||Desk Report||

Andrew Balbirnie knocked an amazing ODI ton, 145 off 136 balls as Ireland levelled ODI series against Afghanistan 1-1, beating them by 4 wickets in the third ODI held in Dehradun on Tuesday.    

Earlier, Najibullah Zadran knocked his maiden unbeaten 104, that led his side to 256 for 8. In reply of the competitive target of 257, Balbirnie powered his side with his highest ODI score 145* to 260 for 6.

However, after winning the toss, Afghans choose to bat first. They lost all their crucial five wickets at 74. Mohammad Shahzad sent back for 5 while Hazratullah Zazai for 34, Rahmat Shah for 1, Hashmatullah Shahidi for 11 and Samiullah Shenwari for 4. The score was 74 for 5.

After then, Captain Asghar Afghan along with Najibullah Zadran added 117 runs in their sixth-wicket-stand. Asghar scored 75 off 109 balls before his departure. But, Najibullah was still on the crease and carrying on his domination. Finally, he knocked his maiden ODI ton and remained unbeaten with Dawlat Zadran (2).

Najibullah smashed 104 off 98 balls including 5 fours and 5 sixes. Mohammad Nabi (2) and Rashid Khan (8) were also failed to make any score. Afghanistan scored 256 for 8 in 50 overs. Tim Murtagh and Boyd Rankin took two wickets each.

In chasing of 257, Ireland lost their captain and opener William Porterfield for a total of 13. Paul Stirling also went back for 20. Ireland found themselves in trouble while Simi Singh removed by Dawlat Zadran for 1. But Andrew Balbirnie took the charge of the field. Balbirnie along with Kevin O Brien added 44 runs in the fourth-wicket-stand.  But, Shenwari dismissed Kevin O Brien for 21.

After then, Balbirnie along with George Dockrell added 143 runs in the fifth-wicket-stand that stove off the stumbling Ireland. Dockrell smashed 54 off 77 balls. Ireland lost one wicket of Stuart Poynter (0). However, finally Balbirnie ended the game with 145* and Ireland posted 260 for 6. Andy McBrine remained not out for 9. Dawlat Zadran picked up two wickets. The fourth ODI will be held on March 8 at the same venue.

Brief Score

Afghanistan: 256/8