Afghanistan ease past Ireland in rain-hit second ODI

BREADY: Ibrahim Zadran's anchoring half-century, followed by Rashid Khan's six-wicket haul, propelled Afghanistan to a comprehensive 92-run victory over Ireland in the rain-hit second ODI of the five-match series here at the Bready Cricket Club on Friday.

In a match that was reduced to 47 overs per side, Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss and elected to field first, but the decision backfired as the visitors piled up a formidable total of 299/8.

Leading the way for them was 24-year-old opener Zadran, who made an anchoring half-century and oversaw their batting expedition until the 36th over.

Zadran remained Afghanistan's top-scorer with a 97-ball 84, studded with eight fours and two sixes. He also shared a century-plus partnership with fellow top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, who was their next-best contributor with a 50-ball 45.

Besides them, Hashmatullah Shahidi (36), Azmatullah Omarzai (33), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (32) and captain Rahmat Shah (30) also made vital contributions to the visitors' total.

For Ireland, Jai Moondra and Mark Adair bagged two wickets each, while Gavin Hoey, Curtis Campher and Harry Tector could claim one apiece.

Set to chase a daunting 300-run target, Ireland's batting unit faltered and could yield 207 before getting bowled out in 33.4 overs despite Cade Carmichael's half-century.

Carmichael remained the top-scorer for the home side with a spirited 62 off 66 deliveries, while experienced opener Andy Balbirnie (36) was the only other to breach the 30-run barrier.

Star all-rounder Rashid Khan spearheaded Afghanistan's bowling charge as he picked up six wickets for just 34 runs in his 7.4 overs and was thus named the Player of the Match.

He was supported by Omarzai, who made two scalps, while Fazalhaq Farooqi chipped in with one.

The resounding victory gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Ireland as the opening fixture, scheduled to be played at the same venue, was washed out due to persistent rain on Wednesday.

Ireland and Afghanistan will now travel to Belfast for the remaining three ODIs, scheduled to be played on August 10, 12 and 15, respectively, at the Civil Service Cricket Club.