30)

van Woerkom1-0-5-0

8.64

FOUR! Dropped. Should have been taken. Fuller and outside off. Gurbaz skips down and swings but edges it up and to point where the fielder runs back but fails to hold on.

8.50

On off, kept out.

8.40

On middle, Gurbaz prods and blocks.

8.31

Fuller and outside off. Zadran pushes it to covers for a single.

8.20

On middle, this is defended out l.

8.10

Tossed up on off. Zadran blocks it out.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 30/0

R Gurbaz7 (21)

I Zadran20 (27)

C Young1-0-1-0

7.60

On middle, this is blocked out.

7.50

This is full and on middle. Gurbaz pushes but Young gets a hand on it and saves it.

7.40

Short in length and outside off, this is cut to point.

7.30

Outside off. Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

7.20

Length and on middle, Gurbaz blocks it out.

7.11

Touch fuller and on middle, Zadran nudges it to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 29/0

R Gurbaz7 (16)

I Zadran19 (26)

M Adair4-1-19-0

6.60

On middle, Gurbaz blocks it out.

6.51lb

Leg bye! On the pads, Zadran misses his flick and it goes to square leg for a leg bye.

6.40

Spills it on the pads. Zadran keeps it out

6.36

SIX! Too short and too wide, it is asking to be hit. Zadran slashes it over point and it goes all the way. A six.

6.20

On middle and on a length. This is blocked.

6.10

This is full and on off, Zadran drives well but Adair does well to stop with his legs.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 22/0

R Gurbaz7 (15)

I Zadran13 (21)

G Hume3-0-8-0

5.60

Length and on middle, this is blocked out.

5.51

Length and on off, this is pushed to mid off for a single.

5.41

On middle, this is eased to mid on for a single.

5.34

FOUR! Slapped away! Width given outside off and Gurbaz latches on it and hits it through point for four.

5.20

Tad short and outside off. Gurbaz plays with soft hands and to the right of the keeper who dives and saves a certain boundary. Really well stopped.

5.10

Bowls it full and outside off. Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 16/0

I Zadran12 (20)

R Gurbaz2 (10)

M Adair3-1-13-0

4.60

On middle, this is blocked out. Maiden by Adair.

4.50

Four dots! Tidy bowling. Length and on off, this is defended back to Adair.

4.40

Misses again! Length ball, outside off. Zadran looks to cut this time but misses.

4.30

Goes full and outside off. Zadran looks to drive but misses.

4.20

This is well outside off. Zadran shoulders arms to it.

4.10

On a length and outside off. Blocked out.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 16/0

R Gurbaz2 (10)

I Zadran12 (14)

G Hume2-0-2-0

3.60

A dot to end as Gurbaz blocks this full ball.

3.50

Swimg and a miss. Short in length and outside off, stays a bit low. Gurbaz flashes his blade and misses.

3.40

Touch fuller and around off. Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

3.31

Length and outside off. Zadran dabs it to third man for a single.

3.20

Length and on off, this is defended out.

3.10

Short and well wide of off. Zadran slashed his blade but misses.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 15/0

R Gurbaz2 (7)

I Zadran11 (11)

M Adair2-0-13-0

2.60

Fuller and on off, Gurbaz looks to push but inside edges it to square leg. No movement for the Irish bowlers yet.

2.51

Outside off, this is guided to point for one more.

2.44

FOUR! Pretty easy this one. Too full and on middle. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

2.34

FOUR! Crunched. First boundary of the game. Too full and outside off, Zadran pushes it through point for a boundary.

2.20

Length ball on middle and it tails in. Zadran blocks it to point.

2.11

Short in length and on middle. Gurbaz pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 5/0

I Zadran2 (7)

R Gurbaz1 (5)

G Hume1-0-1-0

1.60

A good length delivery outside off. Zadran steps across and blocks it out.

1.50

A length ball and on off, this is defended out.

1.41

Gurbaz is underway. Length and outside off, this is knocked to third man for a single.

1.30

Goes a bit short and close to off. Gurbaz plays a solid defensive shot.

1.20

On a length and around off. Gurbaz makes a solid block.

1.10

Too full and close to off. Gurbaz drives to cover.

Graham Hume to bowl from the other end.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 4/0

I Zadran2 (5)

R Gurbaz0 (1)

M Adair1-0-3-0

0.60

Slants it on a length and on leg. Zadran is late to get his bat down and gets hit on the pads. An appeal but that was going down.

0.50

Touch fuller and outside off. Zadran makes a solid block.

0.42

Two runs! Fine shot. This is full and outside off, it is creamed through covers for a couple of runs.

0.30

This is full and outside off. Zadran looks to push it away but misses.

0.31wd

Wide! Spills it full and down the leg side. Zadran looks to flick but misses.

0.20

On a length and outside off. Zadran punches it to cover.

0.11lb

Leg bye! Length and on the pads. Gurbaz misses his flick and it goes off the pads to square leg for a single.

Time for the national anthems. It is of the Irish team followed by of Afghanistan. All set. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open. Mark Adair to bowl first. Let's go...

Pitch Report - it's a typical Sharjah surface and the pitch looks good and pristine. Boundaries all around are 70m. The pitch is dry and there are some cracks underneath.

Hashmatullah Shahidi says toss doesn't matter now and are ready to bat first. Adds they have learnt from the Test match and are looking forward to the ODI series. Informs about his team.

Paul Stirling says they'll bowl as the conditions are uncertain. Adds they had a couple of good previous results and are looking forward to this series. Shares about his side.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(WK), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Theo van Woerkom, Graham Hume, Craig Young.

Toss - Ireland have won the toss and will bowl.

Afghanistan though will be looking for revenge and they are favourites too but will be aware of what Ireland are capable of. Ireland have somewhat similar squad. Expect an entertaining encounter. Stay tuned.

After the historic Test match, it is time for the ODI series to kick off. Hello and welcome To the first ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland. Ireland have shown what they are capable of, they have conquered thr red-ball and they will be itching to do something similar in the three-match series.

...Match Day...

Cricketing action all across the globe is in full swing and now comes a brand-new white ball series between Afghanistan and Ireland to be played in the UAE. The two sides will go head-to-head first in a three-game ODI series followed by a three-game T20I series which will wrap up their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in a few month's time. Afghanistan also faced off against Ireland in a Test match that saw Ireland pick up their maiden Test win ever. Afghanistan however have been a better white-ball side than Ireland in the recent past but the Irish do have the team to go on and win the series. Afghanistan continue to be without ace spinner Rashid Khan and there's no Mujeeb either. Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead the pace attack and Mohammad Nabi will play as the lead spinner but they also have Noor Ahmad and Qais Ahmad in the side. The batting seems to be pretty well-balanced for Afghanistan. Ireland on the other hand will be quite upbeat after that sensational Test victory and will have their eyes set on taking the lead in the ODI series as well. Paul Stirling will captain the side and Mark Adair will lead the attack. The absence of Joshua Little does hamper that attack but some experienced names can get the job done. An enticing game is on the cards. Who are you backing to get the win?