Rashid’s Five-Wicket Haul Puts Afghanistan Ahead Vs Ireland
Mar 29, 2017 at 9:56 PM
Greater Noida, March 29 (IANS) Leg-spinner Rashid Khan took five wickets as Ireland slipped to 170/7 in the first innings in reply to Afghanistan’s 558/8 declared by close of play on the second day of their crucial ICC Intercontinental Cup clash here on Wednesday.
Mohammad Nabi made the initial breakthrough and, following a strong 117-run stand between Ed Joyce (45) and Andy Balbirnie (62), Rashid effected a dramatic collapse, according to of an International Cricket Council’s (ICC) release.
John Anderson (10) and Andy McBrine (0) were at the crease when the day’s play was called off.
Earlier, Afghanistan resuming the day at 357/6, extended Ireland’s toil by a session and a half before finally declaring.
Asghar Stanikzai (145), Afsar Zazai (103) and Mohammad Shahzad (85) were the major contributors to Afghanistan’s cause.
For Ireland, George Dockrell scalped three wickets while Andy McBrine and John Anderson took two wickets each.
During reply, opener Ed Joyce and no.3 batsman Andy Balbirnie gave a steady start for Ireland after an early dismissal of another opener William Porterfield (4). Joyce and Andy put a 117-runs partnership for the second wicket before starting their collapse.
18-year old left-arm chinaman Zahir Khan began the collapse after dismissing set Andy Balbarnie, which followed by Rashid Khan’s 5-wicket haul including Ed Joyce’s dismissal.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan – 537/8 decl. (Asghar Stanikzai 145, Afsar Zazai 103, George Dockrell 3/160)
Ireland – 170/7 (Andy Balbirnie 62, Ed Joyce 45, Rashid Khan 5/54)
(With Inputs from IANS)