IRE VS AFG T20I

Right then, that is it from the second game of this 3-match T20I series as Afghanistan wins this by 10 runs and levels the series one each. The third and final T20I of this series will be played on 18th March at 9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT). Join us an hour early for the pre-match build-up. Until then, stay safe and enjoy your time.

The skipper of Afghanistan Rashid Khan is the Player of the Match for his all-around contribution today.

The losing skipper of Ireland Paul Stirling says he enjoyed the game and he feels there are a lot of positives despite the defeat today. Adds that they are united and it all comes naturally for them as they have been together since a long time. Closes by saying that those knocks from Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan turned out to be key in this game and that's what has been the difference today. Credits Gareth Delany for a brilliant knock and keeping them alive till the last over.

Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony ...

Earlier in the game, after electing to bat first, Ireland were off to the worst possible start as they lost their top 4 inside the powerplay. Mohammad Nabi along with opener Sediqullah Atal put up a 79 partnership for the 5th wicket and stabled the ship for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan landed a few lusty blows at the end and dragged the score past 150 for Afghanistan. For Ireland, Mark Adair picked up 3 wickets while Joshua Little and Barry McCarthy picked up a couple each. Ben White took one as well.

Mohammad Nabi is up for a quick chat and he says that there was a bit of pressure in the first few overs but that eased off as he spent time in the middle. Added once he realized the pitch was true he then advised Sediqullah Atal to play each ball at its merit and that worked for both the batters. Mentions there wasn't any dew and the ball was gripping nicely. Says that the wicket of Paul Stirling was key as he looked dangerous and that was a crucial moment in the game.

The bowling from Afghanistan was spot on as they were prompt with their bowling changes and they managed to take wickets frequently once the first wicket partnership was broken. Rashid Khan in particular was sensational with the ball and the batters of Ireland had no idea on how to tackle him tonight. Rashid Khan was also the pick of the bowlers as he picked up 4 and gave just 14 runs off his 4 overs. Nangeyalia Kharote picked up a couple while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi took one each.

Chasing down a tricky total Ireland were off to a flying start with their openers scoring for fun and making the most out of the Powerplay. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie added 49 for the first wicket and laid a solid platform for the rest to come and have a go at but Rashid Khan ripped apart the Irish batting unit in the middle overs as the side lost wickets regularly in the middle phase and were not able to build any partnership in the middle overs. Gareth Delany at the end kept fighting hard but he too couldn't do the job with the bat as the team fell short by 10 runs. Andy Balbirnie was the top scorer for Ireland as he smashed 45 runs for them. Gareth Delany fought hard and scored 39 but wasn't able to win the game for his side.

Afghanistan wins this classic and they now level the series 1 each. An excellent outing from Rashid Khan with both bat and the ball has earned his side a victory that brings them level in the series.

OUT! FINISHES OFF WITH A WICKET! On a length wide of off, Gareth Delany swings hard and lands the ball in the safe custody of Sediqullah Atal at deep point. Afghanistan win this by 10 runs.

Barring any extra delivery this is it for Afghanistan as Gareth Delany fails to get this over the fence for another biggie and now the equation comes down to 11 off the last delivery.

SIX! Gareth Delany keeps Ireland in this one. Full toss wide of off, Gareth Delany relocates outside off and swings hard. Connects well and lands the ball on the other side of the fence for a maximum.

Low full toss wide of off, Gareth Delany under edges this back to the bowler.

On a length wide of off, Barry McCarthy punches this to extra-cover and takes a single. Gareth Delany comes back on strike.

Nails the wide yorker to perfection, Barry McCarthy looks to slice this towards third man region but misses.

Gareth Delany is playing a blinder and it is he who has put his team almost on the cusp of sealing the series. 18 needed of the last 6 balls.

FOUR! Gareth Delany, you beauty! Pitched up outside off, Gareth Delany drives this through backward point and gets another boundary. Brings the equation down to18 off the last over.