2nd T20I
Afghanistan has leveled the T20I series against Ireland by winning with the margin of 10 runs
Afghanistan scored 152/9 in 20 overs, where as Ireland scored 142/8 in 20 overs.
So, finally Afghanistan beat Ireland by 10 runs.
Under the captaincy of Rashid Khan, Afghanistan demonstrated their bowling dominance, securing a hard fought 10 run triumph against Ireland in the second T20 international of their three match series in Sharjah on Friday.
This victory levels the series 1-1 as Ireland’s extensive multi-format tour against Afghanistan approaches its conclusion.
Despite a valiant innings of 39 runs off 18 balls by Gareth Delany, Ireland narrowly missed out on chasing down the required 18 runs in the final over to clinch victory.
Regrettably, despite a lone six, the penultimate ball failed to yield any runs, and Delany was caught on the boundary off Fazalhaq Farooqi on the final delivery.
Ireland initiated their pursuit of 153 runs vigorously, as the opening duo of Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling formed a solid 49-run partnership before Stirling’s departure in the sixth over.
Following that, Irish captain Balbirnie was adjudged lbw to Nangeyalia Kharote after scoring 45 runs, placing Ireland’s lower order under significant pressure despite Delany’s late heroics.
Rashid Khan’s outstanding display, snaring four wickets for a mere 14 runs, including a pivotal double-wicket 16th over, decisively secured the victory for the hosts by removing George Dockrell and Mark Adair.
In the opening phase, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat, amassing a total of 152-9 within their allotted 20 overs.
Mohammad Nabi spearheaded the onslaught for the hosts with a resilient 59 off 38 deliveries, comprising six boundaries and three maximums, until succumbing to Ben White’s delivery, caught by Stirling.
Adair emerged as the standout among the Irish bowlers, concluding with figures of 3-27, as Afghanistan’s top order encountered difficulties, with both Mohammad Ishaq and Azmatullah Omarzai departing without scoring.
Despite opener Sediqullah Atal’s determined effort, contributing 35 runs, he fell victim to a run-out, leaving Afghanistan at 93-5 with 6.5 overs still in hand.
Khan’s significant innings of 25 runs from just 12 balls at number nine propelled Afghanistan beyond the 150-run mark.
Meanwhile, Josh Little maintained his impressive bowling form by dismissing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz early in the second over.
The series decider is scheduled for Monday in Sharjah, with both teams vying for victory.
Ireland aims to secure a T20I series win to complement their Test victory, while Afghanistan seeks to replicate their success from the ODI series earlier in March.
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