KABUL robbed Ireland of their first chance to secure the tri-series in Dubai and defeated them by 71 runs, an official said on Saturday.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News the national team was put in to bat first after the rivals won the toss.
Najibullah Zadran’s 83 and Samiullah Shinwari’s 50 helped Afghanistan post 246-8 in the stipulated 50 overs. Zadran’s innings included four sixes and as many boundaries. Asghar Stanikzai contributed 40 runs.
Zadran produced some late pinch hitting to help push his side to a solid total.
Ireland were unable to chase the target and were bundled out for 175, though the chase got off to a positive start with Stirling hitting 36 from just 24 balls but he and captain Porterfield fell in quick succession to leave Ireland 49-2.
Hamid Hassan took three wickets and Aftab Alam and Mirwais Ashraf shared two scalps apiece, the ACB spokesman said. The Irish earned narrow three-wicket wins over Afghanistan and Scotland in their opening two games in the tournament.
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