||Desk Report||

Afghanistan clinched a historic win as they beat Ireland in their second Test by 7 wickets held in Dehradun on the fourth day on Monday. The newcomers won the game as the third team achieving first Test victory in the second match after England (1877) and Pakistan (1952) in the list.  

Teams	First Test victory	Teams	First Test victory
Australia	1	Sri Lanka	14
England, Pakistan, Afghanistan	2	India	25
West Indies	6	Bangladesh	35
Zimbabwe	11	New Zealand	45
South Africa	12

Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, the visitors had been all dismissed for 172 on the opening day and Afghanistan responded with a total of 314 all out to take the first innings to lead of 142 runs. Tim Murtagh remained unbeaten 54 off 75 balls.  Mohammad Nabi took 3 for 36 while Rashid Khan claimed 2 for 20 and debutant Waqar Salamkheil 2 for 35.However, in the chasing of a target of 147 runs, Afghanistan lost three wickets and took 47.5 overs to score 149.  Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat smashed half tons that lifted the home side to the memorable victory. Rahmat Shah smashed 76 while Ihsanullah Janat remained unbeaten with 65.

In reply, the hosts had been all dismissed for 314. Rahmat Shah fell just two short of his maiden Test ton, scored the highest 98 runs for Afghanistan. Among others, Hashmatullah Shahidi scored 61 while skipper Asghar Afghan added 67 for the home side. Rahmat Shah along with Hashmatullah Shahidi 130 runs in their third wicket-stand. Shah scored 98 off 214 balls including 15 boundaries while Shahidi smashed his maiden 61 off 154 balls including hit six boundaries. Skipper Asghar Afghan’s 67 came off 92 balls with the help of six boundaries and four sixes.

Stuart Thompson became one of the most successful bowlers for Iris claiming 3 for 28 runs only in his 17.3 overs. Among others, Andy McBrine, James Cameron-Dow and George Dockrell picked up two wickets each.

In their second innings, Ireland made 288 before they were all out. Andrew Balbirnie knocked 82 off 149 balls while Kevin O Brien scored 56 off 78 balls. Rashid Khan took 5 for 82 while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed 3 for 52.