Afghanistan Vs Ireland 1st T20I - Afghanistan and Ireland in India, 3 T20I Series, 2017 - summary

The Afghan bowlers had an off day as one of their main bowlers, Mohammad Nabi gave away 48 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Amir Hamza and Rashid Khan were pick of the bowlers. The former scalped two wickets and gave away just 23 runs while the former took one wicket and affected two run outs. The quickies were expensive too. With 166 to chase, the hosts will need Shahzad to fire up top. Stay tuned for the chase!

Porterfield was looking good in the middle before he got run out. The game was set beautifully for Kevin O'Brien and Gary Wilson to launch from. However, the former was struggling out in the middle as the Afghan spinners pulled the game back in their favour. But, Wilson stayed till the very end and finished the innings on high, scoring 41 off just 27!

39 runs in the last three overs ensured that Ireland cross the 160-run mark and finish on high. They were pushed on the back foot in the first over itself as they saw the back of Paul Stirling. However, from then onwards it was all Ireland. The experiment of opening with Stuart Thompson worked wonders for them as he went on to score his maiden T20I fifty and added 82 runs for the second wicket with his skipper, William Porterfield.

Mohammad Nabi to Gary Wilson, out, 2 runs, OUT! Full delivery in the line of the stumps, Wilson drives it through the mid-wicket region. The players run a couple. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end and the bowler does not collect the throw. Wilson calls for a third and the fielder from the cover region has a throw at the striker's end this time. Shahzad collects it well and dislodges the bails quickly. Tucker has to walk back to the hut as the Irishmen tried to steal the third. He was way out. IRELAND END ON 165/5.

Mohammad Nabi to Gary Wilson, SIX, SIX! In the arc! Tossed up delivery into the stumps, Wilson slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket region for a biggie. That goes far into the stands. Powerful hitting by Wilson.

Mohammad Nabi to Lorcan Tucker, 1 run, Another reverse sweep this time, the ball goes towards the fielder at point. The batsmen manage to pick up a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Wilson lofts it down the ground towards long on for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Gary Wilson, 2 runs, Slow and outside off, Wilson punches it through the cover region for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Gary Wilson, no run, Full and wide outside off, Wilson goes for a big hit but is beaten by the line of the ball.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Again a short delivery into the stumps, Wilson pulls it through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, 2 runs, Free hit delivery, pitched short in the line of the stumps, Wilson stays in his crease and mistimes his pull through mid on for a couple.

Free hit coming up...

Shapoor Zadran to Lorcan Tucker, no ball, 1 run, No ball! Beamer outside off, Tucker tries to throw his bat at it but is unable to make contact. The ball hits the keeper's pads and goes towards the short fine leg region. The players call for a bye and the fielder from square leg covers some distance and throws at the non-striker's end. He hits and the umpire goes upstairs to check for a run out. Replays show that Tucker was in just in time to complete the run.

The umpire have gone upstairs for a run out appeal.

Shapoor Zadran to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR, FOUR! Short delivery into the body, Tucker pulls it away powerfully through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Shapoor Zadran to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR, FOUR! Super stroke! In the line of the stumps, Tucker covers his stumps and scoops it over the keeper's head for a boundary. Brave shot by the batsman.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Full into the stumps, Wilson blocks it right in front of the stumps and runs a quick single. Zadran tried to reach it quickly but the non-striker was really quick.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, FOUR, FOUR! Full toss way outside off, Wilson throws his bat to it and guides it over the point region for a boundary. Easy pickings!

Rashid Khan to Lorcan Tucker, no run, Short and angling into the pads, Tucker gets to the pitch of the ball and pushes it back to the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Flipper outside off, Wilson tucks it towards point for a single.

Rashid Khan to Lorcan Tucker, 1 run, Outside off, spinning away. Tucker reverse sweeps it fine down the off side for a single.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Full around off, Wilson eases it through the mid on region for a single.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, 2 runs, Full outside off, Wilson drives it through the cover region for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, FOUR, FOUR! Full outside off, Wilson sweeps it through the square leg region for a boundary. He read the line of the ball really early and made it look easy.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Full toss outside off, Wilson drives it straight through the cover region for a single.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, no run, Full and wide outside off, Wilson guides it towards the fielder at point.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, no run, Full outside off, moves away, beats Wilson in his defence. Superb delivery that!

Shapoor Zadran to Lorcan Tucker, 1 run, Outside off, played to point for a single.

Shapoor Zadran to Lorcan Tucker, no run, Slower one! Tucker fails to pick it and goes through with his pull but misses it completely.

Shapoor Zadran to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Full outside off, pushed in the cover region for a single.

Karim Janat to Lorcan Tucker, no run, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Karim Janat to Gary Wilson, 1 run, The batsman drives this through the covers. One run added to the total.

Karim Janat to Lorcan Tucker, leg byes, 1 run, Leg bye! On the pads, Tucker misses his flick. The ball goes off the pads on the leg side for a leg bye.

Karim Janat to Lorcan Tucker, 2 runs, Short delivery outside off, cut away through square on the off side for a brace.

Karim Janat to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Full outside off, driven through covers for a single.

Karim Janat to Gary Wilson, FOUR, FOUR! Angling into the pads, Wilson kneels down and paddles it fine past short fine leg for a boundary.

Rashid Khan to Lorcan Tucker, no run, Outside off, played to point.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Driven to long on for a single.

Rashid Khan to Lorcan Tucker, 1 run, The batsman has driven it through mid off. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Lorcan Tucker is the new man in!

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, out, OUT! Huge wicket! Leg spinner outside off, O'Brien charges down the wicket. Fails to pick the leg break and also doesn't get to the pitch of the ball. Misses it completely and Shahzad behind the stumps collects the ball calmly and takes the bails off. Big wicket for Afghanistan as you know how dangerous can O'Brien be in death!

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, 1 run, On the pads, worked on the leg side for a single.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, no run, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Amir Hamza to Kevin O'Brien, 2 runs, O'Brien gets to the pitch of the ball and goes over the covers for a brace.

Amir Hamza to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

Amir Hamza to Gary Wilson, 2 runs, Floated on middle, swept to deep mid-wicket for two.

Amir Hamza to Kevin O'Brien, leg byes, 1 run, Flatter on the pads, O'Brien fails to flick and it goes off off his pads to short fine leg. A leg bye taken.

Amir Hamza to Gary Wilson, 1 run, Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.

Amir Hamza to Kevin O'Brien, 1 run, Around the pads, flicked to deep square leg for one.

Amir Hamza is called back into the attack.

Rashid Khan to Gary Wilson, no run, Flighted ball on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, 1 run, Short outside off, punched square of the wicket on the off side for a single.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, no run, Served outside off, Kevin looks to defend but gets an outside edge to point.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, no run, Served around off, turning away, O'Brien fails to pick it and is beaten in his defence.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, no run, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Gary Wilson walks out next to the middle.

Rashid Khan to William Porterfield, out, 2 runs, Drama in the middle! Porterfield has to walk back! Full outside off, pushed through covers. Porterfield comes back for second. The player at sweeper cover picks up the ball and hurls it to the striker's end. Hits but Porterfield is well in. The ball takes a deflection in the mid-wicket region. Seeing that, Porterfield calls for third. Rashid Khan the bowler, runs towards the ball and throws at the bowler's end. He hits too! The umpires then have check upstairs. The replays show that Porterfield didn't make it in with his full-stretched dive!

The players have gone upstairs for a run out appeal.

Karim Janat to Kevin O'Brien, no run, Slower one outside off, Kevin comes ahead but is beaten by the lack of pace.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, 1 run, Full around off, eased on to long off for a single.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, no run, Fuller on middle and leg, WP comes forward to clip but gets squared up. Gets off the leading edge to point.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, no run, Full and angling across, keeps low as well. Porterfield is beaten in his drive. Shahzad does well behind the stumps!

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, FOUR, FOUR! Innovation at its best! Fuller delivery on middle, Porterfield gets across and paddle scoops it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Karim Janat to Kevin O'Brien, 1 run, On a length outside off, driven on the up through covers for a single.

Karim Janat is back into the attack.

Rashid Khan to William Porterfield, 2 runs, Served around middle and leg, William leans ahead and clips it through mid-wicket. Shafiqullah runs towards the ball. Goes for the one-hand pickup but misses. Gives away an extra run as the batsmen run through for a couple.

Rashid Khan to William Porterfield, no run, Loud shout for lbw! Around leg, straightening a bit, WP looks to defend it off the front foot but gets hit high on the pads. The ball lobs in the silly point region. There's a loud appeal for lbw but turned down. Height maybe the factor!

Rashid Khan to William Porterfield, 2 runs, Short delivery, sliding away from the southpaw, Porterfield backs away and slaps through covers for a couple.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, 1 run, A touch shorter around off, punched off the back foot to long on for a single.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, FOUR, FOUR! Served full around off, O'Brien backs away a touch, kneels down and goes inside out over extra cover for a boundary.

Rashid Khan to Kevin O'Brien, no run, Slides it quicker on the leg pole, driven back to the bowler.

Rashid Khan is into the attack!

Amir Hamza to Kevin O'Brien, 1 run, Floated outside off, Kevin O'Brien drives it through the cover region for a single.

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, 1 run, Floated outside off, Porterfied punches it off the back foot for a single.

Kevin O'Brien walks in next!

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, out, OUT! Short delivery in the line of the stumps, Thompson dances down the track and lofts it over the mid-wicket region. The ball does not come off from the middle. Zadran the fielder at long on rushes towards his left to take a fine running catch. Thompson's beautiful innings comes to an end and he has to walk back to the hut. Hamza finally gets a very important breakthrough. End of a 82-run stand.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, 2 runs, Full in the line of the stumps, Thompson lofts it over the mid off region for a couple.

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, 1 run, Again on the pads, William clips it down the leg side for a single.

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, FOUR, FOUR! Innovation! Floated down the leg side, Porterfield gets the broom out of his bag and reverse sweeps it through the point region for a boundary.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, no run, Again outside off, Thompson cannot reach it again.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, no run, Wide outside off, Thompson tries to reach at it but the ball was too far for him.

Maiden T20I fifty for Stuart Thompson!

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, SIX, SIX! What a way to get to the fifty! Short delivery in the line of the stumps, Thompson stands deep in his crease and pulls it powerfully over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, 1 run, Full outside off, Thompson eases it down towards long off for a single.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Angling across again, William pushes it through the mid off region for a single.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, 1 run, Short delivery angling across, Porterfield dances down the track and pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, 2 runs, Angling into the stumps, Thompson clips it through the mid-wicket region for a couple.

There is a halt in play as the powerful straight drive from Thompson hit Hamza on his legs. The physios are out to treat him. Meanwhile, the other players hydrate themselves as the conditions are very hot out there!

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, 2 runs, Full outside off, Thompson guides it powerfully down the ground. The bowler stretches his leg out to stop it and saves a certain boundary. The ball deflects down the ground and the batsmen pick up a couple.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, no run, Full into the pads, Thompson is unable to clip it off his pads.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, no run, Down the leg side, Thompson tries to clip it but misses. The ball hits him on the pads.

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, 1 run, Full delivery again, Porterfield clips it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Full in the line of the stumps, Thompson clips it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Amir Hamza is back in for a bowl.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Short and wide outside off, Thompson guides it towards the third man region for a single.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Full and smashed! Full delivery in the line of the stumps, Thompson stays in his crease and powerfully drives it down the ground for a boundary. No fielder could stop that.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, 2 runs, Length delivery angling into the stumps, Thompson lofts it over the mid-wicket region for a couple.

Karim Janat to William Porterfield, 1 run, Angling into the pads, Porterfield clips it through the square leg region for a single.

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Short and wide outside off, Thompson guides it towards third man for a single.

50-run stand between Thompson and Porterfield!

Karim Janat to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, the width allows Thompson to cut it elegantly through backward point for a boundary. With this, 50 runs up for Ireland as well as the 50-run stand between Thompson and his skipper, Porterfield!

Karim Janat will bowl the next over.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, 2 runs, Short into the stumps, Porterfield makes room and punches it through covers. The cover fielder cannot stop it and the batsmen manage to pick up a couple of runs. Brilliant over for Ireland as 21 runs come off it.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, FOUR, FOUR! Easy pickings! Again it's short, Porterfield camps back and pulls it powerfully through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, FOUR, FOUR! Width on offer and punished! Short delivery outside off, William stays in his crease and punches it powerfully through the extra cover region for a boundary.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Full in the line of the stumps, Thompson sweeps it towards the fielder at short fine leg. Zadran there, makes a half stop and a single it taken!

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, SIX, SIX! BIGGIE! Tossed up in the line of the stumps, Thompson reads the line well, gets to the pitch of the ball and smacks it over the bowler's head for a maximum. First one of the match! He is taking the charge!

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Top Shot! Short delivery, Thompson waits for it and pulls it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Shapoor Zadran to William Porterfield, 2 runs, Back of a length delivery outside off, Porterfield pulls it through the mid-wicket region. Shafiqullah covers some distance from deep square leg and dives towards his right to save the boundary. The batsmen manage to run two.

Shapoor Zadran to William Porterfield, no run, Down the leg side this time, WP dances down the track and tries to clip it over the in-field on the leg side. He is beaten by the pace and the ball hits him on the pads. Zadran gives the ball a chase and kicks it towards the striker's end.

Shapoor Zadran to William Porterfield, no run, Slinging in from a length outside off, William shuffles and punches it to mid on.

Shapoor Zadran to William Porterfield, no run, Full delivery outside off, Porterfield drives it powerfully down the ground but straight to the fielder at mid off.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Angling into the stumps from a fuller length, Thompson eases it down the ground for a quick single towards mid on.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, no run, Full delivery angling into the stumps, Thompson clips it towards the fielder at mid on.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Down the leg side, Stuart clips it through the mid-wicket region for a single. Good comeback by Nabi, just 4 from it!

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, 1 run, Floated outside off, William comes down the track and drives it through mid off for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, no run, Tossed up outside off, Porterfield uppishly drives it towards the fielder at covers.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Into the pads, Thompson clips it fine down the leg side for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, no run, Angling into the stumps, Stuart stays in his crease and defends it.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, 1 run, Fuller delivery outside off, Porterfield drives it through the mid off region for a single.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, no run, Length delivery outside off, Stuart drives it towards the cover-point region. Nabi from covers dives to his right and saves a certain boundary.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, no run, Good length delivery outside off, Thompson punches it towards the fielder at point.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Down the leg side, ST clips it beautifully through the square leg region. The fielder from deep mid-wicket tries to cut it off with a dive but the ball wins the race. Another boundary for Thompson.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, no run, Good comeback delivery by Zadran. Good length delivery outside off, Thompson tries to cut it but he is beaten there.

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Overpitched delivery angling into the stumps, Thompson stays in his crease and drives it beautifully through the extra cover region for a boundary. Brilliant shot!

Shapoor Zadran to Stuart Thompson, no run, Full outside off, Stuart drives it straight towards the fielder at covers.

Shapoor Zadran is into the attack now!

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, no run, Porterfield prods forward and defends the last ball of the over. Good over for Ireland, 11 runs from it!

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, FOUR, FOUR! Good shot! Short delivery spinning in from outside off, William camps back and punches it through the mid on region for a boundary. First boundary for the captain.

Mohammad Nabi to William Porterfield, no run, Spinning into the stumps, Porterfield stays in his crease and defends it well.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, 3 runs, Full into the stumps, Stuart clips it through the mid-wicket region for a triple.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, no run, Outside off, Thompson gets behind the line of the delivery to defend it.

Mohammad Nabi to Stuart Thompson, FOUR, FOUR! Misfield! Tossed up outside off, Thompson drives it through covers. the fielder cannot stop it and the ball races away to the fence for a boundary.

Spin from both ends as Mohammad Nabi will share the new ball.

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, no run, Clipped with the angle to mid-wicket. What a start by Hamza! Just one run and wicket from it!

Amir Hamza to William Porterfield, no run, On the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

William Porterfield will bat at number 3!

Amir Hamza to Paul Stirling, out, OUT! EARLY STRIKE! Quicker through the air in the line of stumps, Stirling goes for the sweep shot. Misses and the ball goes on to hit the timber. Superb start for Afghanistan! Stirling is disappointed!

Amir Hamza to Paul Stirling, no run, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, 1 run, Served fuller outside off, pushed to mid off for a single. First runs on board!

Amir Hamza to Stuart Thompson, no run, Flatter around middle and off, defended off the back foot.

The players are out in the middle. Paul Stirling and Stuart Thompson will open the batting for Ireland. Amir Hamza will start the proceedings with the ball.

Afghanistan captain, Asghar Stanikzai says that the surface looks dry. Adds that he would like to restrict Ireland to 150. He is happy to come into the series with a winning momentum and see the his team full of confidence.

Ireland captain, William Porterfield says that the pitch is really a good one to bat on, so he feels that batting initially would be easier for them. Also adds that this track will be the best track of this series. States that they would look to post a total above the 160-run mark which should be a competitive total.

Toss - Ireland win the toss and elect to bat first.

Pitch Report - Chetan Sharma says that he can see some cracks on the pitch. Adds that there is a pinch of grass which would make the cracks keep intact for the initial phase. Opines that fast bowlers won't get much help from the deck as compared to the spinners. Ends by saying that it is a spinner's paradise.

Hello and a warm welcome for the first match of the 3-match T20I series between Afghanistan and Ireland. The home side have been in terrific form and will like to keep their winning momentum going as they host a long series in Greater Noida (India), which happens to be their adopted home ground. Ireland, on the other hand, will look for revenge to their 10-wicket loss against the Pashtuns in the final of the Desert T20 Challenge. Expect it to be a cracker! Stay tuned for the toss.

So that concludes the first game! Afghanistan win it comfortably and take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. The next game is going to be a do-or-die for the Irishmen. They would look to improve their bowling and bounce back hard. Whereas the hosts would look to build on this victory. The second game takes place on 10th March at 1400 local time (0830 GMT). Till then, take care! Cheers!

Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Stanikzai feels that the wicket was looking good throughout, which made batting easy for them. Opines that the opposition fell short of 25-30 runs on a deck such as this which favoured the batsmen. Adds that the first game is always important in any series and he is really happy to win it.

Ireland skipper, William Porterfield says that his team didn't build on the start they got. Praises the Afghan batsmen by saying that they played well and struck the ball cleanly. He feels that his run out changed the momentum of their innings. Feels that they could have got to 180 easily and also that the bowling could have been a bit better. Ends up by saying that it's just the first match and there were a lot of positives to take from it.

Man of the Match, Samiullah Shenwari thanks the almighty for his performance today. Applauds his coach and the skipper for giving him the confidence when he needed it the most. Adds that he would like to keep up his performance level high. Ends by saying he enjoyed his batting today.

None of the Irish bowlers were that effective as they hardly could keep the runs in check. Kevin O'Brien managed to get a wicket but he was hammered all round the park, conceding 52 off his 4-overs quota. By the time Stuart Thompson and Craig Young chipped in with a wicket each, the game had already tilted in the favour of the hosts.

Shenwari came in next and started off in the fourth gear directly as he hammered three boundaries in the first three balls and then 56 runs off only 36 balls. Mohammad Shahzad also batted well smashing 47 off 41 balls. The top order took the game out of the opposition's hands and skipper Stanikzai walked in to see his team through to the finish line.

An entertaining performance by the Afghanistani batsmen help them to take a lead of 1-0 in the 3-match T20I series. They were on top of the game from the very first over. The openers managed to get their team to a flying start where they scored 51 runs before losing Najeeb Tarakai on the last ball of the fifth over.

Craig Young to Shafiqullah, SIX, SIX! Finishes it off in style! Full and in the line of the stumps, Shafiqullah kneels down and slogs it way over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. What a way to win the match! AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 6 WICKETS AND WITH 2 OVERS TO SPARE!

Shafiqullah is the next man in.

Craig Young to Mohammad Nabi, out, OUT! With just a run needed to win, Nabi looks to finish it in style. Full delivery, angling into the pads, Nabi clips it uppishly. Dockrell at short mid-wicket takes another good catch to his left. Nabi has to walk back!

Craig Young to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Full on middle and off, dug out to long on for a single. SCORES ARE LEVEL!

Craig Young to Mohammad Nabi, 1 run, Another back of a length delivery, dragged to deep square leg for a single.

Craig Young to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Short delivery, pulled on the leg side for a single.

Craig Young to Asghar Stanikzai, no run, Length delivery outside off, Stanikzai sways at it and ends up missing!

Craig Young is back for a bowl.

Stuart Thompson to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Outside off, played to point for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Asghar Stanikzai, no run, Pitched outside off, AS misses his punch!

Mohammad Nabi walks out.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, out, OUT! Shenwari departs in the process of finishing the match with a glory shot! Slower one on leg, Shenwari gets ahead a touch and looks to whip it. Ends up chipping it high in the air. Dockrell at long on, judges the ball well, grabs it and just when he thinks he is crossing, he lofts the ball in air, comes back in and then pouches it safely. The umpire have a check upstairs and the replays confirm that the catch is clean. A sensational innings for Shenwari comes to and end!

The umpires have gone upstairs to check if the catch off Shenwari is clean or not.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Stuart Thompson to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Again it's full and angling down leg, clipped on the leg side for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, leg byes, 1 run, Leg bye! Full and angling into the pads, SS misses his flick. Gets it off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye!

Stuart Thompson is back into the attack.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Stanikzai, FOUR, FOUR! Boundary to end the over! It's full and outside off, the Afghan skipper kneels down and slogs it straight down the ground. Both the long on and the long off fielders get across but fail to cut it down as the ball goes on one bounce and into the stands. 26 runs off the over! Just 7 needed more to win!

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Stanikzai, wide, 1 run, Wide! This time it's wide outside off, Asghar goes after it but misses. Wilson appeals for caught behind but the umpire spreads his arms to signal wide. Third wide of the over!

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Stanikzai, FOUR, FOUR! In the air but safe and through to the fence! Length delivery, angling in, Stanikzai goes for the pull. Ends up top edging it over the keeper's head in the no man's land. The ball bounces a couple of times and crosses the fence.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Full outside off, driven through covers for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, wide, 1 run, Wide! Down the leg side, Shenwari once again looks to clip it but misses. This time Wilson behind the stumps does extremely well to collect the ball. Some keeping that!

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, wide, 5 runs, Five Wides! Down the leg side, Shenwari looks to clip it on its way but misses. It's way out of the keeper's reach too and goes through to the fine leg fence. Poor delivery that! 16 runs off the over already!

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Whatta shot! Fuller on middle and leg, clipped powerfully through widish mid on for a boundary.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Stanikzai, leg byes, 1 run, Leg bye! Angling down leg, AS misses his flicks, gets off the thigh pad, down the leg side for a leg bye.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Stanikzai, SIX, SIX! Smoked that! Full and angling into the stumps, Stanikzai kneels down and slogs it over mid-wicket. It's hit high and handsome and gets it over the fence for a biggie!

Kevin O'Brien is called back to bowl his final over.

George Dockrell to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Full outside off, pushed through covers for a single. 34 runs required off 30 deliveries!

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Punched to long on for a single.

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Angling into the pads, played with the angle to mid-wicket.

George Dockrell to Asghar Stanikzai, 1 run, Short again, punched off the back foot on the off side for a single.

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Shortish delivery, sliding in, punched to long on for a single. Gets to his 2nd T20I fifty with that!

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Down the leg side, swept fine down the leg side for a boundary. Poor delivery that!

Stuart Thompson to Asghar Stanikzai, no run, Length delivery outside off, punched off the back foot to point.

The Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai makes his way to the middle.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, out, OUT! Bull's eye! Angling into the pads, clipped to short mid-wicket. After getting a start, Shahzad stops for a moment. However, Shenwari runs through, Shahzad has to oblige. Dockrell there hurls a throw at the striker's end and hits. Shahzad is far away from his crease and has to make his way back!

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Full outside off, SS muscles it down the ground for a boundary. No stopping that!

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Another pull shot on the leg side for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Shortish delivery, dragged behind square on the leg side for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Length delivery outside off, Shahzad camps back and punches it on the up through covers. Porterfield fails to stop it with his dive on the right but fails to get hand to it. A single taken!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Shahzad runs it down to long on for a single.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shahzad stays deep in his crease and defends it.

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, NOT OUT! Down the leg side, Shenwari clips it towards short fine leg for a single. The fielder picks it up and throws it at the non-striker's end. The bowler collects the ball and dislodges the bail. They appeal for a run out. The umpire goes upstairs. Replays show that Shenwari was well inside the crease.

The umpires have gone upstairs to see if Shenwari made his ground or not at the bowler's end!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Floated around off, Shahzad goes for a slog. Gets an inside edge through the square leg region for a single.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Tossed up in the line of the stumps, Shahzad camps back and cuts it towards the fielder at point.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Short into the pads, Shahzad comes down the track and pushes it towards the fielder at mid-wicket.

It has gone overcast out there and as a result the floodlights are switched on now!

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Angling into the pads, Shahzad clips it through the mid-wicket region for a single. 48 runs needed off 48 balls.

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Down the leg side, Shahzad lets it through to the keeper. The umpire signals it as a wide.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Full this time by Thompson, Shenwari gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the cover region for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Good length delivery outside off, Shahzad punches it through covers for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, wide, 2 runs, Wide! Way down the leg side, Shenwari still tries to reach it. Too wide for him, even the keeper could not collect. Bye is taken. The umpire signals it as a wide.

Stuart Thompson to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Down the leg side, Shahzad clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Short and wide outside off, Shenwari eases it towards long off for a single.

Stuart Thompson to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Angling into the stumps, Shenwari pushes it back to the bowler.

Stuart Thompson is introduced into the attack!

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shahzad gets behind the line of the delivery to defend it. 73 runs required off the last 10 overs!

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Another sweep but this time the ball goes towards the deep mid-wicket fielder for a single.

50-run stand between Shahzad and Shenwari!

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, SIX, SIX! Down the leg side, Shenwari smells the poor line and slog sweeps it brutally over the mid-wicket region for a maximum. He is toying with the bowlers. 100 up for Afghanistan! As well as the 50-run stand!

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Floated outside off, Shenwari punches it towards the cover region off the back foot.

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, SIX, SIX! Short and wide outside off, Shenwari stays deep in his crease and pulls it over the mid-wicket region for a biggie. That ball was bowled to hit!

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, The batsman fails to put bat on ball.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Angling into the pads, flicked on the leg side for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Shenwari goe sback in his crease and punches it back to the bowler.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Wide outside off, cut straight to point.

Kevin O'Brien to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, The batsman has driven that ball straight back.

Kevin O'Brien to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Pushed gently on the off side for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, FOUR! Length delivery outside off, Shahzad lofts it on the up over mid off. The long off fielder looks to cut it down but doesn't give his cent percent. The ball crosses the ropes!

Kevin O'Brien is back into the attack.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, So after the delay, we finally have the last delivery. Another slider, Shahzad prods forward in defence, gets an inside edge onto the pads and towards short fine leg. A single taken! Good over for Ireland! Just 2 from it!

There is a slight delay. Umpire miscalculated the number of balls in the ninth over. Kevin O'Brien got ready for the 10th over. The scorer got it corrected and Mulder was called back to complete his over.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Once again it's a slider, sliding down leg, Mohammad looks to play it off the back foot but gets beaten once again. Is rapped on the pad and there's a loud appeal but turned down again! Going down leg is what the umpire indicates!

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shout for lbw! Sliding into the pads, Shahzad looks to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten and gets hit on the pads. The fielding side appeal but the umpire says not out, indicating that the ball is sliding down leg.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Sliding down leg, clipped to short fine leg. The fielder there hurls a throw at the striker's end. Wilson looks to deflect it but misses.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Short delivery around off, MS camps back to pull but mistimes it back to the bowler.

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Worked down the leg side for a single.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, SIX, SIX! Once again Shahzad uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and clobbers it over long on. Connects well this time and gets it over the fence. Good end to the over!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Defended solidly off the front foot.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Dropped! Tossed up delivery, on middle and leg, Shahzad uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid on. Doesn't time it well. The ball heads straight to O'Brien at long on. He looks to take it with a reverse cup, stretching his hands high above. However, he fails to grab it. The batsmen run through for a single. The umpires check it the ball crosses the fence for a boundary. The replays show that O'Brien did well to keep it in. How costly will this chance prove?

George Dockrell to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, On the pads, flicked behind square on the leg side for a single.

George Dockrell is back into the attack.

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Tossed up on middle and leg, eased on to long on for a single.

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, Fires it quicker on off, SS is hurried by the pace. Does well to keep it out.

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, SIX, SIX! Short leg spinning delivery, Samiullah goes back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum. He is in a hurry!

Jacob Mulder to Samiullah Shenwari, no run, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, On the pads, clipped on the leg side for a single.

Jacob Mulder to Mohammad Shahzad, 2 runs, Full outside off, driven through covers for a brace.

Jacob Mulder is introduced into the attack!

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, On the pads, flicked behind square on the leg side for a single. 15 runs off that over! 66 runs at the end of the Powerplay! Afghanistan now need 100 more to win!

Craig Young to Samiullah Shenwari, 1 run, Length delivery wide outside off, guided through to third man for a single.

Craig Young to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Again it's short of a good length, pulled handsomely over mid-wicket for a boundary. Shenwari on fire! Three boundaries in a row to start the innings!

Craig Young to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Was it a chance? Short and angling into the body, SS pulls it. Doesn't middle it and the ball falls just short of the short fine leg fielder and goes through to the fence.

Craig Young to Samiullah Shenwari, FOUR, FOUR! Back of a length delivery outside off, asking to be hit, Shenwari gets in a great position and slaps through covers for a boundary. Good start for the innings!

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Fuller on the pads, clipped to mid-wicket for a single.

Samiullah Shenwari walks in at no.3!

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, out, OUT! Length delivery between middle and leg, Tarakai goes to heave it down the leg side for a biggie. He top edges it and the ball balloons in the air towards the area behind the stumps. Gary Wilson moves towards his right to pocket the skier. Tarakai has to make the long walk back to the hut after a quick cameo. Kevin O'Brien draws first blood.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, no run, Angling into the stumps, Tarakai stays in his crease and defends it well.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, FOUR, FOUR! THRASHED! Full and wide outside off, Tarakai slaps it powerfully through wide of mid off for a boundary.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, SIX, SIX! BIGGIE! Half volley into the stumps, Tarakai stays in his crease and heaves it powerfully over the mid-wicket region. The ball goes long way into the stands for a maximum.

Kevin O'Brien to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Full in the line of the stumps, Shahzad eases it towards long on for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, 1 run, Angling into the pads, Tarakai clips it down the leg side for a single.

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Short into the body, Shahzad goes for a pull but misses it. He gets hit on his body and the ball ricochets towards the point region. Shahzad calls for a single but he is sent back by the non-striker.

Craig Young to Najeeb Tarakai, 1 run, Tarakai cuts it through the point region for a single.

Craig Young to Najeeb Tarakai, byes, 2 runs, Dug in short! Tarakai ducks under it. The keeper does not collect it and the ball runs away towards the fine leg region. Two byes taken.

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, 1 run, Angling into the pads, Shahzad clips it through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Short and wide outside off, Shahzad slaps it over the covers region for a boundary.

Craig Young to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shahzad stays deep in his crease to defend it.

Another change in bowling! Craig Young now comes into the attack!

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, no run, Good length delivery outside off, Tarakai again slashes at it but this time fails to make contact. The keeper gathers it and appeals for a caught behind. The umpire is not interested.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, no run, Angling into the stumps from a length, Tarakai stands deep in his crease and defends it.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, FOUR, FOUR! Wide outside off, NT slashes his blade hard at it. Gets a top edge over the keeper for a boundary.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, FOUR, FOUR! Short and outside off, Tarakai slaps it through the cover region for a boundary. Good shot!

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, no run, Anglng into the pads, Tarakai tries to clip it on the leg side. He misses the clip and the ball goes towards the fielder at short third man. Shahzad calls for a single but he is sent back by Tarakai.

Kevin O'Brien to Najeeb Tarakai, no run, Tarakai gets behind the line of the delivery to defend it.

Change in bowling, as Kevin O'Brien is introduced into the attack!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, FOUR! Tossed up around off, Shahzad dances down the track and slogs it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary. Powerful shot!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Quicker one into the pads, Shahzad again goes for a slog but misses it this time. Gets rapped on the pads and the players appeal. The umpire says no as it was surely going down leg.

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, FOUR! Sprayed down the leg side! Shahzad sweeps it fine down the leg side for a boundary. He seems to be in a mood to go big today!

George Dockrell to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

George Dockrell to Najeeb Tarakai, 1 run, Angling into the pads, Tarakai clips it through the mid on region for a single.

George Dockrell to Najeeb Tarakai, SIX, SIX! Tarakai gets off the mark in style! Angling into the stumps from a fuller length, Tarakai stays in his crease and lofts it powerfully over the mid-wicket region for a maximum. Classy shot!

George Dockrell to share the new ball!

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, Short delivery, MS stays back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shahzad stays in his crease and defends it well.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, FOUR, FOUR! Full into the stumps, Shahzad drives it down the ground through the mid on region for a boundary. First runs for Afghanistan.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Shahzad lunges forward in defence.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Tossed outside off, Shehzad cuts it towards the fielder at point.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad, no run, Spinning into the stumps, Shahzad defends it off the front foot.

The players are back in the middle for the chase. Mohammad Shahzad and Najeeb Tarakai will open the batting for Afghanistan. Andy McBrine will start the proceedings with the ball for Ireland. 166 to chase, expect the Afghan openers to make full use of the Powerplay. Here we go!!!