Published: Mar 18, 2017, 05:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 18, 2017, 05:00 PM (IST)
Even St. Patrick’s Day could not prevent Ireland from losing the second of the five-ODI series against Afghanistan. Contrary to Friday’s clash, the Irishmen had never lost an encounter on this day — defeating Pakistan in ICC World Cup 2007 and Zimbabwe in ICC World T20 2014. With this loss, William Porterfield’s side are staring at another another series defeat versus Afghanistan (after T20I whitewash). They, without a shadow of doubt, have to win the remaining three games to surge a remarkable comeback. Nonetheless, with luck betraying them, it looks like a steep task. Live cricket scorecard: Afghanistan vs Ireland, 3rd ODI
Paul Stirling was on the verge of equalling a stunning record during the second ODI versus Afghanistan on Friday. He would have become only the second player to take a six-for and score a hundred — a feat held by England’s Paul Collingwood. However, he was adjudged lbw for 95. Replays suggested that leg-spinner Rashid Khan’s wrong ‘un would have missed the leg-stump. As a result, Stirling unfortunately missed out on a well deserving record. Moreover, Ireland lost the game by 34 runs. This was their fifth straight defeat against the in-form Afghanistan.
Ireland’s wicketkeeper-batsman Gary Wilson came out in the post-match conference. “Thought Paul (Stirling) was very unlucky to get out that way. I really feel he would have gone on and won us the game”, stated the Irishman. This surely states that the team is going through a tough time, for they have not been able to finish off games.
It becomes taxing for any side to comeback hard with string of defeats. Moreover, Ireland have been competitive but lost the plot at crucial junctures. Rashid has inflicted enough pain in their ranks by picking up 19 scalps in 5 games (including 3 T20Is) on the tour. Wilson added that he is a quality bowler and they will again try to play him better in the next encounter.
Whether Rashid’s leg breaks, Amir Hazma’s economical spells, Mohammad Shahzad and Rahmat Shah’s contributions continue to evade Ireland from a win or not, is a question only time will answer. From Ireland’s perspective, they have to battle out their middle-order woes and hope for Stuart Thompson to be their finisher at No. 7. He struck a valiant 37 in the last game and should carry on in same stead. Their bowlers will have to be more disciplined even if the track is conducive for batting.
The second match, also the 3851st ODI, saw the first such instance of two bowlers, Rashid and Stirling, claiming a six-for. Expect more such astonishing records, high-scoring contest and an Irish turnaround to give a new direction to this series.
Squads:
Afghanistan: Asghar Stanikzai (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Fareed Ahmad, Ihsanullah Janat, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Dawlat Zadran, Karim Janat, Aftab Alam.
Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Gary Wilson (wk), Niall O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Ed Joyce, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Jacob Mulder, Tim Murtagh, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young.
Time: 9:30 IST
