Ireland vs Afghanistan AFG in IRE, 5 T20Is, 2022

Azmatullah Omarzai serves it full, wide outside off. George Dockrell looks to drive it away but misses. Afghanistan win the game by 22 runs.

WIDE! On a length, outside the tramline. George Dockrell misses his attempt. Wided.

Swing and a miss! Length ball, outside off. George Dockrell looks to heave it away but misses.

Length ball, on off, pushed to wide long off.

On off, this is pushed to sweeper cover,

FOUR! Finds the gap now! It is full, outside off. George Dockrell leans in and drives it through covers. It splits the two fielders in the deep and crosses the boundary.

Full length, on off. George Dockrell gets it to mid-wicket off the inner half. George Dockrell needs to hit 5 balls out of the park to win the game here.

OUT! RUN OUT! Graham Hume gives away his wicket here, as he wanted to keep George Dockrell on strike. It is a short ball, down leg. Graham Hume pulls it to fine leg and the call is for two. Mujeeb Ur Rahman throws it to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is quick to clip the bails off. The square leg umpire raises his finger. Graham Hume has to walk back. Josh Little is the last man in for Ireland.

WIDE! Short one, down leg. Hume lets it be. Wided.

A single now as this is pushed to extra cover.

OUT! CAUGHT! Fionn Hand's cameo comes to an end. He receives an applause as he head out of the field. It is full, on off. Fionn Hand shuffles across and ramps it over short fine leg. Hazratullah Zazai runs behind and takes a sharp catch over his shoulders. This is should ease down some pressure for Afghanistan. Graham Hume is the new batter in for Ireland.

SIX! This is gone all the way! It is full and outside off. Fionn Hand stays back and smokes it over the wide long off fence for a biggie. Fionn Hand is on a roll here. 7 runs off the first three balls here. Ireland need 31 off 9 balls.

A length ball, around off. Fionn Hand looks to go for the reverse sweep but misses.

Naveen-ul-Haq steams in and angles it in, full and on off. George Dockrell drives it to long off and rotates the strike.

Touch short, on middle and leg. Fionn Hand pulls it to deep square leg. Naveen-ul-Haq in the deep makes an exceptional stop with a dive. They take two. George Dockrell to be on strike for the penultimate over.

On off, pushed to covers for one.

FOUR! George Dockrell racks up his fifty! It is short, on off. George Dockrell swivels on the back foot and pulls it through square leg for four. Can Ireland pull a rabbit out of the hat here?

A single now as this is pushed to covers.

On middle and leg, flicked to mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Incredible shot! It is full and on off. George Dockrell drills it straight down the ground, It is in the gap and races away.

Rashid Khan is back into the attack for his final over.

SIX! All the way! Fionn Hand stands and delivers this time. It is a short ball, outside off. Hand clubs it over the covers fence for a maximum.

A length ball, outside off. Hand shuffles across and tries to scoop it over the keeper's head. He mishits to point.

Full length, on off. George Dockrell drives it to covers for a single.

A length ball, on the pads, George Dockrell works it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Top shot! Naveen-ul-Haq bends his back this time and serves a short ball, outside off. George Dockrell stands tall and slaps it down the ground for four.

A slower short ball, outside off. George Dockrell fails to pick it up and leaves it alone.

Change. Naveen-ul-Haq is back into the attack now.

On middle and leg, George Dockrell tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Swing and a miss! Full, just outside off. George Dockrell looks to chase it but misses.

Quicker and full, outside off. George Dockrell works it to the off side off the inner half.

Fuller, on off. George Dockrell drives it to deep point for a single.

This is swept again. This time to deep square leg. Rashid Khan is sharp in the field. One taken.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fionn Hand looks to be in good form. It is flighted and full, around middle. Hand shuffles across and sweeps it down to fine leg for a boundary.

Tossed up, on off. George Dockrell pushes it to the right of the bowler. Rashid Khan manages to get hand to it before it went on to disturb the stumps at the non-striker's end. They appeal for run out but nothing given.

FOUR! Down the ground. It is floated and full, on off. George Dockrell slams it down to long off and gets a boundary.

FOUR! Afghanistan have not been great in the field. It is short, on off. George Dockrell pulls it to deep mid-wicket. One bounce and into the ropes.

It is tossed up, full and on off. It stays low off the deck. George Dockrell is unable to work it away.

Full length, on off. George Dockrell lofts it towards long off. The batters run two.

SIX! BANG! George Dockrell joins the party now. It is tossed up, full and on off. George Dockrell makes room and smokes it over the long on fence for a maximum.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! It is floated and full, around middle. Hand gets low and looks to sweep it away. It goes down to third man off the back of the blade. It is another boundary. He moves to 16 off 9.

FOUR! Nicely played! It is tossed up, around off. Hand drives it through covers for a boundary. Exceptional shot.

A low full toss, on off. George Dockrell hits it to deep square leg. One taken.

Hand pushes this full delivery to mid off for a single.

FOUR! Fionn Hand gets his first boundary in T20I cricket. It is full and on off. Hand gets low and sweeps it through square leg. It races away.

Tossed up, outside off. Hand gets behind and defends it back to the bowler.

Looped up, on off. Hand pushes it to cover and gets a single.

Around off, Hand looks to chase it but misses.

Overthrows now! It is around off. Hand taps it to backward point and scampers across for a quick single. The fielder scores a direct-hit at the non-striker's end. It defelects off the stumps. They sneak another single.

Pushed through quicker, on off. Hand looks to drive it away but misses.

Fionn Hand is the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets his second wicket. It is floated and full, on off. Mark Adair gets behind it and lofts it over the bowler's head towards long off. Rashid Khan settles under it and takes a sharp catch near the ropes.

A single now as this is worked to mid on.

George Dockrell nudges this full delivery through mid-wicket for a single.

Outside off, George Dockrell looks to chase it but misses.

On middle and leg, tucked to square leg for a single.

NOT OUT! Risky running! George Dockrell could've gone back to the hut but the umpire disagrees. It is full, on the stumps. Mark Adair flicks it to deep mid-wicket. The batters decide to take two. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end from the deep but the umpire thinks the batters is safely inside the crease.

Is that a run out? The umpire shows no interest. Although, Mohammad Nabi looked delighted.

Darted on the pads, Mark Adair flicks it to deep square leg. The batters collect a brace.

Flatter and on off. George Dockrell pushes it to mid on for a single.

On off, blocked out.

On off, pushed to sweeper cover for a single.

SIX! All the way! It is short, on off. George Dockrell stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and puts in a dive to that side. The ball though goes over him and into the fence.

A googly now around off, Adair works it to long on for a single.

Tossed up, outside off. George Dockrell pushes it to deep point for one.

Fuller, on off. George Dockrell lofts it over mid off. They take two.

Full and on off. George Dockrell sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Drinks! This has been a dominating performance from Afghanistan so far. They did not let any Irish batter to settle-in and are in a comfortable position to get over the line here.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another man bites the dust. It is full and on off. Gareth Delany gets low and slogs it to deep mid-wicket. This has no power to reach the fence. Najibullah Zadran in the deep settles under it and takes a sharp catch.

Quicker one, on off. George Dockrell slaps it to long off for a single.

It is flicked to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Gareth Delany. It is short, outside off. Gareth Delany stays back and cuts it through covers for a boundary.

On off, blocked out.

Darted on the pads, Gareth Delany flicks it to square leg for a single.

On middle and leg, tucked to mid-wicket.

George Dockrell is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets himself into the wicket's column. Half of the Ireland side is back in the dressing room. It is short, on off. Tucker stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Naveen-ul-Haq in the deep dives to his right and takes an incredible catch to see the back of the in-form batter in Lorcan Tucker.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Fuller one, on off. Tucker gets low and sweeps it to deep mid-wicket. Usman Ghani is unable to keep the ball in control. It clears the fence.

Quicker, flatter, on off. Tucker comes down the track and eases it out to the off side.

On off, blocked back to the bowler.

DROPPED! It is full, outside off. Gareth Delany gets low and throws his blade at it. It goes over covers off his splice. The fielder runs backward and is unable to keep his eyes on the ball. It lands safely. Two taken.

Short ball, on off. Gareth Delany stays back and slaps it to long off for two more.

Tossed up, on off. Gareth Delany drives it towards sweeper cover. They take two. 50 up for the hosts now.

Lorcan Tucker sweeps this full delivery towards deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Full and on off. Gareth Delany slogs it to wide long on for a single.

A low full toss, on off. Gareth Delany hits it hard to wide long on. They come back for two.

On the pads, Delany tucks it to the vacant area at mid-wicket and cross for one.

Full, on off. Tucker sweeps it to deep square leg. They take one.

This is worked through mid-wicket for a brace. Good running this time.

On off, defended out.

A huge appeal for lbw! In fact Rashid Khan is down on his knees but the finger stays down. It is floated and full, around off. Tucker looks to sweep it away but misses. He gets hit on the pads. Khan appeals but in vain.

FOUR! Edgy! It is quicker and full, outside off. Lorcan Tucker looks to drive it away. It takes a thick outside edge and races away down to the third man fence.

It is a length ball. Gareth Delany flicks it to short fine leg off his pads, but not in the gap. At the end of Powerplay, Ireland are 36/4.

Gareth Delany is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Curtis Campher reads the delivery really well but holes out instead. It is a slower ball, length and on off. Curtis Campher waits for it and slams it to the right of mid on. He could not get it off the middle. Najibullah Zadran moves to his right and takes an easy catch. Naveen-ul-Haq picks up his second wicket. Ireland are falling apart here.

FOUR! Curtis Campher gets his second boundary of the chase here. It is short, on off. Curtis Campher pulls it over mid-wicket. The fielder gives it a chase but the ball wins the race.

It is full, outside off. Curtis Campher shuffles across and tries to scoop it away but does not connect.

Risky run here! It is full, on off. Tucker pushes it to mid off and scampers across for a quick single. Mohammad Nabi scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end but Tucker is safely in.

FOUR! EDGY! A good-length ball, outside off. Lorcan Tucker shuffles across and looks to pull it away. It takes the top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.

Quicker, outside off. Curtis Campher pushes it out to safety. Just a single off the over. A great start by Rashid Khan.

On off, driven to covers.

Full, on middle and leg. Campher defends it back to the bowler on the front foot.

It is floated, outside off. This one grips and turns in a touch. Curtis Campher stays back and pushes it out.

Outside off, tapped to point.

Tossed up, full and on off. Lorcan Tucker drags his sweep to short fine leg for a single.

Rashid Khan comes into the attack now. He was wicketless in the first two games. Will he be able to get in the wicket's column this time around?

A successful over by Naveen-ul-Haq comes to an end. It is a length ball, on the pads. Curtis Campher looks to tuck it away but it dies in front of him.

Swing and a miss! Good length, outside off. Curtis Campher looks to chase it but misses.

FOUR! Nicely played! Curtis Campher is off the mark with a boundary. Full length, outside off. Curtis Campher leans in and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Just short! Curtis Campher was a goner on his very first delivery. A length ball, around off. Curtis Campher stays back and tries to flick it away. He is a bit early into his shot. It takes the leading edge and lobs towards backward point. Rashid Khan charges towards the ball but it lands safely.

Curtis Campher is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another man bites the dust. It is a short ball, wide outside off. Harry Tector shuffles and tries to cut it away. It takes a thin edge and goes towards the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes no mistake behind the sticks. Ireland lose their third wicket inside the Powerplay.

Good running! Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a full-length delivery, on off. Harry Tector drives it to deep point. The batters come back for the second run.

Change. Naveen-ul-Haq comes into the attack now.

On a length, on off. Tector drives it to mid off for an easy single. He gets off the mark.

Play and a miss! A slower full length delivery, outside off. Harry Tector looks to chase it but misses.

On off, defended out.

Harry Tector is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rashid Khan takes a stunning catch at backward point. Andy Balbirnie departs on a low score as well. Both the openers are back in the hut in a jiffy. It is very full, wide outside off. Andy Balbirnie strecthes out and slices it towards backward point. Rashid Khan there keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a brilliant catch to his right. Ireland in a spot of bother.

On a length, around off. Tucker pushes it to point for one.

SIX! BOOM! Lorcan Tucker continues on his merry way. A length ball, on middle and leg. Lorcan Tucker clears his front leg and tonks it over the mid-wicket fence.

A length ball, on off. Andy Balbirnie works it to mid on off the inner half.

Good length, around off. Andy Balbirnie stays back and punches it to point.

A single now as this is tapped to point.

FOUR! Much better from Tucker this time. He gets the first boundary of the chase. A length ball, outside off. Lorcan Tucker stays back and carves it over point for a boundary.

A loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. Good length, outside off. Lorcan Tucker tries to chase it but misses.

On a length, on off. Tucker blocks it back to the bowler.

WIDE! This is a poor start by Azmatullah Omarzai. Three wides on the trot. Once again down leg. Tucker is unable to make the most of it.

WIDE! Full, angled down leg. Tucker misses his flick. Wided.

WIDE! Azmatullah Omarzai spills it down the leg side. Wide called.

Length ball, on off. Andy Balbirnie pushes it to backward point. Rashid Khan makes a brilliant stop.

Lorcan Tucker is off the mark. It is full, on off. Tucker drives it to mid off and crossed for a single.

On off, blocked out.

Lorcan Tucker is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! A poor delivery from Fazalhaq Farooqi but he gets the better of Paul Stirling. A huge, huge wicket for Fazalhaq Farooqi. It is a full toss, outside off. Paul Stirling reaches out and clubs it towards point. It goes off the bottom half of the blade. Usman Ghani there takes a sharp catch. Paul Stirling has to walk back early on. Pressure on Ireland straightaway.

First runs off the bat for Ireland. Fuller in length, just outside off. Andy Balbirnie leans in and drives it towards extra cover. The fielder fumbles and the batters take one.

LEG BYE! A length ball, on the pads, Paul Stirling misses his flick. It goes to fine leg off his pads. They cross for a leg bye.

WIDE! Just like Afghanistan, Ireland's innings also begins with an extra, It is full, lands on leg and drifts down the leg side. Paul Stirling tries to flick it away but misses. Wide called.

OUT! CAUGHT! Najibullah Zadran tries to go for a biggie again but finds the fielder. Short ball, outside off. Zadran stays back and pulls it to deep square leg. Fionn Hand stationed there takes a solid catch. Najibullah Zadran's brisk innings of 42 comes to an end. Afghanistan ends their innings at 189/5.

SIX! Najibullah Zadran wants to get closer to that 190 mark. It is short, on off. Zadran smokes it over the wide long on fence for a maximum.

A low full toss, around off. Zadran mistimes his pull towards deep mid-wicket. It lands safely. They take two.

SIX! All the way! It is fuller, in the slot. Zadran heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Short one, around off. Zadran swings but misses.

OUT! RUN OUT! Really great work in the field by Harry Tector. It is short, on off. Nabi pulls it to deep mid-wicket. It could've gone over the ropes but Harry Tector makes a valiant effort to stop the ball. The batters decide to take three but it isn't the right decision. Harry Tector throws it to the bowler at the non-striker's end who is quick to take the bails off. Mohammad Nabi is well short of the crease.

Change. Mark Adair to bowl the final over.

SIX! Consecutive maximums. It is full, outside off. Najibullah Zadran swings hard at it and sends it sailing over the cover fence for a biggie. Graham Hume ends his spell with 41 runs and no wickets.

SIX! BOOM! It is a length ball, on off. Zadran clears his front leg and tonks it over the mid-wicket fence.

Swing and a miss! Najibullah Zadran thinks it should've been a wide but the umpire keeps his arms to himself. It is a short ball, angled across the left-hander. Zadran throws his blade at it but misses.

Hume goes full again, wide outside off. Nabi drives it gently towards covers and rotates the strike.

Fuller, wide outside off. Nabi reaches out and pushes it towards sweeper cover. They take two.

Graham Hume nails his wide yorker this time. Nabi shuffles across and tries to dig it out but misses it completely.

Change. Graham Hume comes back into the attack to bowl the penultimate over.

Back-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Mohammad Nabi waits for it and guides it down to third man. He gets off the mark with a single.

Mohammad Nabi is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Josh Little strikes and gets his second wicket. He persists with the short ball, on off. Ibrahim Zadran shuffles across and tries to scoop it away. It hits his gloves and goes to the keeper. Lorcan Tucker makes no mistake behind the sticks.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran uses the pace really well this time. Back of a length, on the bodyline. Ibrahim Zadran stays back and pulls it towards fine leg. It takes a couple of bounce into the ropes.

FOUR! Up and over! A short ball, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and flays it over mid off for a boundary.

Good length, around the hips. Najibullah Zadran pulls it behind square on the leg side and gets a single.

Josh Little comes from 'round the wicket and serves a short ball, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran punches it to mid off. They take one.

Change. Josh Little is back into the attack now for his final over.

SIX! BANG! This maximum spoils the over for Gareth Delany. It is short, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran stays back and dispatches it over the square leg fence.

A single now as this is pushed to cover.

Short again, outside off. Najibullah Zadran cuts it aerially towards deep point. It is in the air for a while but dies before the fielder in the deep.

Gareth Delany drags his length back, outside off. Najibullah Zadran cuts it hard through covers and collects a brace.

Nicely bowled! A googly now, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and tries to cut it away but misses.

Floated and full, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran drives it to covers for a single.

Change. Gareth Delany is back into the attack now.

A single now as this is worked to covers. 9 runs off the over.

Really good running! A short ball, on off. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The batters push hard for two and get it in the end. It could've been a risky run but the fielder wasn't quite quick enough.

Adair serves a slower short ball, on off. Ibrahim Zadran tries to glide it over backward point but fails to connect.

Good length, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran mistimes his pull to the right of the keeper. They cross.

A short ball, around middle. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep square leg. Graham Hume is quick to react in the deep and keeps it down to just one.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran has come out with an intent here. It is full, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran reaches out and lofts it over extra covers. One bounce and over the ropes.

Change. Mark Adair is back on.

Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is nudged on the leg side for two.

Another single as this is pushed towards cover.

A single as this is pulled towards mid-wicket for one.

On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Zadran is beaten as he tries to pull.

SIX! Over the fence! This is short and on middle, it is pulled hard and over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

On off, this is pushed to covers for one.

Change. Graham Hume is back on.

FOUR! In the gap! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for a boundary.

On middle, defended.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! That is a superb catch! The dangerous Zazai falls and at the right time for Ireland! A lovely slower oe outside off, Zazai is foxed by the lack of pace. He looks to hold his shot but it goes off the top edge towards short third man where Stirling dives forward and takes a really good catch.

Shorter and outside off, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

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

Change. Fionn Hand (2-0-22-0) is back on now.

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

A single as this is hit down to long on.

On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

A loud appeal but turned down! On middle, Zadran looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. Maybe a little too high.

On the bounce this time! On middle, this is pulled hard but on the bounce to long on for one.

SIX! Just over! Tossed up on middle, Zazai lifts it high and over the long on fielder for a biggie. A good start to the over, pressure on the bowler.

Short ball, on off. Zazai pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Back of a length, on off. This one flies off the deck. Hazratullah Zazai sways away from the line of the delivery. The umpire signals a wide.

Good length, on the body. Zadran taps it to mid on for a single.

Fraction short, on off. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Zazai pulls this short ball to square leg for one.

Ibrahim Zadran walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Finally, Ireland manage to break the partnership! Gurbaz falls but he has played a good knock after a couple of failures. A short one, good pacey short one. Gurbaz looks to pull but the ball gets big on him. It goes off the top edge towards short third man where it is taken easily by Adair.

Well bowled and well played in the end! Zazai moves away and he is followed with a yorker, it is jammed out through square leg for one.

Change. Josh Little (2-0-11-0) is back into the attack now.

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

Good stop but the single is not stopped! On off, this is hit hard towards the bowler who sticks a hand out. He makes a half stop. A run taken.

Another single as this is worked through mid-wicket.

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

Outside off, this is hit through covers for one more.

On middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Good length and on off, this is guided to point. FIFTY up for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He has been in incredible form with the blade.

DRINKS! Good so far from Afghanistan. They began slowly but now have stepped on the accelerator. More of the same is what they will be hoping for. Ireland on the other hand, need wickets or they will be chasing a big score.

SIX! High and handsome. It looks like this has also left the ground. Full length, on off. Gurbaz steps down the track and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Hand serves it full, on off. Gurbaz blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is on a roll here! A short ball, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it late and cuts it through the gap at point for a boundary.

WIDE! A sharp bouncer this time, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it and the umpire signals a wide.

FOUR! Short and punished. Back of a length, this one lands on off and nips in off the deck. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and pulls it powerfully square on the leg side. It races away to the boundary.

It is fuller, wide outside off. Hazratullah Zazai reaches out and works it to mid off. The batters cross for a single.

A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on! Shorter, Gurbaz ducks under it.

WIDE! This is down the leg side. Wided.

FOUR! Third boundary in the over! On middle, this is pulled over mid-wicket for another boundary. Runs flowing now.

FOUR! Short and outside off, it is cut over third man for a boundary.

FOUR! That is a lovely shot! Fuller and outside off, it is lofted over cover for a boundary.

On middle, this is hit down towards long on, does not carry so just the one.

On off, this is pushed to cover.

Two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

That has been hit hard but only for one! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled hard through mid-wicket for one.

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

Shorter and outside off, Gurbaz looks to cut but misses.

On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

On off, this is pushed to cover.

A dot to end! Tidy from Delany. On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Lovely shot! The slog sweep is out, it is played over short fine leg and into the fence.

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

Around off, this is cut to point.

On the stumps, Gurbaz is solid in defense. It goes towards mid-wicket for one.

On middle, this is defended.

Change. Gareth Delany comes into the attack now.

FOUR! The Powerplay ends with a boundary! A sedate one for Afghanistan! They are 41 for 0. Outside off, this is slapped through covers.

On off, this is guided to point for one.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

A single as this is pushed towards cover.

Confusion but safe! Outside off, Zazai slashes but misses. The keeper fumbles, Gurbaz wants a run but is sent back.

FOUR! That is the hit-me ball! Shorter and outside off, Zazai cuts it through point and it races away to the fence.

A single as this is nudged on the leg side.

Change of ends for Graham Hume. He is back into the attack as he replaces Josh Little.

Shorter and around off, this is guided to point.

FOUR! That has been hammered! Full and outside off, a half volley, this is smashed through covers for a boundary.

Shorter and around off, this is guided to point.

On middle, stays a touch low. Zazai looks to pull but misses.

Two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for two.

Swing and a miss! Shorter and on middle, Zazai looks to pull but misses.

A ripper to end the over! It is a length ball, outside off, angled across the right-hander. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across and lets it be. 8 runs off the over, a good one for Afghanistan.

Fraction short, on off. Zazai mistimes his pull to mid-wicket for one.

Length ball, on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to square leg for one.

Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! Hard luck for Ireland but Fionn Hand puts in a valiant effort to get to this high ball. It is a length ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays inside his crease and pulls it over mid on. Fionn Hand stationed there leaps high, but is unable to get to the ball. It races away to the boundary.

A short ball, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket. It lands safely and they take two as there is protection in the deep.

Around off, this is guided to short third man. An excellent start from Hume.

Shorter yet again and outside off, Zazai looks to cut it but misses.

Good length and on off, Zazai looks to cut but misses.

Beaten! Length and on off, this lands and moves away. Zazai is beaten as he tries to defend.

On off, this is guided to point for one.

Good length and on off, defended.

Change. Graham Hume comes into the attack now. He is on his debut, will he be able to grab the opportunity with both hands?

A dot to end then! A good over from Little! On a length and around off, this is guided to point.

WIDE! Another extra as this is also bowled down the leg side.

Leading edge but lands short! On middle, Zazai looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early, it goes off a soft leading edge towards cover. Lands short.

On off, this is pushed to cover for one.

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

On off, defended.

Little gets away with one! This is short and outside off, it is cut but the fielder at point, Curtis Campher dives to his left and makes a good stop.

Josh Little to share the new ball.

FOUR! Cut away! Gurbaz is off the mark in style and it is a very expensive first over by Adair! Short and outside off, Gurbaz cuts it past point and this races away to the fence.

Good length and on off, defended.

Quite watchful from Gurbaz to begin with! Outside off, shaping away. Left alone.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to covers.

A full ball on off, shaping away, Gurbaz drives it to mid off.

Zazai is off the mark! On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! Another one down the leg side. Wided again. Fortunately this one does not run away.

FIVE WIDES! That is the worst possible start for Adair and Ireland! Swing for him but the ball is way down the leg side. This swings away further, past the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence.

The match is set to begin. The Ireland players are seen to be in a huddle before they take their respective fielding positions. Followed by Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz who walk out to open for Afghanistan. Mark Adair to start with the new ball. Here we go...

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

Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand (On T20I debut) (In for Andy McBrine), Mark Adair, Graham Hume (On T20I debut) (In for Barry McCarthy), Josh Little.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of Ireland. They have opted to field first.

One win can do wonders! After quite a few losses on the trot, Ireland have won two in a row and they are now one win away from sealing the series with two games to go. A close fought win was followed by a dominant performance by the hosts and their confidence will be on cloud 9 at the moment. They’ll be eager to wrap the series up and with the form they are in, you can’t bet against them. One thing is for sure though, Afghanistan will come hard at them. They will be hurting from their last loss and will want to bag their first win of the tour and what better to do so in a must-win game for them. Will they be able to do so? We shall find out soon. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates..