Irish cricketers lose to Afghanistan

Ireland’s hopes of reaching the final of the ICC World Cup qualifiers were hit by a 22-run defeat to Afghanistan in the first Super Eight match today.

Afghanistan reached a mediocre 218 for seven from their 50 overs thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Raees Ahmadzai and battling contributions from Mohammad Shehzad (46) and Asghar Stanikzai (47).

But in reply, the Irish lost openers William Porterfield and Gary Wilson for just five runs between them and none of the top five batsmen managed more than 30 runs.

Andrew White steadied the innings with 56 off 64 balls and Kevin O’Brien scored 52 before both were bowled in quick succession by Hameed Hasan, who finished with figures of five for 23 off nine overs.

Those wickets proved a turning point as the tail end then collapsed, adding only five runs for the final four wickets to hand Afghanistan victory with two and a half overs remaining.