Afghanistan went 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series against Ireland as the visitors won by 16 runs. In fact, the match was reduced to 18 overs per side after a delayed start due to rain.
Afghanistan was able to put 160 runs on the board in the allotted overs. The tourist’s openers gave a blistering start to their side after Ireland’s skipper Gary Wilson decided to put them to bat.
The opening pair added 87 runs in just seven overs as the visitors got off to a flying start. Hazratullah Zazai scored a quickfire knock of 74 off just 33 balls to give a fine start to his team. The southpaw batsman smashed eight fours and half-a-dozen sixes in his match-winning innings.
However, Afghanistan middle order could not capitalise on the good start as no batsman batting at number four position or below was able to get to double digits.
Joshua Little was the pick of Ireland’s bowler as he scalped two wickets and gave away 20 runs in his four overs quota.
On the other hand, Ireland didn’t get off to an ideal start in their run-chase. They lose an early wicket when they had gathered only 12 runs on the board. Furthermore, the host’s kept sliding down the slope as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Ireland’s wicketkeeper and captain Gary Wilson showed some fight as he scored 34 off just 23 balls. However, the home side was always behind the eight ball as they could not get any partnership going in their innings.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan talisman Rashid Khan was amongst the wickets as he took three wickets to put the hosts on the backfoot.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 160-7, Hazratullah Zazai 74 (33).
Ireland 144-9, Gary Wilson 34 (23).