IRE vs AFG 2nd ODI Results

6:30 PM IST A bit of rust - That's what the captain of Ireland, PAUL STIRLING, reckons. Feels that they were rusty in all three facets and will look back at it in the next 24 hours. Details that in the field, they probably could have had a chance for a couple of runouts and in the batting, the back end just did not turn up. On the three debutants, Stirling says that they all showed what they can do and it is all about putting everything together in a package. Stresses that the debutants have shown signs that they belong here and the future looks bright. On how to deal Rashid, Paul says that the team has got to adapt pretty quickly. Admits that in the past as well, Ireland have found the spinner challenging but also believes that the batters did well to target the other bowlers in this game. Ends by saying that if not for Rashid, his side was very much in the game.

6:27 PM IST Made plans, executed well - That is the simple explanation from the victorious skipper of Afghanistan, RAHMAT SHAH, on his team's win. On his team's win, Rahmat says that the top order played well, they assessed the conditions well and that's why the score nearly reached 300. On his batters not converting their starts, Shah admits that his side missed out on 20-30 runs and feels that they could hve got those if they had not given wickets in the middle overs. On his specific bowling changes, the skipper agrees, stating that he was making his changes based on the heavy wind. Explains that he tried to use his fast bowlers against the wind and spinners into the wind. Praises Rashid Khan for bowling really well and is happy to have him in the side. On Afghanistan's bowing overall, RS says that the plans were made in the dressing room, but the bowling unit executed it well in the middle, hence the result is good.

6:23 PM IST Cometh the champion - Once again, we realize how crucial is Rashid Khan to his team's chances. He was on fire right from his first over, even arguing with the umpire and being told off. And he fuelled that anger towards his opposition, snaring 6 wickets. Barring Mohammad Saleem, who endured a torrid day, every bowler did well.

6:23 PM IST In 7th heaven - Last 7 completed ODIs, 7 wins for Afghanistan over Ireland. The last time the Irish beat the Afghans in this format was way back in 2019, in Belfast - 7 long years back. This contest was anything but a contest from the scorecard but if you take that one man out - Rashid Khan - the game could have actually got much closer than it did. The 18-month gap between ODIs also hurt the home side with clear rustiness visible and one expects a better display come the third ODI on Monday, 10th August, 2026. As far as the Afghans are concerned, they would want a more clinical show in both departments and gain an unassailable lead. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled on Monday at 9.45 am GMT, but our buildup will begin well in advance. So do tune in early. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

6:17 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - RASHID KHAN - 7.4-0-34-6.

6:16 PM IST ... THE PRESENTATION ...