KABUL by five wickets to level the One Day International (ODI) series 2-2 in the Indian city of Dehradun.
In the fifth and final game, Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie shone with the willow as their side chased a modest target of 217 runs on Sunday.
Stirling smashed a gutsy 70, including seven fours and two sixes, with Balbirnie hitting 68. The duo put on 81 runs to pave the ground for Ireland’s easy victory.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News the national team, after being asked to bat first, was reduced to 50 for four at one stage.
The middle order, however, demonstrated a bit of spine and lifted the hosts to 216 for six in the stipulated 50 overs. George Dockrell dismissed Rahmat Shah and Samiullah Shenwari off successive balls in the 15th over.
But skipper Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi forged a 76-run partnership to lend some respectability to Afghanistan’s total. Nabi was removed for 40 by off-spinner Cameron, who was also dislodged Najibullah.
Asghar Afghan went on to hit his 11th ODI half-century, as Rashid chipped in with an unbeaten 35 off 28 balls. His breezy knock was laced with two sixes. Asghar retired hurt in the final over on 82.
In the run chase, Stirling showed both caution and aggression before being trapped leg before by Rashid Khan. Balbirnie went on to complete his half-century off 68 balls in the 36th over.
But Kevin O’Brien later joined Balbirnie for the fourth-wicket partnership of 46. Afghanistan. Balbirnie fell to Mujeeb and Nabi sent back Dockrell when the visitors needed only two. Stuart Poynter hit a boundary to see Ireland dry and home, with five wickets in hand.
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