Ireland wins against Afghanistan
Ireland stopped an eight-match losing streak in Twenty20 internationals by defeating Afghanistan with one ball remaining in a seven-wicket triumph in Belfast on Tuesday Ireland wins against Afghanistan.
Ireland ended on 171-3 when George Dockrell hit the game-winning boundary off the last ball.
The victory was Ireland’s first in any form of international cricket this season, following three one-day defeats.
Ireland openers Paul Stirling (31 off 29 balls) and skipper Andrew Balbirnie (51 off 38 balls) set the tone for the hosts’ pursuit with a 61-run partnership in 7.3 overs at Stormont.
Lorcan Tucker kept the momentum going with 50 off 32 balls before Harry Tector (25 not out) and Dockrell (10 not out) gave Ireland a lead.
Earlier, Dockrell took 2-7 and paceman Barry McCarthy 3-34, with Afghanistan’s opener Usman Ghani top-scoring with 59, including six fours and two sixes.
The tourists’ score of 168-7 was boosted by 30 runs in the final two overs, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 29 off 18 balls.
On Thursday, the teams will return to Stormont for the second of a five-match series.
