3rd T20I, Stormont, August 12, 2022, 08:00 PM
Afghanistan
189/5(20.0ov)
Ireland
167/9(20.0ov)
Afghanistan beat Ireland by 22 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Commentry
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. Afghanistan have managed to keep their hopes alive in this series. It currently stands at 2-1 in Ireland's favour. The two sides will meet again on 15th August, 2022. The first ball will be at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). But as you all know you can join us early for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye.
Mohammad Nabi, the victorious skipper is in for a chat. He says that the batted according to the plan. The opening stand was the key to post a huge total on the board. Mentions they played a great game, just the Afghan way. Says the team performed really well and hopefully they can emulate the same in the next two games.
Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland, says they lost a lot of wickets in the Powerplay and that put them on the back foot. Praises the effort of the batters at the fag end and kept them in the game for long. Says Hume and Hand have been knocking on the door for quite some time and is really glad to have them in the side. Mentions, Dockrell has gone from strength-to-strength which is really pleasing to see. Mentions, they have played pretty good cricket and would aim to win the series.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz wins the Man of the Match award for his exceptional effort with the bat. He starts by saying it feels good to win after two losses on the trot. Says the coach and the skipper asked him to stay out for long and that's what he aimed to do. Says he is really happy to see Zazai back in the side. Ends by saying he hopes they can win the rest of the matches.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the innings, Afghanistan started well with the blade. Their openers built a solid foundation up top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz smacked a quickfire 53. Later, the middle order capitalized on this opportunity and punched 189 runs on the board. Ireland though could not get a good start with the blade and that costed them the game here.
Afghanistan bowlers finally came to the fore. They managed to pick wickets regularly and that completely pushed the hosts on the back foot. It was a complete performance from the visitors and they completely outplayed the hosts. Also, surprisingly, Rashid Khan has failed to pick a single wicket in this series until now, He will be hoping to change his fortunes in the remaining games.
The Ireland batters just did not arrive today! They needed the top order to fire but that did not happen and then the task just getting difficult. George Dockrell is the only batter who showed some fight in this chase. He recorded his highest ever score in T20Is with his 58 runs. He got good support from the debutant, Fionn Hand as well, but it was too little too late.
A thumping win for the visitors to stay alive in the series. To be honest this victory was set up by the batters. 190 was always going to be an uphill task against this Afghanistan bowling attack and the Afghans got their A-game to the fore to bag their first win of the tour.
In over# 20
0
1wd
0
0
0
4
0
Azmatullah Omarzai 13/0(2)
19.6
.
Azmatullah Omarzai serves it full, wide outside off. George Dockrell looks to drive it away but misses. Afghanistan win the game by 22 runs.
19.6
1wd
WIDE! On a length, outside the tramline. George Dockrell misses his attempt. Wided.
19.5
.
Swing and a miss! Length ball, outside off. George Dockrell looks to heave it away but misses.
19.4
.
Length ball, on off, pushed to wide long off.
19.3
.
On off, this is pushed to sweeper cover,
19.2
4
FOUR! Finds the gap now! It is full, outside off. George Dockrell leans in and drives it through covers. It splits the two fielders in the deep and crosses the boundary.
19.1
.
Full length, on off. George Dockrell gets it to mid-wicket off the inner half. George Dockrell needs to hit 5 balls out of the park to win the game here.
In over# 19
1W
1wd
1
0W
6
0
1
Naveen-ul-Haq 38/3(4)
18.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Graham Hume gives away his wicket here, as he wanted to keep George Dockrell on strike. It is a short ball, down leg. Graham Hume pulls it to fine leg and the call is for two. Mujeeb Ur Rahman throws it to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is quick to clip the bails off. The square leg umpire raises his finger. Graham Hume has to walk back. Josh Little is the last man in for Ireland.