Published: Jul 19, 2016, 01:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 19, 2016, 02:50 PM (IST)
Afghanistan face Ireland in the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) of the series. Catch the live streaming of this match on Afghan Play and Cricket Ireland. This will be the decider and the Afghanistan team currently has the advantage in hand. The first match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to rains. Afghanistan and Ireland won the next two matches alternatively but Afghanistan thrashed the hosts in the fourth ODI and now lead the series 2-1. The last match will now decide if Afghanistan win the series or Ireland manage to draw the series. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Ireland vs Afghanistan 2016, 5th ODI at Belfast
Afghanistan have shown great team spirit as many players turned the saviour throughout the series and helped their side win the matches. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan have been the two most consistent names in the series as they kept on scalping wickets regularly. The two players were the most effective in the last match as they batted really well and delivered match winning performance. The other names upon whom the team will depend for a victory are Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran who are well in form.
For Ireland, it has to be skipper William Porterfield, Ed Joyce and Kevin O’Brien who will be expected to do well with the bat. Among the bowlers are Tim Murtagh, Barry McCarthy while Kevin O’Brien is also expected to scalp a few wickets. The team’s batting has been really disappointing and they need to maintain consistency. Bowling has been consistent which they need to maintain.
