Published: Mar 30, 2017, 07:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 30, 2017, 12:19 PM (IST)
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan took five wickets as Ireland slipped to 170/7 in the first innings in reply to Afghanistan’s 558/8 declared by close of play on the second day of their crucial ICC Intercontinental Cup clash here on Wednesday. Mohammad Nabi made the initial breakthrough and, following a strong 117-run stand between Ed Joyce (45) and Andy Balbirnie (62), Rashid effected a dramatic collapse, according of an International Cricket Council’s (ICC) release. The online streaming of this match will be available on ICC’s official YouTube channel.
John Anderson (10) and Andy McBrine (0) were at the crease when the day’s play was called off. Earlier, Afghanistan resuming the day at 357/6, extended Ireland’s toil by a session and a half before finally declaring. Asghar Stanikzai (145), Afsar Zazai (103) and Mohammad Shahzad (85) were the major contributors for Afghanistan’s cause. For Ireland, George Dockrell scalped three wickets while Andy McBrine and John Anderson took two wickets each.
The final session belonged entirely to Afghanistan bowlers who, after getting hammered by the Joyce-Balbirnie duo, got back at them with flawless bowling. Zahir Khan broke the partnership. Balbirnie fell for 62, edging one to short-leg. Joyce followed him the next over for 45, getting out for lbw off a Rashid Khan delivery.
Rashid Khan did not let the middle order score post Joyce’s wicket as he kept on picking wickets in regular intervals. Only Niall O’Brien (17) and Anderson (10*) managed to get to double-digit scores. While Garry Wilson departed for 4, both George Dockrell and Paul Stirling fell for respective ducks. Rashid ended day with a 5-for and successfully reduced Ireland to 170 for 7, bringing Afghanistan back on top of the game.
