Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – In a commanding display of cricket, Afghanistan clinched a 2-0 victory over Ireland in the three-match One Day International (ODI) series held in Sharjah, UAE. The final match saw Afghanistan triumph by 117 runs, largely due to the stellar performance of Mohammad Nabi.
Nabi, aged 39, played a pivotal role in the match, scoring a crucial 48 runs and taking five wickets. His efforts were instrumental in restricting Ireland to a total of 119 runs.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had previously scored a century in the series opener, contributed a swift 51 off 53 balls, setting a strong foundation for Afghanistan’s innings. However, his innings was cut short when he was caught and bowled by Ireland’s spinner, Andy McBrine.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, continued his good form, scoring a steady 69 runs, his second consecutive ODI half-century. Despite a challenging phase in the middle overs, Shahidi’s innings helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 236-9. Ireland’s Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy were the main wicket-takers, finishing with figures of 3-51 and 2-42, respectively.
Ireland’s chase was troubled from the start, with opener Andy Balbirnie dismissed for just one run. Despite a solid 50 from captain Paul Stirling, Ireland’s batting line-up collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just two runs.
International debutant Nangeyalia Kharote also shone for Afghanistan, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, including the key wicket of Curtis Campher, who was caught behind for 43.
The comprehensive victory was a fitting conclusion to the ODI series, especially after the second match was abandoned due to heavy rain. The teams will remain in Sharjah for three T20 matches scheduled for March 15, 17, and 18. Despite their loss in the ODI series, Ireland had previously secured their first victory in the Test format after seven consecutive losses.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 236-9 in 50 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 69, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 51; M Adair 3-51, B. McCarthy 2-42) Ireland 119 all out in 35 overs (P. Stirling 50; Mohammad Nabi 5-17, Nangeyalia Kharote 4-30)
