Dawlat, Rashid take Afghanistan to 30-run win

Dawlat Zadran and Rashid Khan starred with four wickets apiece as Afghanistan claimed a 30-run victory over Ireland in the first of five One-Day Internationals in Greater Noida on Wednesday (March 15) despite William Porterfield's 98-ball 119, which earned him the Man of the Match award.

First up, Rahmat Shah and Noor Ali Zadran scored half-centuries as Afghanistan scored 292 for 7 in 50 overs after winning the toss. At 170 for 1 in just the 29th over, Ireland was cruising towards the target but Rashid and Dawlat pulled things back dramatically, Ireland losing its last nine wickets for 92 runs to finish with 262 in 46.5 overs.

After Ed Joyce's early departure, Porterfield, the captain, and Paul Stirling put on 157 runs for the second wicket, with Ireland seemingly on course to getting its first win of the tour after having lost the preceding Twenty20 International series 3-0.

But Stirling's fall to Rashid, the leg-spinner, for a careful 90-ball 68 triggerred a procession of wickets that never ceased. Porterfield scored 18 boundaries in his knock before falling to Dawlat in the 37th over, by which point Ireland had been reduced to 214 for 4.

As Dawlat and Rashid continued to strike, Ireland sank to 220 for 6. Jacob Mulder, the No. 10 batsman, was the third-highest scorer for Ireland with an unbeaten 15, and that helped the score past 250, but it was never going to be enough to overhaul the target.

Amir Hamza, the left-arm spinner, contributed to Ireland's capitulation by picking up the two remaining wickets.

In its innings, Afghanistan was given a steady start by Mohammad Shahzad (43 in 41) and Noor Ali, the openers. After Shahzad’s fall, Noor Ali (51 in 71) and Rahmat (78 in 92) posted an 83-run stand to solidify Afghanistan's postion.

After Rahmat’s fall in the 39th over, Hashmatullah Shahidi (32 in 32) and Samiullah Shenwari (30 in 22) forged a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket, and Mohammad Nabi blasted an unbeaten 34 from 19 balls including three fours and a six to give his side a late boost.

Kevin O'Brien was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, taking 3 for 47.

The second ODI will be played on March 17 at the same venue.