IRE vs AFG Ball by Ball Commentary

Rashid hits the winning runs! A length delivery on the stumps, and the Afghanistan captain gets down on one knee before whipping it powerfully towards deep square leg. The fielder launches into a tumbling dive, but the batters have already completed two runs. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 3 WICKETS! Rashid holds his nerve under pressure and finishes the job in style. He has been a genuine match-winner and has proved himself once again through his allround contributions. Afghanistan have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. It surely got tense in the end, but their all-round strength once again proved decisive.

Full and around off, spins in, swept away to backward square leg.

Full and middle, Rashid Khan comes down the track and swings it hard but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

FOUR! Innovative and mighty effective. Flat and full, outside off. Rashid Khan nails the reverse sweep, behind square on the off side and beats Jai Moondra to his left for a boundary at deep backward point. Afghanistan need only 2 runs. They are almost home now.

A big appeal for LBW, but not given. Inside edge, maybe? But that spun very sharply. Pitched outside off, full in length, Rashid Khan leans on to drive it to the cover region but gets a thick inside edge onto the front pad. The replay also confirms a big deviation off the bat.

Short in length, on top of the stumps. Rashid waits for the ball to arrive and swats it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a single. Just 6 runs needed. Another expensive spell from Jai Moondra in this series. He finishes off with figures reading 10-0-67-0.

FOUR! That should be the game for Afghanistan. Bangs it on a length, on the stumps, at belly button height. Sits up nicely for the batter as Rashid gets into a good position before hammering it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 200 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Just 7 runs needed for the visitors now.

Oh, a loopy full toss, dipping significantly below waist height. In fact, it's around thigh height of the batter. Yamin Ahmadzai gets into an awkward position but manages to fend it to the cover region for a single.

A bit too full, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai drives it straight to Tector at short cover.

A wide first slip in place. Jai comes from around the stumps and lands it on a length, around off, Yamin rocks back and drops it down the pitch with soft hands.

Rashid is now showing full faith in Yamin as he takes a single off the first ball. Back of a length, outside off, angling away further. Rashid Khan hangs back and slashes it through cover-point for a single.

Similar line and length, on the leg stump. Yamin alertly blocks it out with soft hands.

From around the stump now. Full, outside leg. Yamin Ahmadzai shows good resilience and defends it out.

On the stumps, on a length, Yamin Ahmadzai hangs back and stabs it on the pitch.

Full on the stumps, holds on a touch, and this is chipped on the bounce, back to the bowler.

The length is dragged back, spins in from off. Rashid backs away and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Pushed through, full on off, Rashid Khan caresses it back to the bowler.

Hammers it short and on middle, Rashid Khan crouches a bit and swats it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Full and nipping in, on middle and leg. Yamin Ahmadzai pushes at the delivery, but gets a fat inside edge. The ball beats the short fine leg fielder to his left and rolls behind for a single.

Short of a length, on off. A genuine lifter from Adair. Yamin hops on the toes and fences it to the point region with soft hands. He has been an unbreakable wall of defence at one end.

A touch fuller, on off, Rashid Khan drills it to the long off region for a single.

The length is pulled back, on the stumps, Rashid forces it to mid on.

FOUR! Brave shot from Rashid! Short of a good length, on top of middle, arriving at chest height. Rashid hangs back and pulls it to the left of deep square leg. The fielder comes hunting across, dives but cannot quite haul it back in. A four after ages for Afghanistan. They need 17 runs now.

Bangs it short and on top of off, Yamin arches back and lets it through.

Short of a length, slanted across, Rashid tries to flay that over point, but gets a thick outside edge to deep third for a single. 21 runs needed now from 55 balls.

Well-directed short ball, at shoulder height. Rashid ducks under it by just dropping his left shoulder to make the leave.

Short of a length, on middle, Rashid Khan pulls it to Adair at mid-wicket.

An attempted yorker, angling in from around the stumps. Yamin Ahmadzai flicks it to mid-wicket, where Mark Adair misfields and the ball seeps through to the deep for a single.

Full and straight, on off, Yamin pushes it to mid on.

A maiden from Byron McDonough. Full and outside off, Rashid Khan digs it to point.

Much fuller, on leg, Rashid Khan flicks it to mid-wicket.

Make it four dots. Short, on off, Rashid Khan moves forward and swings hard but misses.

Three dots now. Short, on off, Rashid Khan sways away from it at the last moment.

Back of a length, on leg, Rashid Khan blocks it to backward point.

Nice and full, on off, Rashid Khan pushes it to mid on.

Bangs it short, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks under it.

Length and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Too full, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it to cover.

Much fuller, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Rashid Khan drives it to extra cover for a single.

Beaten! A tad fuller, outside off, Rashid Khan swings hard but misses.

Full and straight, Yamin Ahmadzai stabs it back to the bowler.

Wide! Down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to flick it but misses. An appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. The replay later showed that the ball had clearly missed the bat.

A tad fuller, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai pushes it to cover.

A low full toss, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai tucks it to mid-wicket.

Short, on leg, Rashid Khan pulls it through backward square leg for a single. Good work in the deep again.

Back of a length, outside off, Rashid Khan punches it through backward point for a brace. The fielder slides to his right in the deep and makes a good stop.

Nagging length, on middle and leg. Yamin Ahmadzai gets across and tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

Nip-backer on a short length, Yamin Ahmadzai rises with the bounce and tries to keep it out, but gets an inside edge with the ball cannoning onto the back thigh.

Straightens up from the surface, on a good length, on top of off. Yamin Ahmadzai gets a bit squared up and stabs it down the pitch.

Bangs it short on middle, Rashid Khan swivels and controls his pull shot through square leg. One more run chopped off.

Full and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai chips it through the cover and point gap for a single. Knocks another run off the target, but he wasn't entirely in control of his shot.

Byron McDonough returns into the attack. Back of a length, outside off, Rashid uses the pace and guides it to deep third for a single. 30 runs needed now!

Oh, this one zips and nips away with extra bounce. Yamin Ahmadzai drops the wrists and sways away from the line.

Holds on the surface, on a length. Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it off the back foot.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Once again, Adair makes an impact upon his return to the attack. On a back of a length, around the off stump, and it springs from the surface. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to pump it down the ground, lofting it on the rise, but gets more height than distance as the ball sails over mid off. Harry Tector backtracks over his right shoulder, and keeps his eyes locked on the ball and takes a fine, fine running catch around his chest. Ireland still very much alive in this one. Afghanistan slip down to 176/7 after 35.4 overs.

Bangs it short and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stands tall and pulls it to Andy Balbirnie at mid-wicket.

Pitched fuller, outside off, Rashid Khan swipes across and drags it to deep square leg for a single.

Full and straight, on off, Rashid drives it to the left of the bowler. Adair stops it with his left hand on the follow-through.

Outside off, on a length, powerfully cut away through point for a single.

FOUR! Great awareness of field placement there from Rashid. On a fuller length, outside off, Rashid Khan knows the fielder is inside the ring there, so he just shimmies down the track and swings it hard to loft the ball over cover, and picks up a boundary. 33 needed now for the Afghans.

Quicker and fuller, on off, spinning in. Khan tries to slog it over mid-wicket, but it squirts off the inside edge and rolls back to Harry.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai hangs back and punches it through backward point for a single.

Wide outside off, spinning very sharply into the batter, Omarzai lets it be.

Full and pushed through, on middle, clipped off the pads and on the bounce to mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop.

On a length, angled across, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it to deep third for a single.

A smidge shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai lofts it over the cover fielder. It goes off the toe end but clears Tector there for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, outside off, Omarzai gets behind the line and blocks it out.

WIDE! Pushed down leg, on a length. Omarzai misses to tuck it around the corner. Wide called.

FOUR! Just over the fielder! Fullish and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai hacks it over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. Not at all convincing but he manages to clear the inner ring.

Once again, it lands in the safe zone! A fullish delivery outside off, pushed across the batter. Rashid clears his front leg and opens the face of the bat to thump it over cover, but ends up slicing it down to the deep third fielder for a single.

In the air... lands safely! Rashid is in no mood to hang around! He plants his front foot and swipes at a fullish delivery, sending it towards cow corner. The fielder runs back and does well to get behind the ball, collecting it safely on the bounce. Just a single.

Outstanding spell from Gavin Hoey! In front of the stumps, full in length. Rashid Khan lunges forward and smothers the spin alertly. 10-0-34-4 for Hoey today.

Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Rashid cuts it to cover-point for a single.

Sharp turn, outside off, on a length, Rashid hangs back and chops it to the point region.

Jaffa! Full and around off, turning away, Khan tries to steer it to backward point but misses out.

And again! Full ball outside off. It grips and turns away a lot. Rashid looks to pump that over long off but gets beaten and the ball goes straight into the hands of the first slip fielder.

BEATEN! On middle, full in length, Khan goes down for a slog sweep, but the ball spins a mile and beats the outside edge.

Straightens from the pitch, on a length, kept out to point.

On top of off, on a good length, Azmatullah Omarzai stabs it off the back foot to cover.

Full and straight, forced across to mid-wicket.

Good length, outside off, Rashid taps it to the left of backward point. Curtis Campher dives and makes a sharp stop, keeping the batters to a single only. Rashid gets off the mark!

WIDE! Way too short and too high. Khan ducks under it as the ball flies back to the keeper, who has to leap a bit to gather.

On a back of a length, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it all along the carpet to deep cover for a single.

Nagging length, on the leg stump, Omarzai mistimes the pull shot to short fine leg.

Full on leg, Khan leans forward and taps it to short cover. 9-0-33-4 so far for Hoey.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another Afghan batter who just throws his wicket away. A shot that could have been easily avoided from Rasooli, but he just couldn't control his temptation to go big. A short ball from Hoey, spinning and bouncing off the pitch, around middle. Darwish Rasooli hangs back and looks to pump it over mid-wicket, but gets a fat top edge. It flies up the chimney and goes down the throat of Curtis Campher at mid-wicket. A straightforward catch for him and he makes no mistake. Gavin continues to make an impact in this game, and has his fourth wicket. This is very much alive now for Ireland. Afghanistan have slipped from 132/3 to 154/6.

A touch short, outside off, cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

THAT TURNED A MILE! Full and around off, prodigiously spinning away from the batter. Omarzai is drawn forward to block but the ball turns past the outside edge and goes into the hands of the first slip fielder.

Floated, full on off, Omarzai lunges and caresses it to mid off.

Short and outside off, Rasooli steers it to deep point for a single.

A maiden from Byron McDonough. Length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to point. MAIDEN OVER FROM BYRON!

Make it five dots! Full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to mid off. Darwish Rasooli wanted a single, but Azmatullah Omarzai sends him back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Four dots in a row. Slightly shorter, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it to backward point.

Angling in, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to cover.

Slightly fuller, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it to point.

Full and straight, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it to mid off for a single.

Turning away, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone.

150 comes up for Afghanistan! Flatter, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it through cover for a brace.

Another one turning away, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to punch it but misses again.

Beaten! Turn and bounce, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to drive it but misses.

OUT! TAKEN! Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws his wicket away and falls for 71. Gives it air, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and looks to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards deep extra cover. Mark Adair runs forward and takes a good catch. Afghanistan are 149/5 after 28.1 overs. They still need 58 runs to win. This is getting a bit interesting now. Gurbaz throws his head back in disappointment as he trudges off.

Short, on leg, Darwish Rasooli pulls it to mid-wicket for a brace.

Good length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Nice and full, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket.

Bangs it short, on leg, Darwish Rasooli tugs it to square leg for a single.

Shaping away, outside off, Darwish Rasooli punches it to point.

Back of a length, outside off, Darwish Rasooli slaps it through covers for a brace.

Much fuller, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it to cover.

Flatter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz eases it back to the bowler.

Shortish, outside off, Darwish Rasooli taps it to point for a single.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Darwish Rasooli looks to punch it but misses.

Fullish, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz chips it over mid off for a single.

Flatter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it to deep backward point for a brace.

Beaten! Length and outside off, it keeps a tad low, Darwish Rasooli looks to drive it but misses.

Good length, on off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it to mid off.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Back of a length, outside off, Darwish Rasooli guides it to third man for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played by Darwish Rasooli! Full and straight, Darwish Rasooli leans on and times it perfectly through mid off for a boundary. Perfect weight transfer on the front foot, lovely extension of arms, and right off the meaty part. Textbook shot.

Much fuller, on off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it to mid off.

Full and on off, Darwish Rasooli flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

OUT! TAKEN! Gavin Hoey gets the much-needed wicket for Ireland. Drops it short, on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi swivels and looks to pull it but doesn't get the elevation on it as the ball stays low and goes off the toe end. It carries towards deep backward square leg, where Jai Moondra bends low and takes a sharp catch. That brings an end to the 35-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Afghanistan are 132/4, needing 75 runs from 151 balls.

Nice and full, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

Drops it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to cover for a single.

Short, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls it to backward square leg for a single.

SIX! Well, well, what did the physio get? A bit short from Gavin Hoey, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi swivels and pulls it powerfully over backward square leg for a biggie. The ball seems to have lost and cannot be retrieved. So another replacement ball has been tossed up to the bowler.

There was a broadcast issue for this ball, and all we know is that it was a single.

Bangs it short, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks under it.

Good length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! That's a quality shot from Hashmatullah Shahidi! Short and wide, Hashmatullah Shahidi latches onto it and plays the square cut over backward. Mark Adair covers a lot of ground to his left from deep third and even dives to flick the ball back in but couldn't get the job done cleanly and the ball ends up dribbling beside him, beyond the ropes. It looks like Adair has landed hard on the ground and is seen limping off the field for now. Probably to get some treatment.

Shaping away, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a single.

Hard length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tugs it to fine leg for a single.

Goes full again, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket again. Another tidy over from Harry Tector.

Flatter, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it to square leg for one more.

Short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. It was going down leg.

Full and straight, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to mid off for a single.

SIX! That has gone a long way! Bangs it short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels and pulls it powerfully over backward square leg for a huge six.

Bangs it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.

Angling in, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

A tad fuller, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it through covers for a single.

Beaten! Slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to punch it but gets beaten.

Good length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to slap it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They cross.

Good start from Harry Tector. Just 3 runs coming off it. Full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid on.

Short, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz slaps it to cover.

Fullish, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it through cover-point for one again.

Nice and full, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it to square leg for a single.

A bit short, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks it to mid-wicket.

Aims the stumps, full in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it across to mid-wicket.

Sharp bouncer, over the stumps. Gurbaz ducks under it and lets it be.

Slightly outside leg, on a good length. Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back and nudges it to deep square leg for an easy single.

On a back of a length, tailing in a touch. Shahidi hops on the toes and knocks it out to cover.

Full and straight, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it to the off side with soft hands.

Loose from Shahidi! Angled across off, on a length. Shahidi fiddles at it without moving his feet and the ball whistles past the outside edge.

Massive turn, short and outside off, Gurbaz backs away and slaps it to cover.

Lands in front of the stumps and gets a good bit of turn and bounce. Gurbaz gets a leading edge and the ball rolls back to the bowler.

Excellent piece of running! 100 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Dropped short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it with soft hands through square leg for a couple of quick runs.

Too full, around off, hammered to the left of mid off. The fielder makes a good diving stop and keeps the batters to one.

Nice and full, around off, driven off the front foot to cover.

A slip and leg slip in place to tap Shahidi. Length ball outside off stump, Hashmatullah looks to cut the ball but gets beaten on the outside edge by the extra bounce.

Full and wide outside off, Shahidi creams it through covers for a single to get off the mark.

OUT! BOWLED! A ripper from Adair as he strikes big upon his return. A good-length delivery, just outside off, nips back sharply off the seam. Rahmat is drawn into playing a punch through the off side, but the movement opens up a gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaks through and crashes into the top of off stump. A superb delivery and a well-deserved wicket for Adair. Ireland are gradually creeping back in the game. Afghanistan need 110 runs.

Back of a length, outside off, Gurbaz waits on and punches it through cover for an easy single.

The leg cutter, on a good length, around leg. Gurbaz gently taps it through square leg. The call is for two and they hustle back by pushing hard. That's because the throw from Cade Carmichael to the keeper is a wayward one.

Pops up from the pitch, on a length, on middle. Rahmat Shah steers it off the higher portion of the bat, towards widish mid-wicket for a single.

Full and nipping away, on middle, Rahmat Shah looks to flick but closes the bat face early and the ball rolls off the leading edge to cover.

A dot to end the over. Another tidy one from Gavin. 1/12 in 4 overs so far for Hoey.

No run.

Full ball on the off stump, Gurbaz eases it towards short extra cover with soft hands.

Full on the stumps, blocked off the front foot.

Landed fuller, on off, Shah drives that along the ground and with the spin to long off for a single.

Full and on middle, spinning away. Rahmat leans on and blocks it watchfully.

SIX! FIFTY FOR RAHMANULLAH GURBAZ! And that has come at a hypersonic pace, off 45 balls, including 4 sixes. That's his 8th ODI half century! On a back of a length, around the off stump line. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and mows it over deep mid-wicket, sending it flat into the crowd.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets behind the line and drops it down the pitch with soft hands.

Swing and a miss! Short of a length outside off. Byron generates extra lift because of his height and that beats Gurbaz who attempts for a pull shot.

Banged short and on the leg stump. Gurbaz ducks under it.

Back of a length, outside off, Gurbaz hops off and taps it to cover-point.

Full and around middle, Rahmat Shah tries to block but gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for a single.

Another one that turns away, short and outside off, Gurbaz rocks back and slashes it to point, where Tector makes a good diving stop to his left. Gavin Hoey has looked Ireland’s most threatening bowler on this surface, consistently asking questions of the Afghan batters. That was another probing over from the all-rounder, who kept the pressure on with a disciplined line and length.

And again! Spins away after landing around off, full in length. Gurbaz looks to defend, but gets beaten all ends up. Good dip and turn for Hoey so far.

BEATEN! An absolute jaffa from Hoey once again. Lands it full and around off, and generates prodigious turn away from the batter.Gurbaz is forced to get on the front foot and tries to push it to the off side, but the ball just zips past his outside edge. Lorcan Tucker collects the ball to his right, and dislodges the bails in a flash. The on-field umpires want a second opinion on the stumping chance, and the replay shows that Gurbaz's back leg momentarily gets dragged out of the crease, but he slides it back in just before the stumps are broken.

Huge amount of turn, from middle to off, on a length. Shah presses back and cuts it wide of point for a single.

Full on the stumps, Shah leans on and smothers the spin.

OUT! CAUGHT SPECTACULARLY! Oh, my days! That's an absolute stunner from Adair. Tossed up and fullish outside off, Atal skips down the track and looks to launch it over long on. However, the ball arrives a fraction late, causing him to get it off the toe end. It airs towards long on's right, where Mark Adair swoops across and dives, and takes a sharp, low catch. Sediqullah Atal is standing shellshocked but has to walk off. Afghanistan are 84/2, needing 123 runs.

Full and wide on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it off the front foot towards deep point for an easy run.

Oh, this one just didn't rise up! A smidge shorter and around off, Sediqullah Atal hops a bit to work it across the line but the ball shoots low and beats the inside edge, almost grazing the top of off on its way.

In-between length, around off, kicking up a bit. Atal camps back and bunts it to the cover region.

FOUR! Rocketed off the blade! On a back of a length, angled in from around the stump. Sediqullah Atal picks the length early, gets the ball at a comfortable height and hammers it through deep square leg for a boundary. Good use of the wrists there to control the shot along the ground.

Pitched fuller and outside off. Atal drives it crisply to the cover fielder.

Sharp short ball, on top of middle and leg. Gurbaz backs away, stands up on the toes and dabs it along the ground to deep backward point for an easy single.

FOUR! Confident hit from Atal! He has played some really delightful shots already. He moves to 22 (19). Nicely tossed up, full and around the leg stump. Sediqullah Atal gets low on his knee and sweeps it behind square on the leg side, and beats deep square leg to his left for a boundary.

Nice and full, laced inside out to cover.

Another appeal for LBW, but the impact on this one might have been outside off. The umpire shakes his head. Slides outside off, on a fuller length, and turns in sharply. Atal leans to defend, but gets beaten on the inside edge and is hit on the front pad.

Landed outside, full, driven away to extra cover.

FOUR! High quality from Atal! Serves it on the platter, does Hoey, around off. Sediqullah Atal plants the front foot to the pitch of the ball and hammers it down the ground, to the left of mid off, for a boundary.

Big appeal for LBW, not given though! Spins in almost square into the batter, full on the leg stump. Atal is sucked on the front foot to flick but misses and is struck on the front pad. Perhaps going down leg with the spin.

Good work in the deep! Good running as well. Good cricket overall. Full and outside off, Sediqullah Atal creams it through the right of the cover fielder. Cade Carmichael runs a mile to his left from deep backward point and dives to haul the ball in to save a run for his team. The batters huslte through for the third run.

A well-directed bumper by McDonough, on top of off. Atal arches back and drops his wrists to make the leave.

Back of a length, outside off, angled away. Atal punches it off the back foot to cover, but cannot get it past the fielder, who makes a diving stop to his right.

Hits the length hard, angled in on the pads. Gurbaz waits for the ball and steers it behind square on the leg side for an easy single. Afghanistan need 140 runs!

On middle and leg, on a good length. Atal hangs back and nudges it to deep fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Laced away! A juicy half-volley, around the off stump line, Sediqullah Atal gets on the front foot, lets his hands through the shot and marvelously drives it through the cover gap for a boundary.

Short and around off, Sediqullah Atal hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket, where Harry Tector, dives over the ball and it seeps through to the deep. Mid off sprints across to his left and mops it up. One run taken. Tector is not having a great time in the field today. 2 runs from Gavin's first over.

No run.

No run.

Fuller one, sliding outside off, Atal again leans on to defend, but the ball beats his outside edge this time around.

Half an appeal for LBW, turned down! Impact looked to be outside off here. Full and outside off, spinning sharply back into the batter. Atal is drawn forward to defend, but the ball beats the inside edge before ramming the front pad.

Starts with a loopy leg break, full and around off, Gurbaz lunges forward and eases it to the point region for a quick single.

Full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but miscues it to backward point for a single.

Shaping away, on off, Sediqullah Atal guides it to short third for a single.

Full and straight, Sediqullah Atal blocks it to the right of the bowler.

FOUR! Sediqullah Atal gets off the mark with a boundary. Full and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal picks it well and flicks it in the gap through square leg for a boundary.

OUT! TAKEN! There's the first breakthrough for Ireland. A very special moment for Byron as this is his first international wicket. He bangs it short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran swivels and looks to pull it but the extra bounce does him in and hurries him up. Gets a top edge as the ball goes high up in the air towards short covers. Andy Balbirnie moves forward, keeps his eyes on the ball, calls for his catch loudly, and takes a well-judged catch. 84 in the previous ODI, Ibrahim departs cheaply this time around. Afghanistan are 53/1, chasing 207 runs.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags it to mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to backward square leg for a single.

Bangs it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.

50 comes up for Afghanistan! Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to mid off. Tector runs and dives to his right and makes a good stop. Keeps it to two runs.

PUT DOWN! Short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs in the air towards cover. Harry Tector is a bit late to track the ball, starts running forward and dives to take the catch but just manages to get his fingertips to it. Dot. Gurbaz, on the other hand, was also searching for where the ball actually went and stayed unmoved in his crease. Looks like Tector has grazed his elbows as he lands hard on the practice pitches in thereabouts of mid off. But eventually gets up on his feet, visibly disappointed.

Length and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of his bat. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket as the batters collect two runs.

Shaping in, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Slightly shorter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it back to the bowler.

SIX! Connects it well this time! Angling in, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and slams it over long on for a biggie. A third six for Gurbaz. Ireland, in total, hit only one in their entire innings.

FOUR! Streaky from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Slightly shorter, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings hard but misses as the ball springs up from the pitch and flies back to the keeper.

Goes short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it back to the bowler.

Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a brace.

Short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it to cover.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover for a single.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it to the off side for a single.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it. Wide called.

Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover.

In the air, safe! Full and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs and lands safely at mid off. They collect two runs.

Nice and full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to short cover.

Slower one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran stabs it back to the bowler.

Good length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls towards fine leg for a single.

Beaten! Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings hard but misses. The ball just goes over the off pole.

Hard length, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

A bit short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid off.

A tad fuller, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it to backward point for a single.

Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but the ball kicks up and hits his gloves, and rolls towards backward point. Dot.

Hard length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to square leg.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran has a waft at it but misses.

Edgy! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third. The fielder dives to his left near the fence and cuts off the boundary. Just a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

SIX! That goes the distance! Full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks the length early and powers it over long off for a biggie. It just pinged off his blade. Right from the middle.

Length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it through covers for one more.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to cover for a single.

A maiden from Mark Adair. Short, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to pull it but misses.

Five dots from Mark Adair now. Full and straight, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to short cover.

Slower one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms at it again.

Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms at it.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover.

Slower one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to short cover.

Full and straight, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid off for a single.

Shaping in, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran gets off the mark in style! Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.

Back of a length, angling in, on leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to block it but misses. The ball just misses the leg pole.

SIX! That's a huge one from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Jai Moondra bangs it short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and pulls it powerfully over deep square leg for a biggie.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it to the off side for a quick single.

Past the edge! Back of a length, just outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets off the mark with a streaky boundary! Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away through short third for a boundary.

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, with a hint of movement. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a wild swing at it but misses.

A bit short, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves again.

Mark Adair starts with a slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.