Published: Aug 23, 2018, 09:23 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 23, 2018, 09:24 AM (IST)
Afghanistan crushed Ireland by 81 runs in the second T20 International of the three-match series, at Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready. Batting first, Ireland put up a reasonable 160 for 8 despite losing Mohammad Shahzad and Samiullah Shenwari early. Captain Asghar Stanikzai (now Asghar Afghan) then ensured no further wicket fell till the 16th over. From 8 for 2, Asghar (37 in 34 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) helped Hazratullah Zazai put on 116 in 79 balls.
Zazai (82 in 54 balls, 6 fours, 7 sizes) dominated the Afghanistan innings. His sixes were enormous: one landed in the car park; a second landed on the commentary box; and a third found its way to the adjacent gardens. Boyd Rankin, having bothered Zazai with an excellent first over, finished with figures of 4-0-14-2, but there was little he could do on his own.
Mohammad Nabi (12 in 5 balls) and Najibullah Zadran (20 not out in 10) also joined in the fun, and though the last two overs saw only 13 being scored, the damage had already been done.
Ireland were then undone by an excellent bowling performance from Afghanistan: nobody went for over 6.33 an over, while all five bowlers got wickets. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4-0-17-3) struck two early blows before William Porterfield (33) and Gary Wilson (22) added 37. Then Rashid Khan (3-0-17-4) removed both, and that was that. They were bowled out for 79.
Brief scores:
Afghanistan 160 for 8 in 20 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 82, Asghar Stanikzai 37; Boyd Rankin 2 for 14, Peter Chase 3 for 35) beat Ireland 79 in 15 overs (William Porterfield 33; Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3 for 17, Rashid Khan 4 for 17) by 81 runs.
