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Ireland vs Afghanistan Ball by Ball Commentary

11 Aug, 2022 15:30 (IST)

Result

Afghanistan in Ireland, 5 T20I Series, 2022- Match

Afghanistan

122/8

20.0 overs
vs

Ireland

125/5

19.0 overs

Ireland beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets

Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast

Right then! Ireland have a chance to seal the series. They are 2-0 up. These two will meet again on Friday, 12th August and the match will begin at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT) Do join us for the build up as well. Cheers!

Mohammad Nabi says the pitch looked dry but it was seaming earlier on. Says they did not form partnerships and kept losing wickets. Admits fielding was not great. Ends by saying he hopes of winning the next game.

Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland. He says it was a shaky start but they gave time to settle in. Adds that when you chase a low score there is not much pressure but he is happy that George Dockrell took them over the line. Applauds Lorcan Tucker and Josh Little's knocks. He is taking that number three spot well. Admits they would've bowled first. Mentions that it was a great effort to restrict Afghanistan to such a score. Tells that he reminds himself of the good stuff done in the past. Shares they are doing well as a team.

Josh Little the Player of the Match says he’s found his rhythm. Adds he was looking to keep it simple. Reckons wickets in the Powerplay increased the team’s chances of winning.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan didn't make the best choice as after opting to bat first things didn't pan out as they hoped for. They lost wickets at regular intervals and eventually, it was chased down pretty easily by Ireland.

Afghanistan were always behind the game as they had very less to bowl at. Mohammad Nabi struck twice in an over but it didn't help them to create pressure after that. The other bowlers tried their best but they created very less chances and it didn't create any panic for Ireland. A very tough situation for Afghanistan as they have to win the next game to keep the series alive.

It was a watchful start for Ireland as they kept things in control throughout the innings. The stand between Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker of 65 took the game away as they scored the bulk of runs. Both fell but there was not much to chase after that and George Dockrell, in the end, finish things off single handedly.

A comprehensive win for Ireland and with this win they go 2-0 up in this 5-match series. Tough time for Afghanistan as the next game is must win for them to keep the series alive.

Andy Balbirnie is down injured! Not sure what happened to him but he is in a lot of pain. He now seems fine and all set to go.

Score after 19 overs : 125/5

Runs Scored

10 Runs

G Dockrell

25 (19)

G Delany

3 (5)

F Farooqi

4-0-27-1

18.6 6

SIX! George Dockrell ends it in style! On middle, fuller, this is heaved over the long on fence for a biggie. Ireland WIN BY 5 WICKETS!

18.5 0

A dot! On off, this is hit on the off side.

18.4 1

Just the one again as this is pushed through covers.

18.3 1

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one more.

18.2 1

Short and on middle, this is pulled down to long on for one.

18.1 1

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

Score after 18 overs : 115/5

Runs Scored

5 Runs

G Delany

1 (3)

G Dockrell

17 (15)

Naveen

3-0-12-1

17.6 0

Shorter and on middle, Delany looks to slap it but chops it to covers.

17.5 1

Doing it in singles! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket.

17.4 1

On off, this is pushed to cover for one.

17.3 1

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

17.2 0

Angled into the pads, George Dockrell looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

17.1 2

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

Score after 17 overs : 110/5

Runs Scored

7 Runs

G Delany

0 (1)

G Dockrell

13 (11)

F Farooqi

3-0-17-1

16.6 0

On off, this is defended.

16.5 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! A little too late maybe! Shorter and outside off, Campher looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. A little too late though.

16.4 1

Shorter and around off, this is guided down to third man for one.

16.3 4

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! Fuller and on middle, this is hit hard down the ground and it races away for a boundary.

16.2 1

On off, this is pushed towards cover for one more.

16.1 1

Shorter and outside off, George Dockrell chops it on the off side for one.

Score after 16 overs : 103/4

Runs Scored

13 Runs

C Campher

6 (5)

G Dockrell

7 (8)

M Nabi

2-0-15-2

15.6 lb 4

FOUR LEG BYES! Two boundaris in a row and this is probably the over which wins it for the hosts! On the pads, Campher looks to flick, it hits the pad and goes fine on the leg side for a boundary.

15.5 4

FOUR! A misfield and that is not what Afghanistan wanted! Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his left but lets it through.

15.4 1

Sweep and it is hit through square leg for one.

15.3 2

Two! A full toss, it is hit wide of the fielder at long on for two.

15.2 1

Just the single again! The reverse sweep is out, it is played towards deep point for one.

15.1 1

On off, this is hit down to long off for one.

Score after 15 overs : 90/4

Runs Scored

3 Runs

C Campher

1 (2)

G Dockrell

3 (5)

Ur Rahman

4-0-23-1

14.6 0

Just the three from the over! Outstanding over. Shorter and outside off, Campher looks to cut but is beaten.

14.5 1

On off, this is guided through point for one.

14.4 0

Two dots in a row! Another short one. George Dockrell pushes it to covers.

14.3 0

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

14.2 1

Another run as this is pushed through covers.

14.1 1

A single as this is worked through mid-wicket.

Score after 14 overs : 87/4

Runs Scored

6 Runs

G Dockrell

1 (1)

C Campher

0 (0)

M Nabi

1-0-6-2

13.6 1

A single as this is nudged on the leg side. 36 needed in 36.

13.5 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Not sure why these shots are being played! On middle, the slog sweep is out again, he does not hit it all that well and Najibullah Zadran takes another easy catch. Two new batters out in the middle, Afghanistan can build a little pressure.

13.4 0

On middle, defended.

13.3 4

FOUR! Very nicely played! The reverse sweep, it is hit through point and a boundary results. Releases the pressure if there was any building.

13.2 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! Afghanistan have two in quick succession. Do they have a sniff here? 41 needed in 40. This is tossed up nicely, on middle, Tector goes for the slog sweep. He hits it well but it is the longer side of the boundary. He holes out to the fielder there. Najibullah Zadran takes a good catch.

13.1 1

On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket for one.

Score after 13 overs : 81/2

Runs Scored

6 Runs

L Tucker

22 (24)

H Tector

5 (6)

R Khan

4-0-27-0

12.6 1

A single to end and the biggest threat, Rashid is done with his spell! On middle, his last ball is worked through mid-wicket for one.

12.5 1

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

12.4 1

Another sweep shot, this is hit through square leg for one.

12.3 1

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

12.2 0

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

12.1 2

Misfield and two! On the pads, works it through square leg. Two taken.

Score after 12 overs : 75/2

Runs Scored

3 Runs

L Tucker

20 (22)

H Tector

1 (2)

Ur Rahman

3-0-20-1

11.6 0

Outside off, Tucker moves across and looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

11.5 lb 1

A leg bye! On the pods, Harry looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and goes behind for one.

11.4 1

Another single as this is nudged down to short fine leg.

11.3 1

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

11.2 W 0

OUT! c Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Mujeeb Ur Rahman.OUT! THE FINGER GOES UP! Afghanistan have something to be happy about but is this wicket a little too late? 51 needed. Down the leg side. Andy Balbirnie looks to sweep, it hits the glove and then the keeper. Lobs kindly for Gurbaz who takes it and appeals. The finger is raised.

11.1 0

On middle, defended.

Score after 11 overs : 72/1

Runs Scored

7 Runs

L Tucker

19 (20)

A Balbirnie

46 (34)

R Khan

3-0-21-0

10.6 0

On middle, defended.

10.5 1

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

10.4 2

Two more as this is hit wide of long off.

10.3 2

Two more! Shorter and on off, this is pushed wide of long off for two.

10.2 2

Overthrow! On middle, Andy sweeps it towards short fine leg. They go for a run. The fielder fires it towards the bowler but it is well wide. Another run taken.

10.1 0

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Score after 10 overs : 65/1

Runs Scored

8 Runs

L Tucker

19 (19)

A Balbirnie

39 (29)

Ur Rahman

2-0-18-0

9.6 0

On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

9.5 4

FOUR! In the gap! Lorcan Tucker makes room, this is tossed up, he plays the slog sweep and in the gap in the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

9.4 0

On off, this is pushed to cover.

9.3 1

Around off, this is guided towards backward point for a single.

9.2 1

Outside off, Tucker looks to play the reverse sweep, it goes more off the bottom towards short third man for one.

9.1 2

This is nicely swept, behind square on the leg side for two.

Score after 9 overs : 57/1

Runs Scored

4 Runs

A Balbirnie

38 (28)

L Tucker

12 (14)

R Khan

2-0-14-0

8.6 0

On middle, this is the googly, Andy Balbirnie looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A loud appeal but turned down. Looked close.

8.5 1

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

8.4 0

Rashid gets away with one! This is down the leg side. Tucker looks to sweep but finds the man at short fine leg.

8.3 1

On middle, this is nudged through mid-wicket for one.

8.2 0

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

8.1 1

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

8.1 wd 1

WIDE! Down the leg side, Tucker looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Score after 8 overs : 53/1

Runs Scored

9 Runs

A Balbirnie

37 (25)

L Tucker

10 (11)

A Omarzai

2-0-15-0

7.6 4

FOUR! A misjudgement from the fielder and a chance goes abegging. This is short and on middle, it is pulled towards deep square leg. The fielder runs in and leaps, iut goes over him for a boundary.

7.5 0

Fuller and outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to drive but is beaten.

7.4 b 1

A bye! Shorter and on middle, Tucker comes down the track and looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly and a bye is taken.

7.3 4

FOUR! That is a lovely stroke! This is full and outside off, it is caressed through covers and the ball races away to the fence.

7.2 0

Two dots in a row! On off, this is hit hard to cover.

7.1 0

Tucker comes down the track but this is short! Tucker looks to hit it over point but misses.

Score after 7 overs : 44/1

Runs Scored

10 Runs

A Balbirnie

33 (23)

L Tucker

6 (7)

Ur Rahman

1-0-10-0

6.6 0

Flatter and outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to drive but misses.

6.5 6

SIX! Top edge and it flies over! On middle, the sweep is out, it goes off the top edge and over the square leg fence.

6.4 1

Another run as this is worked through mid-wicket.

6.3 1

Leading edge but a run! On middle, Andy Balbirnie looks to flick but it goes off the leading edge towards cover for one.

6.2 1

On middle, this is nudged towards mid-wicket for one.

6.1 1

Easy one as this is pushed towards cover.

Score after 6 overs : 34/1

Runs Scored

7 Runs

A Balbirnie

25 (19)

L Tucker

4 (5)

A Omarzai

1-0-7-0

5.6 1

Shorter and on off, Andy Balbirnie pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.

5.5 4

FOUR! Shorter and outside off, this is cut over point and it races away to the fence.

5.4 1

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

5.3 0

On middle, defended.

5.2 1

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

5.1 0

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.

Score after 5 overs : 27/1

Runs Scored

10 Runs

A Balbirnie

19 (15)

L Tucker

3 (3)

R Khan

1-0-10-0

4.6 1

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

4.5 4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Andy Balbirnie makes room! This is full and on middle, it is driven through covers for a boundary.

4.4 0

On middle, defended.

4.3 0

Shorter and outside off, Andy looks to cut but is beaten.

4.2 4

FOUR! Misfield and a boundary! On middle, this is swept through mid-wicket. It goes towards deep square leg and the fielder lets it through.

4.1 1

A single as this is worked through mid-wicket.

Score after 4 overs : 17/1

Runs Scored

9 Runs

A Balbirnie

10 (10)

L Tucker

2 (2)

F Farooqi

2-0-10-0

3.6 4

FOUR! Through mid-wicket! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard through mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.5 0

Around off, kept out.

3.4 0

On middle, defended.

3.3 4

FOUR! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers for a boundary.

3.2 0

Outside off, Balbirnie slashes at it but misses.

3.1 1

A single to end! Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Score after 3 overs : 8/1

Runs Scored

2 Runs

A Balbirnie

2 (5)

L Tucker

1 (1)

Naveen

2-0-7-1

2.6 0

Angled into the pads, Andy Balbirnie looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

2.5 0

Outside off again, Andy looks to drive but misses.

2.4 0

Shorter and outside off, Andy Balbirnie slashes but misses again.

2.3 1

A single as this is guided down to third man.

2.2 W 0

OUT! TIMBER! Stirling is gone! Naveen gets the early wicket his side needed! This is a big booming inswinger. It comes back in from outside off. Stirling looks to go downtown but misses and the stumps are shattered.

2.1 1

Around off, this is guided through point for one.

Score after 2 overs : 6/0

Runs Scored

1 Runs

P Stirling

4 (11)

A Balbirnie

1 (1)

F Farooqi

1-0-1-0

1.6 0

Yes, he can! Length and on off, this lands and moves away. The batter is beaten as he tries to block.

1.5 0

This is a really good over so far from Fazalhaq Farooqi! Length and on off, it is pushed to cover. Can he end it well?

1.4 0

Another dot! On off, Stirling plays it to covers.

1.3 0

Length and on off again, this is pushed to covers.

1.2 0

Good length and on off, defended.

1.1 1

Good length and on off, this is played down to third man for one.

Score after 1 overs : 5/0

Runs Scored

5 Runs

P Stirling

4 (6)

A Balbirnie

0 (0)

Naveen

1-0-5-0

0.6 0

On middle, this is kept out. End of a good first over for Ireland.

0.6 wd 1

WIDE! Well wide outside off, left alone. Naveen is not happy.

0.5 0

Fuller and on off, this is driven but to covers.

0.4 0

Appeal but turned down! Shorter and outside off, Stirling looks to pull but misses.

0.3 4

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Stirling makes room, this is full and on off, it is lofted over covers for a boundary.

0.2 0

Angled into middle, Stirling works it to mid-wicket.

0.1 0

Good length and on off, defended.

We are back for the chase. The players of Afghanistan are out in the middle. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie to open for Ireland. Naveen-ul-Haq to start with the ball.

...THE RUN CHASE...

For Afghanistan, they just never got going. Just the one batter crossed the 30-run mark but he too scored it at a very slow rate. Their batting just was not up to the mark and now their bowlers need to bowl out of their skin to defend this. Ireland though have a strong batting line up and will back themselves to score it. The target is well below-par and Ireland have a chance to go 2-0 up. Stay tuned for the second half.

The key for them was wickets at regular intervals. Ireland just managed to take wickets whenever needed. They got three in the Powerplay and after that kept the pressure on. Josh Little was brilliant with the ball and so was Mark Adair. Curtis Campher impressed with the ball and Gareth Delany yet again did a commendable job. A complete performance overall with the ball from the home team.

End of an excellent bowling performance from Ireland and they are in pole position to take a 2-0 lead in this series.

Mark Adair to bowl the final over.

Naveen-ul-Haq walks out now.

DRINKS! Ireland have been brilliant so far and are on top in this game. However, they can't get complacent as Afghanistan still have some powerful hitters to come in. The visitors would hope the two batting can bat deep and take them to something around 150.

Gareth Delany is into the attack.

Najibullah Zadran comes in.

Barry McCarthy to bowl now.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is the new man in.

We are all set for the action. The players are out in the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani are the openers for Afghanistan. Josh Little to start with the ball.

Andy Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland says they would've batted first as well. They did well in the first game to restrict Afghanistan and get over the line. They have been playing some big teams recently but are not happy with the results. Informs they are unchanged.

Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan says they will bat first. Adds that the wicket is same as the first game. It is dry so they want to bat first. Shares they made some mistakes in fielding and bowling and they want to rectify them. Admits they were 10-15 runs short in the first game and hopes to do better. Informs they are going with the same team.

Ireland (Unchanged playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little.

Afghanistan (Unchanged playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Usman Ghani, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and they will BAT first!

Ireland showed that they have the capability but without a collective performance, they will not get the required results. The first game was a perfect example and Ireland will look to ride on the confidence and go 2-0 up. Afghanistan have to rectify the issues and level things up. Who do you think will win? We will find out in some time. Stay tuned for the toss and other updates.

Score after 20 overs : 122/8

Runs Scored

5 Runs

Naveen

10 (13)

Ur Rahman

1 (2)

M Adair

3-0-12-2

19.6 2

Two runs off the final ball! This is full and outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq goes inside-out over extra covers for a couple of runs. Afghanistan end with 122/8.

19.5 0

Slower, bouncer, outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq waits and tries to play it over third man but misses.

19.4 lb 1

Leg bye! Short again. Mujeeb Ur Rahman tries to reverse slap it as he stands tall but gets hit on the forearm and it rolls away for a leg bye.

19.3 1

Shorter and on off. Naveen-Ul-Haq looks to pull but gets a top edge to square leg for a single.

19.2 1

played towards mid wicket for a single.

19.1 W 0

OUT! CAUGHT! Khan goes now! This is too full and on off. Khan tries to loft it over covers but miscues it completely and Curtis Campher at short cover runs to his right and does well to get his hand underneath the ball. Khan's wicket will surely make a huge difference to the scoreboard.

Score after 19 overs : 117/7

Runs Scored

9 Runs

Naveen

7 (10)

R Khan

9 (9)

B McCarthy

4-0-35-0

18.6 0

Brilliant from Barry McCarthy! A length ball, outside off, slower again. Naveen-Ul-Haq looks to slog-sweep but fails to get any bat on it.

18.5 0

Slower again, this is short and around off. Naveen-Ul-Haq waits and tries to ramp it away but misses.

18.4 4

FOUR! Crucial runs! Length ball, slower and outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq shuffles across and paddles it over short fine leg, well wide of the fielder for four runs.

18.3 1

Full ball, outside off. Khan lofts it to long off for a single.

18.2 2

Pitched up, outside off. Rashid Khan is trying to swing as hard as possible but splices this one to sweeper cover where it falls safe. Two.

18.1 0

Full again, way outside off. Khan throws his bat but again fails to connect.

18.1 wd 1

Wide! This is full and way outside off. Khan swings and misses.

18.1 nb 1

No ball! A full toss, near the chest region and Khan forces it to mid off. There is a run out chance as well and the fielder scores a direct hit towards the bowler's end. the umpire signals a no ball due to height.

Score after 18 overs : 108/7

Runs Scored

4 Runs

Naveen

3 (7)

R Khan

6 (5)

G Delany

4-0-19-2

17.6 0

Overpitched, outside off, Naveen-Ul-Haq works it to covers.

17.5 1

Too short and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

17.4 1

Full and on middle, drilled to long on for a single.

17.3 0

A dot ball! No commentary due to stream issue.

17.2 1

played towards square leg for a run.

17.1 1

played towards point for a single.

Score after 17 overs : 104/7

Runs Scored

4 Runs

Naveen

1 (3)

R Khan

4 (3)

J Little

4-0-18-2

16.6 1

Slower one, length and outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq dabs it to third man for a single.

16.5 0

Slightly short and around off. Naveen-Ul-Haq hits it to covers. No run there.

16.4 0

On a length and outside off. Naveen-Ul-Haq drops it to covers.

16.3 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! Afghanistan are 7 down now! Shorter and directed well on middle. Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it, gets cramp there but still goes through the shot and Harry Tector at long on takes a simple catch. Ireland have been outstanding with the ball.

16.2 1

Length and on off, worked to covers for a single.

16.1 2

On a length and outside off. Khan punches it to deep cover. A bit of fumble and another run is taken. Two.

Score after 16 overs : 100/6

Runs Scored

4 Runs

R Khan

1 (1)

A Omarzai

11 (12)

G Delany

3-0-15-2

15.6 1

Flatter and on middle. Khan works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

15.5 W 0

OUT! CAUGHT! Delany bowls a loopy one, full and around off. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to reverse hit and connects it well but hits it aerially and to point where Andy McBrine takes a sharp catch. Showed really good reflexes as it came quickly to him.

15.4 1

On middle. Azmatullah Omarzai helps it past short fine leg for a single.

15.3 1

Shahidi anticipates a widish delivery and goes outside off. Shahidi sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

15.2 1

Full again, outside off, eased down to long off for a single.

15.1 0

Fuller and around off, driven back to the bowler.

Score after 15 overs : 96/5

Runs Scored

4 Runs

H Shahidi

35 (40)

A Omarzai

9 (9)

C Campher

3-0-13-2

14.6 0

Short of a length and on leg. Shahidi makes room and bends his back to play it over the keeper but misses.

14.5 0

Shorter and on off. Shahidi looks to pull but misses.

14.4 0

Drags his length back, outside off. Kept out.

14.3 3

On a length and on off. Azmatullah Omarzai punches off the back foot through covers for three runs. Timed it well and gets three runs.

14.2 0

Length ball, outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it to point.

14.1 1

Campher serves a short ball, outside off. Shahidi dabs it to third man, lofted for a single.

Score after 14 overs : 92/5

Runs Scored

6 Runs

A Omarzai

6 (7)

H Shahidi

34 (36)

A McBrine

2-0-14-0

13.6 2

Short and outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai slaps it through point for a couple of runs.

13.5 1

Outside off, cut to deep point for one.

13.4 1

On middle, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

13.3 1

Fuller and on middle. Shahidi looks to sweep but gets a top edge to third man for one more.

13.2 0

Around off, pushed through covers.

13.1 1

Shorter, quicker and around off. Azmatullah Omarzai tries to flick on the leg side but gets a leading edge to point.

Score after 13 overs : 86/5

Runs Scored

10 Runs

A Omarzai

2 (4)

H Shahidi

32 (33)

B McCarthy

3-0-26-0

12.6 1

IN THE AIR AND SAFE! Short of a length and outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to go over covers but gets a top edge and it falls short of the fielder at third man. One.

12.5 1

On middle, pulled to deep square leg for a singe.

12.4 lb 1

Leg bye! On a length and outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to defend on the off side but misses and gets hit around the pads. It rolls to backward point for a leg bye.

12.3 1

Outside off on a length. Shahidi dabs it to third man for one more.

12.2 4

FOUR! Shahidi is out for a while now! Touch fuller and outside off. Shahidi steps across and lofts it over covers for a boundary.

12.1 2

On a length and outside off. Shahidi punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

Score after 12 overs : 76/5

Runs Scored

8 Runs

H Shahidi

24 (29)

A Omarzai

1 (2)

G Delany

2-0-11-1

11.6 1

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

11.5 4

FOUR! Helped on its way and that is a welcome boundary., Shahidi moves across, this is fired on the stumps, it is helped over short fine leg for a boundary.

11.5 wd 1

WIDE! This is well wide outside off, Shahidi looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. Wided.

11.4 1

On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

11.3 0

Flatter and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

11.2 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! The skipper goes now and Afghanistan are in deep, deep trouble! Tossed up, in the slot and on off. Nabi tries to slog-sweep but again does not hit to perfection. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket where George Dockrell takes it.

11.1 1

Full and this is wide of off. Shahidi drags it and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Score after 11 overs : 68/4

Runs Scored

6 Runs

H Shahidi

18 (26)

M Nabi

9 (8)

J Little

3-0-14-1

10.6 1

Short in length and on off. Shahidi pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

10.5 0

This is full and around off, extra bounce. Shahidi makes room and tries to smash it but cannot connect it.

10.4 0

Short of a length and on off. Shahidi looks to upper cut it but misses.

10.3 1

Length ball, slower and outside off. Nabi cuts it to third man for one more.

10.2 4

FOUR! Much needed and Afghanistan have started well after the drinks break! This is outside off. Nabi cuts it through backward point, hits it well and it races into the fence.

10.1 0

Outside off. Nabi looks to push but misses.

Score after 10 overs : 62/4

Runs Scored

3 Runs

M Nabi

4 (5)

H Shahidi

17 (23)

G Delany

1-0-3-0

9.6 1

Just three runs off the over then! Fuller ball on middle. Nabi flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.5 0

Tossed up on middle. Nabi turns it to mid-wicket. Third dot in the over.

9.4 1

Pitched up, outside off, driven to deep cover for a single.

9.3 0

Flatter ball, outside off. Shahidi chops it to short third man.

9.2 0

Very full and outside off, a googly. Shahidi looks to drive but misses.

9.1 1

Drops it short and outside off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Score after 9 overs : 59/4

Runs Scored

5 Runs

M Nabi

2 (2)

H Shahidi

16 (20)

C Campher

2-0-9-2

8.6 1

Outside off. Nabi plays with soft hands to third man for a single.

8.5 1

On the pads, bunted to square leg for one more.

8.4 1

On a length and outside off. Nabi punches it to sweeper cover for one more.

8.3 1

Around off, pushed through point for a single.

8.2 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! Campher bangs a bouncer, outside off. It is way too short and could have left it but Zadran throws his bat at it and the ball goes in the air and to sweeper cover where Barry McCarthy runs forward and takes it. Afghanistan are giving away their wicket.

8.1 1

Length and outside off. Shahidi uses the pace and guides it to third man for a single.

Score after 8 overs : 54/3

Runs Scored

8 Runs

H Shahidi

13 (17)

N Zadran

8 (7)

A McBrine

1-0-8-0

7.6 1

Quicker one on middle. Shahidi nudges it to square leg for one more.

7.5 1

On middle, swept to short fine leg for a single.

7.4 4

FOUR! Welcome boundary! Tossed up, around middle. Zadran reverse hits it and hits it fine enough away from deep point for four.

7.3 0

Around off. Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket and wants a single but is sent back wisely.

7.2 1

Flatter ball on off. Shahidi taps it to point for a quick single.

7.1 1

Slides a full ball on middle, drilled down to long on for one.

Score after 7 overs : 46/3

Runs Scored

5 Runs

H Shahidi

11 (15)

N Zadran

2 (3)

B McCarthy

2-0-17-0

6.6 0

Bangs a bouncer now, around off. Shahidi tries to ramp it away as he gets on his toes but misses. He is not happy as that was too short.

6.5 1

Zadran punches it through covers for a single.

6.4 1

Length ball, outside off. Shahidi cuts it to third man for a single.

6.3 0

Serves it on the pads. Shahidi fails to flick it away and gets hit on the pads. It was pitching outside leg.

6.2 1

Outside off, worked through covers for a single.

6.1 0

Better! Shorter and outside off. Zadran tries to slash at it but misses.

6.1 wd 1

Wide! Again down the leg side. Zadran fails to play it away and another wide given by the umpire.

6.1 wd 1

Wide! Shorter but too straight down the leg side. Zadran misses his flick.

Score after 6 overs : 41/3

Runs Scored

5 Runs

I Zadran

17 (13)

H Shahidi

10 (12)

C Campher

1-0-4-1

5.6 W 0

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Length ball, around middle and leg. Zadran looks to flick it over mid-wicket but gets more height than distance. Andy McBrine from deep mid-wicket charges forward and dives to take in front of him. Superb from him and Ireland get third wicket inside the Powerplay. Afghanistan are 41/3.

5.5 0

This is short and on off. Zadran tries to pull now but again misses. Three dots then. Last over of the Powerplay, Zadran will look to make more of it.

5.4 0

On a length and outside off, jags a bit away. Zadran tries to go downtown but plays inside the line and misses.

5.3 0

Full and on off, Zadran mistimes his drive back to the bowler.

5.2 4

FOUR! Boundaries flowing now! Length and outside off. Zadran tries to push it away gently but gets an outside edge to third man for four.

5.1 lb 1

Leg bye! On the pads, nudged to short fine leg for a leg bye as it rolled away off the off the pads.

Score after 5 overs : 36/2

Runs Scored

12 Runs

I Zadran

13 (8)

H Shahidi

10 (11)

B McCarthy

1-0-12-0

4.6 4

FOUR! Just over the keeper! Drags his length ball and outside off. Zadran goes for the pull shot but gets a thick outside edge over the keeper and to the third man fence. Third boundary off the over. Afghanistan changing the gears now.

4.5 0

Again opens the face of the bat and tries to dab it away but misses.

4.4 0

On a length and outside off. Zadran opens the face of the bat and steers it to short third man.

4.3 0

Slanting on the pads. Zadran tucks it to square leg.

4.2 4

FOUR! Make it two in a row! Fuller and on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it past mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence for four.

4.1 4

FOUR! Well played! This is full and outside off. Zadran leans and lofts it over covers and bags a boundary.

Score after 4 overs : 24/2

Runs Scored

4 Runs

H Shahidi

10 (11)

I Zadran

1 (2)

M Adair

2-0-8-1

3.6 0

4 runs off it! Back of a length, outside off. Shahidi pokes but misses.

3.5 1

On the pads, it is flicked to square leg for a single.

3.4 1

Outside off, dabbed nicely to third man for a single.

3.3 0

Outside off on a length. Shahidi chops it to backward point.

3.2 0

Fuller and on middle. Kept out.

3.1 2

Fuller ball, outside off. It is pushed to the left of mid off who dives but only half-stops and the batters take a couple of runs.

Score after 3 overs : 20/2

Runs Scored

6 Runs

I Zadran

0 (1)

H Shahidi

7 (6)

J Little

2-0-8-1

2.6 0

Short of a length and outside off. Zadran drops it to covers.

2.5 W 0

OUT! BOWLED! That is a ripper from Little! Serious pace! Serves a length ball, around middle and it jags back in. Ghani closes the face of the bat too early as he tries to work away but it nips in and brushes his gloves before hitting the stumps. Excellent start from Ireland.

2.4 1

Length and on top of off. Worked to third man for a single.

2.3 4

FOUR! Good shot! Shorter and outside off, too much width there and Shahidi slaps it over point for a boundary.

2.2 0

Effort ball! Length ball, outside off and it nips away. Shahidi has a poke at it but misses.

2.1 0

Short of a length and on off. Shahidi gets on top of the bounce and tries to snatch a single but cannot.

2.1 wd 1

Wide! Good length ball, sliding down the leg side. Shahidi looks to flick but misses.

Score after 2 overs : 14/1

Runs Scored

8 Runs

U Ghani

1 (8)

H Shahidi

2 (2)

M Adair

1-0-4-1

1.6 lb 4

Four leg byes! A length ball, around off. Ghani is late as he tries to push it away but gets hit on the pads and it rolls past the keeper and away from wideish slip for a boundary.

1.5 0

Hits the hard length, around off. Ghani looks to play at it but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

1.4 1

On a length and on off. Shahidi gets on his toes as he tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

1.3 1

Length and outside off. Ghani guides it through backward point for a single.

1.2 1

Drop and run! On middle, this is nudged beside the wicket for a quick run.

1.2 wd 1

WIDE! Down the leg side this time. Wided.

1.1 W 0

OUT! Straight to the man! Mark Adair gets the early wicket and it is of the dangerous Gurbaz! Another low score for him. This is full and outside off, Gurbaz looks to go over covers but tries to hit it too hard. It goes off the outer half and straight to Barry McCarthy at short third man. Perfect start for Ireland.

Score after 1 overs : 6/0

Runs Scored

6 Runs

U Ghani

0 (5)

R Gurbaz

1 (1)

J Little

1-0-2-0

0.6 lb 4

FOUR LEG BYES! Shorter and on the pads, Ghani looks to help it away but gets hit on the hips and it rolls past the keeper to fine leg for a boundary.

0.5 0

Length and on off. Ghani taps it towards covers.

0.4 0

This is good bowling from Little! He serves a length ball, slanting outside off. Ghani has the width but fails to connect.

0.3 0

On a length and outside off. Ghani looks to push at it but misses.

0.3 wd 1

Wide! Outside off again but this is way outside off. Left alone for a wide.

0.2 0

Slightly short and angling outside off. Ghani leaves it alone.

0.1 1

Short of a length and on middle, shaping in. Gurbaz tucks it to square leg for a single.