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).