One-off Test, Abu Dhabi, February 28, 2024, 11:30 AM
155/10(54.5ov) & 218/10(75.4ov)
263/10(83.4ov) & 111/4(31.3ov)
Ireland beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Mark Adair
Commentry
That's it from this game, a day to remember for the Irish as they bag their first Test win. They'll be hoping it is just the start. Afghanistan on the other hand, have a lot to improve. They haven't had the best of times in this format in recent times. We hope you enjoyed our company. Until next time, goodbye and take care.
Andy Balbirnie says he is very happy. They were really good through out. Adds they bowled really well and with a lot of discipline. Mentions they just needed one partnership chasing a small score and they got it. Also says he is proud of the boys and it is a big achievement. Ends by saying he hopes to improve from here on and do well in the limited opportunities.
Hashmatullah Shahidi says they let themselves down with the bat in the first innings. Adds the Irish bowled really well. Adds they did have a few positives, Gurbaz and Naveed were good and credits Zia for the way he bowled. Ends by congratulating the Irish for their first win.
Mark Adair, Man of the Match, says he is feeling great and he is enjoying the moment. States the boys were brilliant and they are extremely happy. Adds Test cricket was difficult but he hopes they can kick on from here. Mentions the players have been excellent and it was superb performance. Ends by saying he is looking forward for the shorter format.
Chasing a small target, they did lose four wickets early but Tucker and Balbirnie played brilliantly. They added over 50. Balbirnie scored a fine half-ton and Tucker supported him well to create history for Ireland.
It was Ireland's pacers yet again who shined the second time around. They yet again bowled out Afghanistan for a moderate total. Young, Barry and Adair all ended with three wickets each and ensured they did not have to chase a big score.
In reply, a combined batting effort saw them take a lead of around 100. Stirling was the star with the bat with a half-ton but there were a few more who got to decent scores which helped them get that lead.
History has been created! This is Ireland's first-ever Test win and it is a convincing one in the end. Right from Day 1 they have dominated. First, they bowled Afghanistan for a low score thanks to a fifer from Adair.
In over# 32
1
3
0
Naveed Zadran 31/2(9.3)
31.3
1
There are the winning runs! Fuller and on the pads. Tucker looks to flick but gets an inside edge. It rolls on the leg side for one. Ireland win by 6 wickets.
31.2
3
SCORES LEVEL! This is full and outside off. This is driven through covers. The fielder runs to his left and keeps it down to three.
31.1
.
Fuller and outside off, Balbirnie looks to drive but it goes off the inner half to mid on.
In over# 31
0
1
0
1lb
0
4
Zia ur Rehman 33/1(11)
30.6
.
On off, blocked.
30.5
1
A single, now just 4 away! On the pads, this is swept through square leg for one.
30.4
.
On middle, kept out.
30.3
1lb
Angled into the pads. Tucker looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. Leg bye taken.
30.2
.
On middle, kept out.
30.1
4
FOUR! Just the big hit away now! On middle, the sweep is out and it is nailed through mid-wicket. This races away to the fence.
