The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Rashid Khan claimed six wickets and Ibrahim Zadran scored 84 as Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 92 runs on Friday in the second one-day international to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
The first ODI was washed out, making Friday's match the
opening result of the series.
After being asked to bat first in a match reduced to 47
overs per side because of a wet outfield, Afghanistan posted 299-8. Zadran
anchored the innings with 84, while Sediqullah Atal made 45 and former captain
Hashmatullah Shahidi finished unbeaten on 36 from 21 balls.
Mark Adair was Ireland's most economical bowler, taking
2-40, while debutant Jai Moondra claimed 2-78.
Ireland appeared well placed in its chase after Cade
Carmichael and Andy Balbirnie shared a 72-run partnership for the second
wicket. Carmichael struck his maiden ODI half-century and top-scored with 62
off 66 balls, while Balbirnie added 36.
The turning point came when Lorcan Tucker was run out
following a direct hit from Atal after an unsuccessful lbw appeal. Ireland then
collapsed, losing seven wickets for 63 runs before being bowled out for 207.
Rashid led Afghanistan's bowling attack with 6-34, removing
Balbirnie and Harry Tector before returning to clean up the lower order. It was
the leg-spinner's third six-wicket haul in one-day internationals.
Curtis Campher and debutant Ben Calitz briefly revived
Ireland's hopes with a 46-run partnership, but Rashid dismissed Calitz for 27
and wrapped up the innings to secure Afghanistan's victory.
The teams will meet in the third ODI on Sunday.
