Afghanistan’s Rashid takes six wickets in ODI thrashing of Ireland | Cricket News
Afghanistan Defeats Ireland by 92 Runs in Second ODI
Magheramason, Northern Ireland — Afghanistan secured a decisive 92-run victory over Ireland in the second one-day international (ODI) on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The first ODI was abandoned due to rain.
Rashid Khan was pivotal in Afghanistan’s triumph, claiming six wickets for 34 runs. This performance marks his third six-wicket haul in ODI cricket, though his best remains 7 for 18 against the West Indies in 2017.
Ireland, chasing a target of 300 runs, found themselves in disarray as they lost seven wickets for just 63 runs, ultimately bowled out for 207 runs at Bready Cricket Club.
The collapse began with Rashid’s early strikes. He dismissed Andy Balbirnie, who was caught behind after contributing to a promising 72-run partnership with Cade Carmichael. In the following over, he sent Harry Tector back to the pavilion, also via a catch behind the stumps.
The match was affected by rain and adjusted to 47 overs per side. At one point, Ireland was well-positioned, needing 156 runs from 137 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, the tide turned dramatically following an unusual run-out involving Lorcan Tucker. An lbw appeal against Tucker was denied, but he was run out by a direct hit from Sediqullah Atal during an attempted run.
Earlier in the innings, Ibrahim Zadran led the scoring for Afghanistan with 84 runs, contributing significantly to the team’s total of 299 for 8.
The series will continue on Monday in Belfast.
