NEW DELHI (SW): Afghanistan on Sunday failed to repeat the heroics of T20 series as it lost to Ireland by six wickets in the third One Day International at Greater Noida, in India.
The Irish squad’s victory ensured their chances in this five-match ODI series after losing the T20 series 3-0 to the Afghans. Bating firs after winning the toss, Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession. At one point, the hosts were 97 for 6 wickets in the 27th over. It seemed the whole team might not be able to make it to even 150 in the given 50 overs.
But, Gulbudin Naib and Rashid Khan batted sensibly for a better half in the lower order. Both managed to score fifties for themselves, and take the target close to the 200 mark. A quick-fire 50 of 28 from Safiqullah Shafaq further improved the total, and in the end Afghanistan managed to score 264.
Though, Ireland lost its first wicket in the fourth over, but they never look back afterwards. PR Stirling was unlucky to miss his century at 99 while CG Wilson managed to score 85. The Afghan bowlers, and particularly the fielders failed to leave a mark. They managed to reach the target in the 49th over.
The fourth match of the series would be played on Wednesday 22 March.
ENDS
