3rd T20I, Greater Noida, March 10, 2020, 02:00 PM
Ireland
142/8(20.0ov)12/1(1.0ov)
Afghanistan
142/7(20.0ov)8/0(1.0ov)
Ireland tied with Afghanistan (Ireland win Super Over by 1 wicket)
That's it from this game. It is Afghanistan who take the series 2-1 but Ireland did fight hard and here in this final game, held their nerves to go home with a win. Thanks for your company for the entire series. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. For now, it is goodbye from out side. Cheers!
Asghar Afghan, Afghanistan skipper says that the game was excellent and hopes that the crowd enjoyed the game. Feels that they should've had won the game but a few poor shots didn't help their cause. Tells that playing the Super Over was a different experience. Tells that the youngsters are doing really well for them and he is happy for all of them. Thanks all the fans and supporters for coming out and supporting the side.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is named Man of the Series for his excellent performance throughout the series. He tells that he was ready for the challenge and had prepared well for the series. Feels that playing with the seniors like Asghar Afghan help him prepare for the games. Says that he does what his captain and coach ask him to do.
Kevin O'Brien is the Man Of The Match. He says that going in the Super Over and chasing 9 runs is really difficult. He says that the final six he hit, luckily came off the bat today. Mentions that the young guys did well coming into the squad and it is a big boost ahead of the T20 World cup. He further thanks Harry Tector for his efforts with the ball. He says that they have learned a lot from this series.
Andy Balbirnie, Ireland skipper, says that it was a great game of cricket. He further mentions that the boys showed great courage. Tells that T20 is also about momentum and we had that on our side today. He says that he is happy to beat Afghanistan finally. Ends by saying that it has taken them long to get on the winning track. Also says that it is a good confidence booster for many young guys.
Needed 9 to win, Stirling thumped Rashid for a boundary on the very second ball of the over but he fell next ball. Then a dot and a single off the next two balls meant that Ireland needed to find the fence to win the game. It was Kevin O'Brien who was to face. What did he do? Deposited Rashid Khan for half a dozen to seal the deal for his side. Stay tuned for the presentation...
Afghanistan made a surprising decision as they did not send Rashid Khan in the Super Over. It was Gurbaz and Nabi who came to bat and could only manage 8 runs against Young. Both the batters failed to find the fence in the 6 balls as Young was superb with all the 6 deliveries.
Let's talk about the run chase! Afghanistan started brightly as the openers added 60 runs for the first wicket. And the way Gurbaz was batting, it looked like the game will be over soon. However, the 9th over by Delany saw Afghanistan lose both the openers and allow the Irish to make a comeback. The Afghans then kept losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually came to a situation where they needed 16 off the final over with 3 wickets in their hand. Rashid Khan was out in the middle along with skipper Asghar Afghan. Ireland gave the ball to Craig Young for the final over who delivered for them in the first three balls and removing Afghan in the process. However, under pressure, Rashid Khan nailed him for 10 runs and a couple of extras meant that the game entered the Super Over.
WOW! What a cliffhanger and it is finally over! What drama! What a finish to the series. It is Afghanistan who wins it 2-1 but Ireland will be happy with their performance. They didn't perform too bad throughout but failed to win crucial moments and eventually lost the first two games. They though did well here to pull the game back and kept their nerves to eventually finish the series with a win.
Ball 6: Khan to O'Brien, SIX! Kevin O'Brien, you champion! What a strike on the final ball of the Super Over! Ireland have finally defeated Afghanistan after 7 years in T20Is. Full and outside off, O'Brien hammers it over long off for a biggie.
Ball 5: Khan to Tector, 1 RUN, Only a single. A boundary off the final ball is what Ireland need. Full and around off, Tector looks to heave it on the leg side but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and rolls towards deep square leg.
Ball 4: Khan to Tector, NOT OUT! Tector did not lift his leg there. Flatter and around off, Tector looks to force it on the off side but he misses. Gurbaz behind the wickets quickly whips the bails off and the decision is taken upstairs. The replays roll in and show that Tector never went out of the popping crease.
Ball 3: Khan to Stirling, OUT! LBW! Khan has the last laugh. And the game is far from getting over. Khan bowls this slower through the air and on middle, Stirling looks to slog sweep but misses to get struck on the pads. They appeal and the umpire raises the finger quickly. 4 needed for Ireland to win. A wicket here will seal the deal for Afghanistan. What a game!
Ball 2: Khan to Stirling, FOUR RUNS. What a strike from Stirling. Full and in the slot from Khan, Stirling hammers it to deep mid-wicket fence.
Ball 1: Khan to O'Brien, 1 RUN. In the air but the ball lands in no man's land. Fuller and outside off, O'Brien swings hard but does not time it well. The ball goes high in the air but lands safely before long off.
Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien walk out to face Rashid khan. Which side be able to keep their nerves and win the game?
Excellent bowling from Young means that the Afghan batters failed to find the fence and all the hosts could manage just 8. 9 for them to avoid the clean sweep.
Ball 6: Young to Gurbaz, NOT OUT! Fuller and just around off, Gurbaz can only loft it towards sweeper cover for a single. They go for the second but the fielder quickly releases the throw at the keeper's end but Gurbaz does well to drag his bat in.
Ball 5: Young to Nabi, Just a single! Excellent bowling from Young. Another very full ball around off, Nabi can only push it to long on for a single.
Ball 4: Young to Nabi, In the air... but safe! Short and around middle, Nabi pulls but the timing is not there. The ball drops near the fence at deep square leg away from the fielder. A couple taken. 5 off the first 4 balls.
Ball 3: Young to Gurbaz, Down the leg side this time, Gurbaz can only find short third man for a single. Excellent first three balls.
Ball 2: Young to Nabi, Shortish and around off, pulled towards long on for a single.
Ball 1: Young to Gurbaz, Full and outside off, Gurbaz goes for the drive but gets an outside edge. A single as the ball goes to short third man.
Now, then. Who will bat first? Who all will be the batters and bowlers? Tension, nerves! It is Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi who are the two batters for Afghanistan. Craig Young has been given the ball by Ireland.
WOW! 40 overs done and we are yet to get the winner! What an unbelievable game of cricket and we are not done yet. It was Ireland who should've won but you can't get away from superstar Rashid Khan. If he fails to deliver it with the ball, he will deliver it with the bat.
19.6
4
FOUR! It is Super Over! Wow! What a game! Full and outside off, Rashid backs away and lofts it over deep point for a boundary.
19.5
.
Excellent bowling under pressure! It is full and outside off, Rashid looks to squeeze it out but he misses. Super Over on the cards?
19.5
1wd
WIDE! Missed the line again as this one is wide outside off. Rashid looks to reach out but misses. Little is under the pump here.
19.4
6
SIX! HUGE! Rashid Khan, you beauty! What a strike from him. Little bowls this one in the slot for Rashid, he hangs on the back foot and powers it over long on for a massive six.
19.4
1wd
WIDE! Goes full again but this time it is wide outside off, Rashid swings hard but misses. Wided by the umpire.
Qais Ahmad is in now!
19.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Afghan departs now and the chances of Afghanistan making a clean sweep takes a massive dive. Excellent bowling from Little. He bowls it full and wide outside off, Afghan reaches out and looks to loft it over mid off but he fails to get any timing. The ball goes straight to Balbirnie who makes no mistake.
19.2
2
Dropped! Oh dear, what have you done Ireland. An easy chance has been spilled by Balbirnie. Two fielders converged for the catch and none called for it. A fuller and around off, Afghan looks to power it over extra cover but he fails to time it well. The ball goes high in the air. One of the fielder from sweeper cover runs forward and Balbirnie goes behind to catch. Eventually both fail to hold on. Two taken.
19.1
1
Just a single! Full and outside off, Rashid can only stroke it to sweeper cover for a run.
In over# 1
1
2
0W
1
1
1
Craig Young 29/1(4)
18.6
1
Just a single on the last ball. Shortish and around off, Rashid pulls it down to long on for a single. 16 needed off the final over.
18.5
2
In the air... but safe! A length ball just around off, Rashid looks to loft it over long off but he fails to time it too well. It just about eludes the effort of mid off and drops to safety. A couple taken.
Rashid Khan is the new man in.
18.4
W
OUT! TIMBER! Naib looks disappointed. Perfect one from Young. It is bowled one on a length and in line with the stumps. Naib looks to hoick it across the line towards mid-wicket. He misses his line and sees the furniture get disturbed.
18.3
1
Full and on middle, Afghan looks to loft it only to get it towards long on for a single.
18.2
1
Short and on middle, pulled towards mid-wicket by Naib and just for a single.
18.1
1
Length ball outside off, slashed over the sweeper cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
1wd
1
0
0
1
1wd
4
Joshua Little 18/0(3)
17.6
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Naib looks to defend but misses it. 22 needed in last two overs.
17.6
1wd
WIDE! Little bowls it wide outside off, Naib looks to go after it but misses it.
17.5
1
Length delivery on off, Afghan punches it towards covers. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. The batsmen take a run.
17.4
.
BEATEN! Full delivery outside off, Afghan looks to drive but misses it.
17.3
.
Full delivery on off, Afghan drives it to covers.
17.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Naib pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
17.2
1wd
WIDE! Length delivery down the leg side, Naib looks to flick but misses it.
17.1
4
FOUR! Nice shot! Full delivery on off, Naib drives it through point for a boundary.
Joshua Little is back on. 2-0-10-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
1lb
1
Craig Young 23/0(3)
16.6
1
Length and around off, pushed to long off for a run.
16.5
1
Short and around off, pulled to long on for a single.
16.4
.
Short again, Afghan once again goes for the pull but he is a bit too early as the ball takes the inside edge and hits the body and rolls towards the off side.
16.3
4
DROPPED AND FOUR! How can you do that Getkate? Young is deprived of a wicket here. Craig bangs one short and Afghan goes for the pull despite not being in a position to play at it. The ball goes aerially towards mid-wicket where the fielder goes for the catch but spills it at the last moment. The ball in the end rolls to the fence for a boundary.
16.2
1lb
Length ball on leg, Naib looks to tuck it to the leg side but gets it off the pads towards the leg side. A leg bye taken.
16.1
1
Length ball on the pads, Afghan flicks it to short fine leg for a single.
Craig Young is back on.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
0
Barry McCarthy 21/1(4)
15.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Afghan flicks it through square leg for a single. Afghanistan need 38 runs in 24 balls. McCarthy finishes his spell with figures of 4-0-21-1.
15.5
1
Short of a length delivery, Naib pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
15.4
1
Short delivery on middle, Afghan pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
15.3
.
Full delivery on leg, Afghan looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
15.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Naib pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
15.1
.
BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Naib looks to defend but misses it.
Barry McCarthy to bowl out. 3-0-17-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
0W
0W
2
1
0
Simi Singh 37/2(4)
14.6
1
Naib keeps out the hat-trick ball as he eases a full ball outside off down to long off for a single. 42 needed in last overs.
Gulbadin Naib is in now.
14.5
W
OUT! LBW! Two in two from Singh and Ireland are making a roaring comeback in this game. Flighted delivery on off, Zadran looks to play a reverse sweep but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Hat-trick ball coming up.
Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.
14.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Nabi departs and Afghanistan are dealt a major blow. Nabi looks disoriented here. It is a short one on middle, Nabi goes for a the pull but mistimes it straight to the man at long on.
14.3
2
Full and outside off, Nabi drives it through extra cover and gets a couple.
14.2
1
Flatter and outside off, Afghan cuts it through point for single.
14.1
.
Floated outside off, Afghan sweeps it to square leg.
Simi Singh to bowl out. 3-0-33-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
0
Joshua Little 10/0(2)
13.6
1
Length ball on off, Afghan pushes it to mid on and scampers for a quick single.
13.5
1
Length ball on middle, Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
13.4
.
Play and a miss! Short of a length ball outside off, Nabi looks to cut but misses it as the ball goes past the outside edge.
13.3
.
Length delivery outside off, tapped towards point by Nabi.
13.2
1
Length ball on the pads, Afghan tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.
13.1
.
Full and on middle, defended off the front foot to the leg side.
Joshua Little is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
0W
1
Barry McCarthy 17/1(3)
12.6
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Nabi looks to go big but misses it.
12.5
.
Good length delivery on middle, Nabi looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely towards cover-point.
12.4
1
On a length on middle, Afghan drives it towards long on for a single.
12.3
1
Good length ball just outside off, Nabi calmly taps it through short third man to get off the mark.
Mohammad Nabi comes in next with the bat.
12.2
W
OUT! Knocks him over! A length ball around off, Janat moves away and looks to slam it over long off but he misses. The ball though does not miss its mark and pegs the stumps behind. 51 more needed in 46 balls. Can Ireland get a couple more quickly?
12.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Afghan flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Barry McCarthy is back on. 2-0-14-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
0
1
Craig Young 16/0(2)
11.6
4
FOUR! Pummeled! Short and down the leg side, Janat swivels and pulls it down to fine leg fence for a boundary.
11.5
1
Fuller and around off, Afghan drives it to long on for a single.
11.4
1
Bouncer on middle, Janat pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
11.3
1
Length ball around off, Afghan works it behind square leg for a run.
11.2
.
Shortish and around off, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
11.1
1
Shortish and around off, Janat taps it towards point for a run.
In over# 1
6
1
1
1
0
6
Simi Singh 33/0(3)
10.6
6
SIX! Massive! That is huge! Singh tosses up once again, this time Afghan gets under the ball and powers it over the bowler's head for a huge hit. 15 from the over.
10.5
1
Short and around off, Janat strokes it to sweeper cover for a single.
10.4
1
Full and tossed up wide outside off, swept to deep square leg for a single.
10.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Janat drives it through mid on for a run.
10.2
.
NOT OUT! Asghar Afghan is safe! Floated delivery on off, Janat defends it towards the off side. The fielder throws the ball at the bowler's end where Simi Singh takes the bails off. It is referred upstairs. Replays show that Afghan had dragged his bat well inside the crease.
A run out check! It is referred upstairs. Looks like Afghan has made it.
10.1
6
SIX! Easy pickings! Short delivery on middle, Janat waits and pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Simi Singh returns. 2-0-18-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
2
1
4
0
0
Craig Young 8/0(1)
9.6
1
Full and around off, stroked towards mid on for a quick single. 68/2 at the halfway mark. 75 more needed in 60 balls.
9.5
2
Good length ball around off, Janat opens the bat face and guides it towards third man where O'Brien makes an excellent stop. Two taken.
9.4
1
Landed around middle and leg, Afghan tucks it towards mid-wicket where Simi makes a diving stop to his right. A single taken.
9.3
4
FOUR! Slammed! Afghan is off the mark in style! Full and just around off, Afghan hammers it through extra cover for a boundary.
9.2
.
This one is angled into the batter from just outside off, Afghan tucks it towards mid-wicket.
9.1
.
Play and a miss! Excellent pacy length ball outside off, Afghan without any feet movement goes after the ball but fails to connect.
Craig Young to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
0W
1
Gareth Delany 21/2(4)
8.6
.
Flatter on the pads, Janat looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. 2 wickets and just a run from the over.
Asghar Afghan is the next batsman in.
8.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The openers depart in the span of 4 balls. Delany is the lucky man here. It is floated once again around middle and leg, Ghani too goes for a hit at the cow corner but Tector manning the deep mid-wicket fence runs to his right and gobbles it up. Afghanistan need 83 in 66 balls to win.
8.4
.
Tossed up on middle, Ghani punches the ball off the back foot at the last minute.
8.3
.
Floated and on middle, tucked to short mid-wicket.
Karim Janat is the new man in.
8.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! First one down and Ireland sniff an opening here. Flighted delivery on middle, Gurbaz lofts it over mid-wicket but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards the fielder at deep mid-wicket where Tector takes a comfortable catch. Until this shot Gurbaz was going great guns. Later on the replays show that the bat turned in his hand and that affected his shot and he failed to get the distance.
8.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Ghani drives it towards mid on and takes a quick single.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
0
0
Simi Singh 18/0(2)
7.6
1
Short and on middle, Ghani pulls it to long on for a run.
7.5
4
FOUR! Excellent shot! Fuller and around off and middle, Ghani sweeps it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket to bag his second boundary.
7.4
.
On the pads, Ghani flicks but finds short fine leg.
7.3
1
Flatter and outside off, Gurbaz sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
7.2
.
Flatter and shortish around off, Gurbaz pushes it towards covers.
7.1
.
Floated one on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
Simi Singh is back on. 1-0-12-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Gareth Delany 20/0(3)
6.6
1
Flatter and on middle, this one is stroked down to long on for a single.
6.5
1
Misfield and a run. Another tossed up ball on middle, Ghani pushes it to the left side of the bowler who misfields and allows a run.
6.4
.
Floated on middle, pushed back to the bowler. 4 dots in a row.
6.3
.
Flatter and on off, Ghani looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad and the ball drops right on the wicket.
6.2
.
Floated on the pads, Ghani flicks it but finds the fielder at mid-wicket to perfection.
6.1
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Ghani pushes it towards mid on.
Gareth Delany returns. 2-0-18-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
0
4
Barry McCarthy 14/0(2)
5.6
4
FOUR! Powerful hit! It is bowled short and on middle, Gurbaz pulls it through square leg and the ball races to the fence for a boundary. Afghanistan end with 51/0 at the end of the Powerplay. Afghanistan need 92 runs in 84 balls.
5.5
1
Full and on leg, Ghani flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
5.4
1
Slower ball on the pads, flicked towards backward square leg this time for a single.
5.3
1
Another full ball on middle, Gurbaz flicks it to long on for a run.
5.2
.
Full and on the pads, flicked straight to mid-wicket.
5.1
4
FOUR! Elegant hit! Full and on the pads, Ghani flicks it uppishly over the mid-wicket fielder and into the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Barry McCarthy is back on. 1-0-3-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
4
0
1
1
1
0
Joshua Little 7/0(1)
4.6
4
FOUR! Handsome hit! Full and on off, Gurbaz drives it straight down the ground and beats mid off for a boundary at long off.
4.5
.
Short of a length ball on middle, Gurbaz pulls it but the ball drops short of the short mid-wicket fielder.
4.4
1
Full and on the pads, tucked towards square leg for a run.
4.3
1
Length and on off, pushed to covers for a single.
4.2
1
Length ball outside off, Ghani looks to go over the off side but gets a thick outside edge towards third man where the fielder mops it up. The batter just settle for a single.
4.1
.
Length and on middle, Ghani defends it to the leg side.
Joshua Little is on now.
In over# 1
6
1
1
4
0
0
Simi Singh 12/0(1)
3.6
6
SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Tossed up delivery on off, Gurbaz comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a maximum.
3.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Ghani drives it through mid on for a single.
3.4
1
Floated delivery on middle, Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
3.3
4
FOUR! Nicely swept! Flighted delivery down the leg side, Gurbaz sweeps it towards fine leg for a boundary.
3.2
.
Full delivery on off, Gurbaz drives it to covers.
3.1
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Gurbaz plays it to covers.
Simi Singh is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
6
0
1
1
6
Gareth Delany 18/0(2)
2.6
1
Flatter one on middle, Gurbaz tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single. 15 runs have come from the over.
2.5
6
SIX! Slammed! Gurbaz is in fine form here. Delany drops one short and on middle, Rahmanullah rocks onto the back foot and pulls it up and over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
2.4
.
Floated and on off, Gurbaz punches it off the back foot.
2.3
1
Another full ball on the pads, Ghani flicks it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
2.2
1
Floated and on middle, tucked towards the leg side for a single.
2.1
6
SIX! First hit of the innings and it comes from the bat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He is the one who goes attacking from the word go but he clears the fence only in the third over. Some good bowling by Ireland bowlers there have kept him quite for a while. Floated on middle, Gurbaz lofts it handsomely over long on for a maximum.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
1
Barry McCarthy 3/0(1)
1.6
1
Full and on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.5
.
Play and a miss! Length ball outside off, Gurbaz looks to flick it towards mid-wicket but the ball goes between the bat and the body and into the mitts of the keeper.
1.4
1
Short of a length ball outside off, Ghani cuts it through point for a single.
1.3
.
Another full ball on off and middle, pushed to mid on off the front foot.
1.2
.
Full and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
1.1
1
On a good length on off, Gurbaz taps it towards the off side and takes a quick single.
Barry McCarthy to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
0
Gareth Delany 3/0(1)
0.6
1
Full and on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket for a single. Just 3 runs from the over.
0.5
2
Brilliant effort in the field there by Harry Tector. It is floated on the pads, Gurbaz flicks it towards mid-wicket where Tector runs to his right and fields it. The batters get a couple.
0.4
.
Floated and on off, pushed to covers.
0.3
.
Floated outside off, Gurbaz goes for the slog but misses it.
0.2
.
Fuller and on the stumps, Gurbaz pushes the ball off the back foot.
0.1
.
Floated on off by Delany, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot by Gurbaz.
We are back for the run chase. The Irish players are out in the middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani are the two openers for Afghanistan who follow them. Spin first up as Gareth Delany is ready to bowl. Here we go...
Now then, 143 to inflict a whitewash. Looking at the wicket and the track record, one would feel that Afghanistan can chase the total without much difficulty. Let's see if Ireland can do something with the ball to manage a win in this final game. Join us for the run chase in a while.
The Afghans were excellent with the ball. Naveen-ul-Haq struck in the very first over and went on to take 2 more. Qais Ahmad, the debutant, was superb too as he ended up picking 3 wickets. Rashid and Mujeeb kept things tight too as they shared 2 wickets for 56 runs in their combined 8 over spell.
After opting to bat, Ireland started very poorly as they lost Paul Stirling in the very first over. Andy Balbirnie, the skipper, too failed to leave any mark. Kevin O'Brien and Gareth Delany then stitched a very good 62-run stand to bring Ireland back in the game. Till the duo were batting, it looked like Ireland will get to a good first innings total. However, once that partnership was broken, Ireland lost the way and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Tector's 31 meant that Ireland managed to get to a respectable total in the end but it is surely short of an average total on this batting-friendly wicket.
Excellent bowling performance from Afghanistan. At the toss, the Afghan skipper had said that they will look to keep Ireland to around 150 and they have managed to hold them well below it. Quality stuff from the hosts.
19.6
2
Length delivery outside off, Singh comes down the track and punches it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs. IRELAND FINISH ON 142/8!
19.5
4
FOUR! Short of a length delivery, Singh looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper and towards the third man fence for a boundary.
19.5
1wd
WIDE! Naib bowls it wide outside off, Singh offers no shot to this one.
19.4
2
Full delivery on middle, Singh comes down the track and drives it through mid on. Nabi from long on does well to stop it. The batsmen get two runs.
19.3
1
Slower bouncer, Young waits and then tucks it towards mid-wicket for a quick run.
19.2
.
Another play and a miss! This one is a fuller one and outside off. Young once again fails to get any bat on the ball. Two dots in a row.
19.1
.
Swing and a miss! A slower delivery again which is on a length and outside off, Young swings hard but misses.
Gulbadin Naib to bowl the last over of the innings.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
0
1
Rashid Khan 24/1(4)
18.6
1
Rashid spots Young skipping down the track. He drops it short and bowls it quicker. Craig does well to tap it towards the off side for a single.
18.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Floated and on off, Young goes for the drive but gets a thick inside edge and the ball rolls past the leg pole and beats the effort of the short fine leg fielder as the ball rolls to the fence.
18.4
1
Floated and on off, pushed to mid off for a single.
18.3
1
Floated on leg, Young tucks it to mid on for a single.
18.2
.
Huge shout for LBW! The umpire is unmoved. Rashid bowls a googly outside off, The ball comes back into the batter as he misses his flick and gets hit flush on the pads. Rashid Khan looks excited but the umpire is not interested.
18.1
1
Floated on the pads, Singh tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. 3-0-16-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0W
0
1
0
Naveen-ul-Haq 21/3(4)
17.6
1
Full and on the pads, this one is worked towards mid-wicket for a run. 2 runs and a wicket from the over.
17.5
.
Excellent bowling! Full and outside off, Simi looks to squeeze it out but misses.
Craig Young is the next batsman in.
17.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. It is a slower length ball outside off, McCarthy looks to go for the big hit but he fails to get underneath the ball as he ends up lofting it towards mid off where Rashid takes an easy catch.
17.3
.
Wide yorker outside the off pole and Barry looks to cut it but he fails to get any wood behind that ball.
17.2
1
Length and on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket for a single by Singh.
17.1
.
Slower short ball outside off and Simi Singh who is waiting on the back foot to tee off gets surprised as the ball reaches him late than he expected.
Barry McCarthy is the new man in. Naveen-ul-Haq to bowl out. 3-0-19-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0W
0W
1
1
1
0
Qais Ahmad 25/3(4)
16.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Two in two for Qais. A wicket to finish the spell from Qais. He is a delighted man. Full and just outside off, Getkate goes for the sweep but once again there is no timing. The ball goes straight to Najibullah at deep mid-wicket. He takes it with ease. Ireland sink further. Ahmad finishes with 3/25.
Simi Singh is the new batsman in.
16.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Tector once again goes for the slog on this floated ball on middle but he fails to get it off the middle of the bat. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket where Najibullah Zadran takes the catch. Decent hand from Tector comes to an end.
16.4
1
In the air... but safe. Another floated ball on off, Getkate lofts it over mid off but the ball falls in no man's land for a single.
16.3
1
Flatter and outside off, Tector cuts it through point for a single.
16.2
1
Floated around off, punched to the off side for a single.
16.1
.
Play and a miss! It is floated outside off, Getkate lines up for a big heave but connects with just thin air. The keeper whips the bails too but Shane was going nowhere.
Qais Ahmad to bowl out. 3-0-22-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
6
1
1
0
Gulbadin Naib 10/0(1)
15.6
1
Another slower one. Getkate drives it towards long off for a single.
15.5
1
Takes the pace off this time and bowls it wide too. Tector can only push it towards point for a quick run.
15.4
6
SIX! HUGE! What a strike from Tector. He gets this ball in his arc. He connects it and sends it sailing way over the long on fence for a huge six.
15.3
1
Landed around off and middle, this one is pushed through mid on for a single.
15.2
1
Slower and around off, Tector looks to heave it over the leg side but he fails to time it well. The ball goes towards long on for a run.
15.1
.
Play and a miss! Good length ball outside off, Tector swings hard but fails to connect.
Gulbadin Naib to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0
1
Rashid Khan 16/1(3)
14.6
.
Play and a miss! Getkate once again gets beaten on the forward push as the ball spins away after pitching around off.
14.5
1
Floated and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for a single.
14.4
.
Floated on off, Tector drives it to covers where Mohammad Nabi does a very good job as he stops it.
14.3
1
Floated on off, Getkate lofts it over the mid off fielder and they cross for a single.
14.2
.
BEATEN! Floated around off, Getkate looks to push it to the off side but gets beaten in the outside edge.
14.1
1
Full and on the pads, worked behind square leg for a single.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
1lb
1
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 32/1(4)
13.6
.
Floated around off and a bit of bounce on that. Getkate stays on the back foot and keeps it out. Mujeeb Ur Rahman finishes his spell with figures of 4-0-32-1.
Shane Getkate is the new man in.
13.5
W
OUT! Bowled 'em! Mujeeb has a wicket too. He fires this one flatter and around off and middle, Tucker looks to go inside out over cover but he misses. The ball though does not miss its mark and disturbs the middle pole. Half the Irish side are back into the pavilion.
13.4
1
Quick single! Full and around off, Tector reverse sweeps it towards short third man for a single.
13.3
1lb
The batsman tried to sweep that one but missed it and was hit on the pads. One run added to the total. Leg byes signalled by the umpire.
13.2
1
Floated delivery on off, Tector plays it towards point for a single.
13.1
1
Flatter and on middle, Tucker works it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to bowl out. 3-0-29-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
6
1
0
1
0
1
Rashid Khan 13/1(2)
12.6
6
SIX! Powerful hit! Khan floats one on off, and Tector lofts it over the long on region where the fielder was interested but the ball goes over him and into the fence there. Rashid Khan is not too happy with the effort of the fielder there. 100 up for Ireland there.
12.5
1
Floated and on middle, Tucker tucks it to square leg and goes for a single. Rahmanullah Gurbaz runs to that side and prevents a couple.
12.4
.
Floated and on middle, Tucker keeps it out off the front foot.
12.3
1
Floated and on off, Tector drives it powerfully but straight to long off for a single.
12.2
.
Floated and around off, pushed to long off for a single.
12.1
1
Floated delivery on middle, Tucker drives it through mid on for a run.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
1
4
Qais Ahmad 22/1(3)
11.6
1
Full delivery on off, Tucker drives it through covers for a single.
11.5
4
FOUR! Nice improvisation! Loopy delivery on off, Tucker plays a reverse sweep towards third man for a boundary.
11.4
1
Flighted delivery on off, Tector looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
11.3
1
Floated delivery on off, Tucker drives it through mid off for a single.
11.2
1
It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single.
11.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Tossed up ball on middle, Tector looks to loft it over cover but gets a thick outside edge. It goes through gully and into the fence in the deep.
In over# 1
0
1
0W
1
1
1
Rashid Khan 4/1(1)
10.6
.
Tossed up delivery on off, Tucker drives it to covers.
10.5
1
Floated delivery on off, Tucker plays it towards covers for a single.
Lorcan Tucker joins Harry Tector in the middle. A slip comes in place.
10.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The superstar strikes in his first over. It is floated on off, Delany goes for the hit but it was played half-heartedly. The ball goes high up in the air and Mohammad Nabi has to just settle himself under the ball at long off and take the catch which he does to good effect. Delany's handy knock comes to an end.
10.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Tector drives it through mid on for a run.
10.2
1
Floated delivery on middle, Delany lofts it over mid on for a single.
10.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Tector drives it through mid on for a single.
Time for the superstar, Rashid Khan, to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1
0W
Qais Ahmad 10/1(2)
9.6
.
Floated delivery on off, Delany defends it off the back foot.
9.5
.
On middle, Delany blocks it off the front foot.
9.4
1
Flighted delivery on off, Tector punches it through covers for a single.
9.3
1
Loopy delivery on off, Delany plays it towards covers for a run. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it.
9.2
1
Floated delivery on middle, Tector drives it through mid on for a single and gets off the mark.
Harry Tector walks in next.
9.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Maiden T20I wicket for Qais Ahmad. A wonderful catch by Rashid Khan. It is a tossed up delivery on off, inviting the batsman to go for the hit. Kevin O'Brien obliges as he lofts it without any proper timing. The ball goes high up in the air but fails to cross the fence as Rashid Khan at long off comes forward and pouches the catch nicely. The 62-run stand is broken.
In over# 1
1
1
2
1
4
1
Karim Janat 17/0(2)
8.6
1
Full and around off, O'Brien pushes it towards covers and takes a single.
8.5
1
Short and wide outside off, cut towards deep point for a single.
8.4
2
Uppish but safe! Full and around off, Delany lofts it over wide mid on. The long on fielder comes ahead quickly and gets to the ball but he cannot stop the batters in taking a couple.
8.3
1
Full and outside off, O'Brien backs away and drills it straight to sweeper cover for a run.
8.2
4
FOUR! Excellent timing! Janat bowls it full and just outside off, O'Brien hammers it through point. He opens the bat face and squeezes it to the fence at deep point.
8.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Delany strokes it to long on for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
4
Qais Ahmad 7/0(1)
7.6
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Delany punches it through covers for a run.
7.5
1
Full delivery on off, O'Brien drives it through mid off for a single.
7.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Kevin punches it towards point.
7.3
.
Flighted delivery on middle, O'Brien defends it off the front foot.
7.2
1
Fuller and around off, stroked through covers for a single. 50-run stand is up between Delany and O'Brien.
7.1
4
EDGY FOUR! Wow, he wasn't too far away from getting a wicket on the very first ball of his T20I career. He bowls it shortish and just outside off, Delany looks to cut but gets an inside edge. The ball just about passes the stumps and races away to the fence at third man.
Qais Ahmed, the debutant, is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
4
0
0
1wd
0
1
Karim Janat 7/0(1)
6.6
1
Landed around off on a shortish length, Delany strokes it towards sweeper cover for a single.
6.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Fuller and outside off, Delany throws his bat at it to drive but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes to the third man fence quickly.
6.4
.
A bouncer now! Excellent variation from Janat. He bangs this around off, Delany swings but fails to connect.
6.3
.
Full and just outside off, Delany squeezes it towards point where the fielder does well to stop the ball with a dive to his right.
6.3
1wd
WIDE! Tries to stay away from the hitting zone but ends up bowling it wide outside off. Delany lets it be. Wided by the umpire.
6.2
.
Shortish and outside off, O'Brien cuts but finds point.
6.1
1
Full and just outside off from Janat to start his over. O'Brien strokes it to sweeper cover for a single.
Karim Janat is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
6
4
4
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 29/0(3)
5.6
1
Flatter and around off, pushed through mid on for a single. 17 from the over. 50 up for Ireland at the end of Powerplay.
5.5
1
Full and around off, Delany strokes it towards mid off where Nabi fumbles and allows a single.
5.4
6
SIX! Massive! Mujeeb is getting hammered here. He bowls a fuller one in the slot for Delany who tonks it over wide long on for a biggie.
5.3
4
FOUR! It was in the air but just about eluded Nabi at mid off. Full and outside off from Mujeeb. Delany hammers it over mid off. Nabi there leaps high and tries to catch but fails to get hands to it.
5.2
4
FOUR! Short and wide from Mujeeb and Delany pounces on it. He goes on the back foot and slams it through cover-point to bag another boundary.
5.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, O'Brien drives it through mid on for a single.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
4
1wd
4
Naveen-ul-Haq 19/2(3)
4.6
4
MISFIELD AND FOUR! Mohammad Nabi is the man with a very poor effort at mid off. He has his hands up in apology. Full and around off, Delany hammers it towards mid off. It goes straight to Nabi who fails to get down in time and allows the ball to go through. It was hit powerfully and hence once it went past Nabi, it raced away to the fence.
4.5
.
Another length ball around off, Delany pushes it towards cover-point.
4.4
1
Fullish and around off, O'Brien pushes it towards point for a quick run.
4.3
.
Landed around off on a length, O'Brien pushes it back to the bowler.
4.2
4
FOUR! Through the covers this time. Full and outside off, O'Brien this time drills it through covers and the ball races away to the fence in a jiffy.
4.2
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side now, O'Brien looks to pull but misses. Wided by the umpire.
4.1
4
FOUR! Thumped through point! Naveen offers width outside off on a shortish length, O'Brien rocks on the back foot and slams it through point to bag a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
1
1lb
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 12/0(2)
3.6
.
Flighted and on off, Delany blocks it off the back foot to the off side.
3.5
.
Floated and on off, Delany plays it to point.
3.4
1
Floated and on middle, Kevin pushes it to mid on and gets to the other end.
3.3
4
FOUR! Beautifully played! Mujeeb tosses one up and Kevin comes down the track and lofts it over the covers. Though he fails to get to the pitch of the ball but has enough for the ball to get to the boundary.
3.2
1
Tossed up on a length and on the pads, Delany pushes it to mid on for a single.
3.1
1lb
Length ball on the pads, Kevin tucks it to short fine leg and gets to the other end. A leg bye signalled.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
1
Naveen-ul-Haq 5/2(2)
2.6
.
On a good length on off, Delany keeps it out.
2.5
.
Shortish and around off, this one is cut towards covers.
2.4
.
Full and on middle, Delany pushes it towards mid on.
2.3
.
Outside off, Delany offers no shot to this one.
Gareth Delany is the new man in.
2.2
W
OUT! TIMBER! Naveen strikes again and this time the off stump has gone for a walk. Absolute ripper from the young man. Good length ball outside off, it comes in with the angle. Balbirnie looks to drive without any feet movement. He misses and the ball thumps the off pole behind. The Irish skipper has been removed and Ireland in a spot of bother very early in this game.
2.1
1
Full toss on off, O'Brien drives it towards point for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
1lb
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 6/0(1)
1.6
1
Flatter and on middle, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.5
1
Full and outside off, Balbirnie drives it towards covers where Rashid makes a diving stop and saves runs for his side. The batters can only get a single.
1.4
4
FOUR! Swept away! Full and outside off, Balbirnie gets in position and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.
1.3
.
On off, blocked.
1.2
1lb
Full and down the leg side, O'Brien looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side and they take a leg bye.
This could be a very interesting passage of play. Ireland have lost Paul Stirling quickly and hence, a good Powerplay might be deterred.
1.1
.
Mujeeb starts with a loopy ball just outside off, O'Brien works it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
0
0W
0
0
0
Naveen-ul-Haq 4/1(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! The skipper is off the mark in style! Naveen bowls it very full and outside off, Balbirnie creams it through the covers and the ball races away to the fence. 4 runs and a wicket from the very first over.
0.5
.
Good length ball around off, this one is pushed towards covers.
0.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Naveen strikes in the very first over. It is a soft dismissal. Full and just outside off, Stirling looks to chip it over mid off but he fails to time it well. He can only manage it to lob it towards Nabi at that position who takes the catch easily. Afghanistan have early success. Andy Balbirnie is the new batsman in.
0.3
.
On the pads, this one is flicked towards mid-wicket.
0.2
.
Full and around off, Stirling pushes it back to the bowler.
0.1
.
Beaten first ball. Good start from Naveen-ul-Haq. He lands this length ball outside off and makes it to come into the right-hander. Stirling pokes at it to get beaten.
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