'You have to do it for your team'- Rashid Khan fights injury on way to historic five-for

Rashid's crucial 5/82 helped prevent Ireland from amassing a significant lead, as they were bowled out for 288, but a spirited effort from the tourists has given them a chance of recording their first victory in the format, as the hosts now require a further 118 runs on day four with nine wickets in hand.

Rashid came into the match with concerns over an injury to a finger on his bowling hand, but having notched a maiden Test five-wicket-haul, Afghanistan's prized jewel insisted that it was his obligation to overcome the pain and give his all for his team and country, even if bowling with the new ball proved more of a task.

"It was tough to grip the new ball because I had my finger injury, and with the new ball it was tough for me to pitch it on the right length because it was spinning a lot," he said after day three had concluded.

"The finger is fine, hopefully it will be much better after two days. It was quite difficult to bowl with at times, because the new ball was difficult to grip, but I just tried my best.

"You have to do it for the team, and you have to do it for your country. You have to stand up and give 100% for the team. I shouldn't have any excuse with a finger injury, these are related with sportsmen and I accepted that."

Rashid praised the efforts of Irish number three Andrew Balbirnie, who hit an excellent 82, and seasoned all-rounder Kevin O'Brien, who hit 56, as Afghanistan were made to toil at times by some resolute batsmanship. "The plan was to bowl good deliveries, as many as possible, but they played good cricket and they chose the right balls to score off," he said.

"In Test cricket, any player can make a big impact for their team, because they have lots of time to play and you just need to be positive."

It wasn't until after lunch that Rashid fully found his groove, as five of the last seven wickets all came courtesy of the young spinner. "There was something for the spinners after lunch and I think we took advantage of that by bowling good areas.

"Once the ball got older and the seam had gone it was more comfortable for me to bowl than with the new ball."

Afghanistan resume proceedings on 28/1 on day four, having lost Mohammad Shahzad on the evening of day three. They require a further 118 runs to secure victory in the solitary Test.