Afghanistan drub Ireland by 138 runs in 1st ODI

Afghanistan continued their splendid run in the world of cricket as they drubbed Ireland by a massive 138 runs in the first of the three-match ODI series at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday. With Rahmat Shah and Nasir Jamal having already smashed twin half-centuries, it was Mujeeb Zadran’s four-wicket haul which flattened the Irish batting order as they succumbed to a monstrous defeat. While Ireland’s Boyd Rankin claimed four for 44 during the Afghan innings, it was skipper William Porterfield with a score of 35. Only three Irish batsmen could get into the double figures. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Afghanistan vs Ireland in UAE 2017-18, 1st ODI at Sharjah

Earlier, Ireland won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat first, as they were off to a decent start. Especially Shah and Jamal put up a healthy stand of 105 for the thid wicket, before both fell for 50 and 53 respectively. Later, it was Rashid Khan, who too played a cameo innings of 48, as Afghanistan finished on a fair total of 238 for the loss of nine wickets. Tim Murtagh claimed three for 28, while Rankin was the star of the Irish bowling attack.

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In reply, Ireland were off to a shaky start, as they lo0st the opening wicket of Paul Stirling with just a run on the board. The incoming batsmen too could not hold up to the lethal bowling attack of Afghanistan as the team was eventually bowled out for mere 100 within 31.4 overs. Rashid claimed three for 28, while Mujeeb was the star of the Afghan bowling attack.

Brief scores

Afghanistan 238 for 9 in 50 overs (Rahmat Shah 50; Nasir Jamal 53; Boyd Rankin 4 for 44, Tim Murtagh 3 for 28) beat Ireland 100 in 31.4 overs (William Porterfield 35; Mujeeb Zadran 4 for 24, Rashid Khan 3 for 28) by 138 runs.