Cricket News: IRE VS AFG 1st T20 Highlights: Ireland defeats Afghanistan by 7 wickets
Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker Power Ireland to its first T20I win of the season, Ireland beats Afghanistan by 7 wickets
Rashid Khan failed with Bat and ball against Ireland in 1st T20Ireland wins their first T20I of the season after outplaying Afghanistan. Despite losing back-to-back series to South Africa and New Zealand, Ireland maintained their momentum and chased down 169 to win by seven wickets.
Andrew Balbirnie, the captain, and Lorcan Tucker each scored fifty to lead the Irish to a stunning victory.
Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss. Despite a good start, the visitors lost both openers before reaching 100. Afghanistan's star player was Usman Ghani, who scored a magnificent fifty. Ireland, however, entered the match again by taking five fast wickets.
A quick-fire 27-run knock from Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan a good lead to chase.
Ireland got off to a strong start in its pursuit. While captain Andy Balbirnie scored a stunning fifty, Paul Stirling only managed to score 31. Balbirnie was then joined by keeper Lorcan Tucker, who brought along another fifty to put tremendous pressure on the guests and keep the run chase going.
Ireland won the first t20I game of the year when Geroge Dockrell and Harry Tector put the finishing touches on the run chase to win the match.
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