Afghans defeat Ireland in third ODI to secure 2-0 series win

Thursday, 14 March 2024 04:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

An Ireland batting collapse helped Afghanistan cruise to a 117-run victory in Sharjah and claim a 2-0 success in the one-day international series.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (69) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (51) helped Afghanistan to 239-9 on Tuesday.

Paul Stirling made a half-century and Curtis Campher hit 43 before Ireland capitulated from 93-2 to 103-8.

The Irish were undone by spin duo Mohammad Nabi (5-17) and Nangeyalia Kharote (4-30). Ireland beat Afghanistan to secure a first Test victory before losing the first ODI, with the second game washed out on Saturday.

Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran (21) put on 62 for the first wicket and after falling to 96-4 another impressive partnership, this time 99 from Shahidi and Nabi (48), set Afghanistan on their way to a competitive total.

Mark Adair was the pick of the Irish bowlers with 3-51 while Barry McCarthy took 2-42. Ireland’s reply looked in good shape until Nabi and Kharote ripped through the middle order to effectively decide the game.

Stirling (50) and Campher were the only batters to reach double figures as the Irish went down to a heavy defeat with 15 overs to spare. The teams will now play three T20 matches, starting on Friday.