One-off Test Day-1 Highlights:
Mark Adair’s five-wicket haul gives Ireland a slight advantage on a bowler-dominated day
Afghanistan 155 All Out, Ireland 100/4 at stumps of Day-1:
Mark Adair (5-39) spearheaded a formidable bowling performance from Ireland on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (February 28).
Despite the typical nature of tracks in the UAE, the surface at Tolerance Oval offered substantial movement for the pacers throughout the day, resulting in 14 wickets falling.
Ireland, led by Adair, managed to restrict Afghanistan to a modest total of 155.
However, Andrew Balbirnie’s side also encountered difficulties, losing four wickets before stumps, with left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman’s late strikes offering Afghanistan some respite.
Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan’s batsmen struggled against the skillful bowling of the Irish pacers.
While Ibrahim Zadran (53 off 83) showed composure during his half-century, he received little support from his teammates as Adair dismantled the top order.
Eventually, the opener succumbed to Craig Young, leaving Afghanistan in dire straits at 90/6 early in the second session.
Karim Janat (41* off 78) contributed crucial runs with the lower order to propel the score past the 150-run mark.
In addition to Adair and Young, Curtis Campher also made valuable contributions with two wickets, showcasing Ireland’s ability to generate movement even with the older ball.
In response, Naveen Zadran delivered an exceptional new-ball spell to provide Afghanistan with early breakthroughs.
Balbirnie fell victim to LBW, while his opening partner Peter Moor was bowled, setting the stage for Campher’s positive innings at No. 3.
Despite facing some loose deliveries, Campher capitalized on boundary-scoring opportunities.
Harry Tector also demonstrated fine form, and the partnership between Tector and Campher added 60 runs for the third wicket off 102 balls, placing Ireland in a favorable position.
Both batsmen handled the seamers adeptly, prompting Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi to introduce spin with Zia-ur-Rehman, who made an impact by dismissing Campher and Theo van Woerkom, the night-watchman.
Paul Stirling was subsequently called to the crease.
The day concluded with the match finely poised, albeit with Ireland holding a slight advantage.
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