Afghanistan spoil Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day
Afghanistan continues their brilliant recent form by defeating Ireland by 34 runs in their latest ODI clash in Greater Noida.
Afghanistan 338 (Stanikzai 101, Rahmat 68, Shahzad 63. Stirling 6/55) defeat Ireland 304 (Stirling 95, Joyce 55. Rashid Khan 6/43, Dawlat 3/52) by 34 runs.
A match full of brilliant individual performances has seen a terrific contest end with another win for Afghanistan as their confidence continues to grow.
18 Year Old Leg Spinner Rashid Khan continued his rise after taking his 18th wicket in 4 games across all formats against Ireland in the current series by claiming 6/43 a career best. As cited (RS).
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first and thanks to run-scoring machine Mohammad Shahzad and Noor Ali Zadran got them on the front foot. Both posted a 90 run opening stand before Shahzad was trapped in front by Dockrell for a typical 63 off 43 balls. Shortly after Zadran was run out which brought Rahmat Shah and captain Asghar Stanikzai to the crease to continue to attack the Irish bowlers. Both combined for a 96 run 3rd wicket stand before Shah departed. Ireland picked up wickets in succession not before Stanikzai brought up his maiden ODI ton and was dismissed 1 run shy of the 300 mark. A late cameo from Shafiqullah 35 off 17 balls gave Afghanistan a total of 338. Paul Stirling taking career best figures of 6/55 off his 10 overs. Rahmat Shah who scored 68 was his third consecutive fifty in One Day Internationals.
