Published: Mar 08, 2017, 05:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 09, 2017, 12:49 PM (IST)
In the first game of the three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and Ireland, played at the former’s adopted home turf Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, the made a mockery the opposition’s bowling attack and registered a comprehensive 6-wicket victory. Mohammad Shahzad and Samiullah Shenwari led from the front after their side required 166 for victory, knocking off a huge chunk of Ireland’s total. The second game will also be played on the same ground on Friday, with Ireland eager to level the series. Opting to bat, Ireland lost their first wicket early in form of Paul Stirling who went for nought. Nonetheless, riding on the back of some superlative performances by Stuart Thompson, and handy knocks from William Porterfield as well as Gary Wilson, Ireland made a competitive 165 for 5 in 20 overs. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Afghanistan vs Ireland, 1st T20I at Greater NOIDA
Porterfield and Thompson put on an 82-run stand for the second wicket in 54 balls with the latter providing much firework. He attacked Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat in particular before being out to Amir Hamza. In fact, it was his brisk half-century which powered Ireland’s total past 150, who had made a shaky start losing Paul Stirling early on. Thompson top scored for Ireland with 56 off 35 balls, studded with 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. However, it was Rashid Khan who brought his side back when introduced into the attack. He got rid of Porterfield, through a run-out, and then got rid of Ireland’s big weapon, Kevin O’Brien for 11.
Rashid finished his quota of overs giving away only 24 runs but Wilson and Lorcan Tucker did not let the momentum shift away. The duo took on Shapoor Zadran and Nabi in the death overs. Irish batsmen had done their job but tables turned soon.
Ireland’s camp’s happiness was short-lived due to Afghanistan’s attacking intents with the bat. Shahzad and Najeeb Tarakai wasted no time in the middle and blasted 51 runs in 5 overs. Tarakai went for 27 but did his job by providing a solid start. Shenwari joined Shahzad at the crease and did not let the Irish bowlers settle. Boundaries were hard to stopped, as the pair added 73 for the second wicket. Crowd were backing the Asian side and were kept busy with the batsmen unleashing their attacking mode. Live Updates SCORECARD: Afghanistan vs Ireland, 1st T20I at Greater NOIDA
Shahzad-Shenwari spoiled Craig Young, George Dockrell and O’Brien’s line and lengths who were guilty of bowling short on a small ground. Against the run of play, Shahzad was involved in a mix-up with Shenwari. Dockrell sent him packing for 47. However, there was no stopping Shenwari as he made a 36-ball 56 to take his side on verge of a comfortable win and earn the Man of the Match award.
This is Afghanistan’s third consecutive triumph versus Ireland in this format. Their earlier two victories came in the inaugural edition of Desert T20 in UAE. Ireland will have to improve on their bowling to stage a comeback in this series.
Brief scores:
Ireland 165 for 5 in 20 overs (Stuart Thompson 56, William Porterfield 39, Gary Wilson 41 ; Amir Hamza 2 for 23, Rashid Khan 1 for 24) lost to Afghanistan 171 for 4 in 18 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 47, Najeeb Tarakai 27, Samiullah Shenwari 56; Kevin O’Brien 1 for 52) by 6 wickets.
Man of the Match: Samiullah Shenwari
