Published: Mar 10, 2017, 01:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 10, 2017, 06:29 PM (IST)
Hello and welcome to live cricket score and updates of the second T20I of the three-match series between Afghanistan and Ireland at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. I am Abhishek Kumar, and I will be live-blogging about this crackerjack of a contest. Meanwhile, our correspondent and a fellow Jharkhand citizen, Aditya Sahay, will be covering the contest from the venue, giving us live happenings of this battle between the Associate Nations. Not that I am jealous (maybe I am), but Aditya got the opportunity to take selfies with Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, and Rashid Khan. Come to think of it, he finally made good use of his front camera. (Do not judge me. I have a photograph with VVS Laxman.) Full Cricket Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd T20I at Greater Noida
The first match saw Afghanistan batsmen reduce Ireland bowlers to rubble. They chased down 166 runs in a matter of 20 overs, losing only 4 wickets. No. 3 batsman Samiullah Shenwari was adjudged Man of the Match for his 36-ball 56. However, it was openers Mohammad Shahzad and Najeeb Tarakai who blasted 51 runs off 5 overs to lay a rather solid foundation for the batsmen to come. On the other hand, barring Mohammad Nabi, all the batsmen hit at least a six including Shafiqullah finishing things off in style with a massive heave over deep mid-wicket.
Ireland stalwart Kevin O’Brien leaked as many as 52 runs off his 4-over quota, the worst bowling figures of the match. For Ireland, Ami Hamza picked up 2 wickets, conceding only 23 runs. AFG vs IRE, 2nd T20I preview: Stanikzai and co. look to seal series
However, the wicket was as flat as it can be. And the way Afghanistan batted, they made it look like a featherbed. But let us not disregard the fact that their bowlers mixed up their pace and did a commendable job keeping Ireland at bay on such track.
Now that Afghanistan have a lead, they will look to win the second contest and seal the series 2-0. Ireland, on the other hand, will have to play out of their skin to level the series, for Afghanistan have been in a terrific form of late. Shenwari, Shahzad star in Afghanistan’s victory vs Ireland in 1st T20I
Squads:
Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad (c & wk), Fareed Ahmed, Aftab Alam, Usman Ghani, Hamza Hotak, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Shafiqullah Shafaq, Samiullah Shenwari, Najeeb Tarakai, Dawlat Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Afsar Zazai.
Ireland: William Porterfield (c), George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Jacob Mulder, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Greg Thompson, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young.
Full Cricket Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd T20I at Greater Noida
