AFG beat IRE by 126 runs | Afghanistan vs Ireland, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match - Commentary

306 to win then, looks a really tough ask for the Irish but not impossible if they bat well. The pitch does not look like one with any demons in it but they will need a good start to have any hope of getting to this score. Will they get one? We will find out in sometime as we return for the chase...

Coming to the Irish bowling, it was good in parts but more often than not, they were pedestrian as they gave too much width or time for the opposition batsmen to play their shots. Mark Adair did pick up 3 wickets but was expensive and in my opinion, Andy McBrine was the best bowler on show today going for under 4.5 RPO while also picking up 2 wickets. The rest of the bowlers did not look upto the mark that they were in the first ODI and hence, the away side managed to put up a massive score.

After being put into bat, the away side got off to a flier with both openers showing intent. Noor Ali Zadran departed while going to attack but then walked in Rahmat Shah who along with Mohammad Shahzad stitched a massive 150-run stand for the second wicket. The former got to his fifty while the latter made a scintillating century. They both departed in quick succession though, allowing for the hosts to come back in the game as they followed those two wickets with two more. That though was when the other Zadran and Shahidi joined hands. They powered Afghanistan over 300 with brilliant hitting. In fact, 76 runs were scored off the last 6 overs. The former got to his own fifty too in the meantime and remained unbeaten on 60 at the end.

A record created by Afghanistan. THIS IS THE HIGHEST ODI SCORE AT THIS VENUE, beating England's 301/7 in 2006. But this has been an innings that has gone from crest to trough to crest to trough. It has oscillated and it is difficult to guess who will be the happier side at the break. One would now guess Afghanistan because they have crossed the 300-run mark but they will themselves know that they could have had much more. Ireland, on the other hand, will also know that from 212/5, they should have never left the visitors to get to 305!

Mark Adair to Rashid Khan. OUT! Caught. A wicket to end the innings. A length ball, around off, Rashid plays a short-arm jab, aiming to get it wide of long on but he does not quite get it right. Lorcan Tucker, the substitute, takes a few steps to his right and grabs the catch calmly. AFGHANISTAN FINISH ON 305/7!

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. DROPPED! Poor piece of fielding. A length ball outside off, Najibullah pulls it towards deep square leg but mistimes it. Kevin O'Brien comes running in and to his right from deep backward square leg but plonks the catch down. A single taken.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! Going, going, gone! Clean striking. Adair goes short while Zadran goes long. Pounces onto the short ball and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket!

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. A short ball again, Najibullah looks to pull but misses.

Rashid Khan is the new man in.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. OUT! Taken! A short ball, around off, Shahidi looked to pull but mistimed it towards long on. Simple catch for the fielder there.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. SIX! That has gone full on the hoardings! A fuller length ball on middle and leg, Shahidi smacks this right of the middle of the bat and powers this for a maximum to the right of long on. Moves to 47!

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Pulled away and Zadran gets to FIFTY with style! His 9th one in ODIs and he has reached this one of just 29 balls! A short length ball on middle, Najibullah powers this pull away wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 17 runs off the over, an excellent one for the Afghans.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. A mistimed pull from Zadran this time as he gets an under edge towards the leg side.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! The four follows the biggie! A low full toss on middle, Zadran connects really well as he lofts this over the bowler's head. He beats long on with ease.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! That is right off the middle of the bat and the ball has gone way out of the park. A length ball on middle and off, Zadran swings and swings hard. He connects from the middle and that means only one result. It is a huge six over deep mid-wicket. Just the kind of shots that the visitors would want now.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. On a length on middle, Zadran slogs this ball away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Excellent running to come back there.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Wide! Another short one attempted by Murtagh but this ball bounces too high and goes well over the head of the batsman. Wided.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Short one wide outside off, the batsman looks to pull it away but cannot put bat on ball.

Tim Murtagh to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran looks to pull this short ball away but the ball goes off the inner half and a lot straighter than he wanted it to. A single is taken.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Bowled on the hips, Zadran misses his flick and the ball goes off his thigh pad to the right of the keeper.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Bouncer on middle, Zadran looks to pull this away but fails to connect. He looks for a wide but it is not given. One for the over is signalled.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Fuller length ball outside off, Shahidi mistimes his hit towards mid off. The poor timing though allows the batsmen to run through.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. FOUR! Another one of the edge. Shahidi is living a charmed life. A short ball, around leg stump, Hashmatullah swivels and looks to pull but is cramped for room. The ball goes off the top edge and speeds to the fine leg fence.

We are in for a bit of a delay. Rankin is not at all happy and seems to be in pain. The physio is out in the middle, tending to his knee. He finally gets up and looks ready to bowl. A really strong guy!

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. OOPS! On the knee! Rankin is down in pain. A length ball outside off, Shahidi hammers it towards long on. The bowler leaps, trying to get out of the way but is hit on the inner half of the right knee.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Almost a catching opportunity but instead it goes on to fetch four runs for the batting team. A short length ball on middle, Zadran pulls it away over mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep tries to run to his right and catch it with one hand but it is too far away from him. The ball lands inside the rope and takes a bounce before crossing the rope. The fielder tries to parry it in with his other hand on his second attempt but misses. Two boundaries to end the over.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! That is a weird shot but it fetches runs. A bouncer on the body from Adair, Zadran comes inside the line and awkwardly hits it away over the keeper with a half-pull. The batsman was not in control there but he will not mind as it fetches him four runs.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Short outside off, Hashmatullah looks to chop this ball away but mistimes it towards cover. A single is hence possible.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Hit away hard wide of point for a couple of runs by Shahidi. Good running too.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. Back of a length on the body, Zadran rides the bounce and tucks the ball fine on the leg side for a single.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi looks to pull this short one away but misses the ball. 13 runs off this over!

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Placed away through point for a single by NZ.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! Huge! A length ball on middle, Zadran lofts this ball and clears the fence at long on. The away side need many more of these.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi has played this wide of point for a single. The 250 comes up for the Afghans.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. FOUR! Lovely shot! Length outside off, Zadran slashes this ball hard wide of point and finds the rope easily.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Bouncer on off, Shahidi looks to ramp it over the keeper but fails to put bat on ball.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Wide! This is bowled down the leg side and is penalised by the umpire.

Boyd Rankin to bowl now. He has two overs left.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Just the end they needed for the over. Length ball outside off, this time Zadran times his lofted shot well and gets a boundary over covers.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball outside off, Zadran lofts it over covers. He does not time it well so the sweeper cover gathers it before the ropes. Two taken.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Afghanistan will take it no matter how they come. Murtagh bangs one in short, Zadran looks to pull but gets a top edge which goes over the keeper's head for boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! They need more of these. Fuller ball on off, Zadran lofts it over covers for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Brilliant running. Good length ball on the body, Zadran pulls it wide of deep square leg. They run the first one hard and call for the second. The throw at the bowler's end is a wayward one and they get the second with ease. Though it will be counted as just a single as the first run was not completed.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Good length ball on middle and leg, NZ tucks it to mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. Single to end the over. On the pads, Zadran flicks it to the leg side and keeps the strike.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Play and a miss. Good length ball outside off, Zadran looks to drive but misses.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. No it does not. Just a single off the Free Hit delivery. Good length ball outside off, HS punches it to cover for a run.

FREE HIT TIME!

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. NO BALL! Zadran oversteps his line. He bowls a full length ball on middle and leg, Zadran nudges it to long on and gives the strike to Shahidi. Free hit to follow. Will it cost Ireland?

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on off, Shahidi plays it towards point.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. Short ball on the body, Zadran pulls it over short fine leg for a single.

Mark Adair to Najibullah Zadran. WIDE! Bouncer bounces over Zadran's head. Wide signalled.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on off, Shahidi taps it towards point and looks for a quick single. Zadran responds, the fielder dives and looks to hit the stumps at the keeper's end with an under arm throw though he misses. There is no one to back up but that does not cost any extra run as the keeper gathers it.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. HS gets to the other end with a punch to deep cover. A single is taken as he keeps strike for the next over.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi pushes this ball on the front foot to mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. In the air... but lands safely in no man's land. A short length ball on off, Zadran pulls this away but fails to time it well. It goes off the top of the blade and in the air towards mid-wicket but the bad timing actually works in favour of the batsman as the ball does not carry.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Quick single! Good running. On a length outside off, Shahidi taps the ball with soft hands towards the off side. He calls for a single and his partner responds.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. On a length on middle, driven towards mid-wicket by HS.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Wide! The bouncer on middle goes too high. Shahidi goes for the ramp shot over the keeper but misses the ball. Wide given as it was too high.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. On a length outside off, eased down to third man for a single by Zadran.

Tim Murtagh replaces Boyd Rankin.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. FOUR! Finally runs after 11 dot balls and that too in a streaky way. A length ball outside off, Shahidi looks to drive this one but gets an outside edge which flies past the keeper to his left. The third man cannot come around to stop that ball.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Excellent bouncer! Aimed almost at the head of the batsman, Shahidi looks to pull this away but fails to put bat on ball.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. 10 dots in a row! A short length ball outside off, Shahidi looks to cut this away but the ball goes off the bottom edge towards the keeper.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Punched off the back foot towards point by Shahidi this time.

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Excellent fielding from Kane, the sub. A fuller ball on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket by HS where the fielder dives full length to his right and stops the ball. 8 dots in a row!

Mark Adair to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Bowled fuller on off, Shahidi looks to push this ball back down the ground but it goes off the inside half and without timing to the bowler's right.

Mark Adair is back into the attack.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Outside off on a shorter length, the southpaw looks to chop this ball but it goes off the under edge and runs slowly to the left of the keeper. The non-striker decides not to run. A wicket-maiden!

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. NZ defends this off the back foot towards the leg side.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Short of a length on the body, Zadran stands tall and fends it towards the bowler.

Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. OUT! Naib departs now! This has been a stunning comeback from Ireland so far in this innings. A short length ball on middle, Gulbadin looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes really high in the air. Stirling from mid-wicket comes a little ahead and pouches it safely. Rankin gets his first wicket and a timely one again for the hosts. The batsmen were initially going to cross but the non-striker decides to run back as he was worried of being run out in case of a dropped catch. Eventually was not a drop though.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Back of a length again outside off, Gulbadin punches the ball towards cover.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Back of a length outside off, tapped towards the off side awkwardly by Naib.

Powerplay 3 time! 5 fielders will be allowed to be outside the inner circle till the end of the innings.

Paul Stirling to Gulbadin Naib. Flatter on the pads, Gulbadin flicks it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Paul Stirling to Gulbadin Naib. Naib pushes this ball of the back foot towards mid-wicket.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shorter this time on off, the southpaw cuts this ball well but the fielder at point does really well to dive to his left and make a half-stop. Cannot prevent the single though.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Fired in quick outside off, Shahidi plays this off the open face towards point.

Paul Stirling to Gulbadin Naib. Flatter on middle, tucked through mid-wicket for a run by Naib.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Bowled flatter wide outside off, Shahidi runs down the track and hits the ball to long off for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Slightly back of a length again, pushed towards mid-wicket again by GN. A really good over from Rankin, just 3 off it in the end.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Back of a length on middle and off, Gulbadin stands tall and defends the ball towards mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Bowled fuller on the pads, Naib flicks this ball but straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Eased down to the left of third man this time by the southpaw for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Back of a length outside off, pushed to deep cover for a single by the skipper. He gets off the mark with that shot.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. On a length outside off, pushed by Shahidi towards mid off. The batsmen have a slight confusion while trying to run for the single but no mishap in the end as they complete the single easily.

Boyd Rankin is back into the attack.

Paul Stirling to Gulbadin Naib. Naib defends this ball off the back foot towards the right of the bowler.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Flatter outside off from around the wicket, punched to long off by Shahidi and he brings his skipper on strike for the first time.

Skipper, Gulbadin Naib is the new man in.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. OUT! Afghan has thrown it away! He was settling down well but goes for a big shot over long on suddenly to this flat one outside off. He just gets height and not the distance. The ball carries to long on where McBrine takes a really safe catch with soft hands. Afghanistan losing their way here. This might also please them to a certain extent though as this is the third wicket for a spinner today out of the four to fall.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. Flatter on off, pushed back to the bowler by Asghar.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Flighted outside off, the southpaw runs down the track and drives this ball to long off for a single.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. Flatter wide outside off, Afghan cuts the ball really late off the outside half of the bat. Gets the ball fine to the left of short third man. The bowlers run for the third one while the fielder throws the ball at the keeper's end. A desperate dive from Shahidi helps him reach the crease in time! Excellent running.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. 200 up for Afghanistan. Afghan gets a back of a length ball on off, Afghan pulls it to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. FOUR! This time Afghan connects and gets the desired result. Length ball outside off, Afghan comes down the track and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Play and miss. Length is the same once again. It is outside off, Afghan looks to defend it but gets beaten.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Length ball on off, Afghan comes down the track to hit it but misses. The ball hits him on his body but he looks to be fine.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on middle, Shahidi looks to flick it across the line but gets a leading edge which goes to deep cover for a run.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on off, Shahidi drives it to the man at mid off.

Drinks Break. After dismissing Rahmat Shah and Mohammad Shahzad in the same over. Ireland have found their way back into the game and have managed to stop the run flow here. They will be looking to restrict the visitors under 300 now. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will hope Asghar Afghan and Hashmatullah Shahidi can start firing and get more than 100 runs in the final 14 overs.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Single to finish the over. HS strokes the last ball to the fielder at long on and keeps the strike.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Tossed up on the stumps, Afghan taps it back to the bowler.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. Floated on middle and leg, Afghan nudges it to long on for a run.

Paul Stirling to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shorter on off, Shahidi tucks it past the diving mid-wicket fielder for a run.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. Floated on middle and leg, Asghar milks it to long on for a run.

Paul Stirling to Asghar Afghan. Starts with a floated off spinner on off, Afghan taps it back to the right of the bowler. Stirling blocks the ball from going past him with his right foot.

Paul Stirling is being brought on to bowl now.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. On the pads, Afghan looks to flick it to mid-wicket but it goes off his thigh pad and keeps the strike with a run. Leg bye signalled.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Good length ball on off, Afghan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Outside off on a length, Shahidi taps it down to third man for a run.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Full on off, Shahidi drives it hard but straight to mid on.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on off, HS hits it straight to point.

Kevin O'Brien to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball on off, Shahidi looks to defend but it goes wide of third man off the outside edge and they get a couple.

Kevin O'Brien to bowl now.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Bowled flatter on middle, worked towards square leg by Afghan using his wrists. Dot ball to end the over and McBrine's spell. His figures read 10-1-43-2!

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Fired in quick on off, patted towards the right of the bowler by AA.

Andy McBrine to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Cut away by the southpaw for a single to deep point.

Andy McBrine to Hashmatullah Shahidi. From around the wicket this time, Shahidi chops this ball to backward point.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Asghar leans ahead and drives this ball wide of extra-cover for a single.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Flatter on off, Afghan turns the ball into the gap through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Good running that!

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. FOUR! That could have been the third wicket in a cluster. A length ball outside off, Shahidi flashes at the ball and it flies off the thick outside edge and over point for a boundary. Just over the head of the fielder.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Back of a length outside off, punched through cover-point for a couple of runs by Shahidi. The southpaw is off the mark with that couple.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Tapped towards the point fielder this time by the southpaw.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Well left! Outside off on a length, Shahidi shoulders arms to this ball and watches it into the keeper's gloves.

Boyd Rankin to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Back of a length on off, patted towards point by the new man.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Floated on off, Afghan blocks it to see off the over. End of a tremendous over. Just a run and two big wickets.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is the new man in to bat.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. OUT! Shahzad does not stay long after getting to his hundred. Andy shows his guts and tosses it up on middle and off, Shahzad comes down the track and looks to go over the bowler's head. He does not get the timing on it and the ball goes towards long on. Kevin O'Brien runs to his left and takes the second catch in the over. Two wickets in the over for McBrine. But end of a brilliant knock from Shahzad though he would have loved to stay there longer and continued his innings.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Floated on the pads, Afghan flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Floated on off, Afghan pushes it to the man at cover.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Floated on middle, Afghan drives it straight to mid on.

Asghar Afghan is the new batsman at number 4.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. OUT! Rahmat Shah holes out. A very crucial breakthrough for Ireland they have finally broken the partnership. McBrine flights it up on middle and off, Shah looks to clear the man at long on. He does not time it well and it goes right to the fielder there. Kevin O'Brien keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a comfortable catch.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. MS punches this ball towards the off side. The over ends with a dot ball.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. Back of a length on middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single by Shahzad.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat Shah eases this ball down to third man for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. That is his hundred! What a brilliant innings from Mohammad Shahzad! His 6th century in ODIs. Removes his helmet and holds it on the handle of his bat as a celebration. This has been a lovely knock from him, attacking from the start. Will he make this a really big one? Gets to 100 by running this ball on the hips down to fine leg.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Short of a length on the hips, worked down to fine leg for a single by Rahmat. Brings Shahzad on strike. He is on 99!

Boyd Rankin is being brought back on to bowl now.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. On the pads, Shah flicks it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Follows it up with a single to move onto 99. He flicks it to square leg to reach one run away from century.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Moves to 98 now. He has been brilliant. Tossed up on middle, Shahzad smacks it over mid on for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. WIDE! McBrine misses his line and sprays it down the leg side. Shahzad goes for the sweep but misses. Wide signalled.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. On the pads, Rahmat flicks it to the on side and gets a single.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Floated on middle, RS plays it straight to mid on.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Shorter on off, Shah cuts it straight to cover-point.

Kevin O'Brien to Mohammad Shahzad. Pushed off the back foot towards point by MS. 8 runs off this over split by two bowlers.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat Shah pushes this ball to deep cover for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad gets to the other end with a single to deep square leg.

Kevin O'Brien comes onto bowl now, Barry McCarthy cannot continue. Seems to have some issue with his knee!

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Short outside off, cut away off the back foot by Shahzad to deep cover. The fielder throws at the bowler's end where there is no one to back up the ball. An extra run is taken as an overthrow. The bowler did not run back to the stumps quickly as he had pain in his knee.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Lucky runs but fortune favours the brave as they say. A fuller length ball wide outside off, Shahzad slashes at the ball but it goes off the thick outside half and flies over short third man for a boundary. No one back there. MS moves into the 90s.

A discussion between the skipper and the bowler after one ball, not yet known regarding what...

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Wide outside off on a length, chopped towards point by Shahzad.

Barry McCarthy comes back on now, with a swap of ends.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! Just the kind of finish Afghanistan would have wanted. McBrine tosses it up on off, Shah sweeps it hard over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. 150 comes up for Afghanistan. They get there with a single down to long on. They look on course to get to 300 plus.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Tossed up on off, Shah milks it to long on and rotates the strike.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Flatter on middle and off, MS nudges it to long on and gets one.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Short on off and middle, Shahzad gets on his back foot and punches it wide of short mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. On the pads, RS flicks it to deep square leg and gets a run.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad backs away to push this ball towards backward point. End of a 10-run over, a good one for the away side.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! All too easy for Shahzad now. A half-volley on middle, the short and stout keeper-bat from Afghanistan spots mid off is present and easily lifts the ball over his head for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. FIFTY FOR RAHMAT SHAH! He has been their consistent performer for quite some time now and after missing out in the first game, he has scored runs here. 14th ODI fifty for him. He runs this ball on the pads down to fine leg for a single to get to the landmark.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat pats this length ball towards mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad drives this ball down to long on for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Short and punished. Back of a length on middle from the bowler, Shahzad backs away to make room and pulls this ball away hard through mid-wicket. Finds the gap as well as the rope.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad flicks this ball away through to deep mid-wicket and picks up a run. He retains strike for the next over.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Shah moves ahead and drives this to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat pats this ball towards the right of mid-wicket. Dot ball.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Fired in quick on middle, swept away through square leg for a single by MS.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. One run added to the total.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. This one is bowled short and following the batsman, Shahzad pulls this away to deep square leg for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat comes down the track and looks to drive this ball but he gets hit on the thigh pad.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Mohammad chips this ball through mid on for a single down to the deep.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Driven back towards mid-wicket by the batsman.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Loud appeal but the ball was too high! A short length ball on middle, Shahzad walks inside the line, shuffles and then looks to pull this over mid-wicket but the ball gets him high on the thigh pad. The umpire says not out when the appeal from Murtagh comes.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Outside off, Shahzad looks to dab it down fine on the off side late but the ball goes past the outside edge.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On a length outside off, pushed towards backward point from the crease by Shahzad.

Tim Murtagh is back on. The keeper is up to the stumps now.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Single to end the over. Tossed up on middle and leg, MS strokes it wide of mid on and keeps the strike.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Floated on off, MS sweeps it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. On middle and leg, Shahzad drives it to the man at mid on.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Flighted on middle and leg, Shahzad nudges it to long on for a run.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. On the pads, MS flicks it to square leg for a run.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Beautiful from Shahzad. Tossed up outside off, Mohammad lofts it over mid off for a boundary. That also brings up the 100 run stand between the two. It has been a brilliant partnership between the two. Shahzad especially has been brilliant.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Length ball outside off, Rahmat slaps it hard but too close to the man at point so no run.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Good length ball on off, Rahmat blocks it off his front foot.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! Exquisite drive. Full around off, Rahmat drives it excellently through covers for a boundary. He holds onto the pose for the cameras.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Full on off, Shah drives it straight to mid off.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Now follows it up with a single towards point.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Shahzad not just showing his power and class but also showing how smart he is. The mid on is up inside the circle so he just tonks this full ball over him. The ball bounces a couple of times inside the rope for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Flatter one on middle, tucked towards the right of mid-wicket by MS. The fielder there dives to his right and stops the ball. Cannot prevent the single though.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad pushes this ball back towards the left of the bowler.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat runs down the track and pushes this ball down to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Outside off and a little width to play with for the batsman, Mohammad reverse sweeps it fine of backward point for a single.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Flatter on the pads, turned towards the mid-wicket fielder now.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Fired in quick outside off, Shahzad chops this ball on a couple of bounces towards backward point.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Beautiful delivery. Though Rahmat has played well he has also been lucky as a lot of balls have went past his outside edge. And once again he is lucky here. Good length ball outside off, Shah looks to defend but gets beaten.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. On off, Shah hits it straight to cover.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Full on off, Shah taps it back to the bowler.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Good length ball on off, Shah drives it straight to the man at cover.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball outside off, Shahzad runs it down to third man for a single.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball on off, Shahzad defends it off his front foot.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat defends this ball coming ahead, back to the bowler.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat runs down the track to drive this to long on but the ball goes off the inside of his bat towards mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Again this ball is flatter and quicker on off, defended back to the bowler by Shah.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Another back foot push towards mid-wicket by Rahmat to this flatter one on middle.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Flatter on the pads, pushed towards mid-wicket by RS.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Boundary to finish the over. Back of a length ball on the body, Shahzad pulls it wide of fine leg. The fielder runs to his right and dives to save it from crossing the rope but his attempt goes in vain.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Length ball on off, Mohammad plays it straight to the man at point.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Fuller on off, Shah drives it wide of cover for a run. Sensible batting this.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. EDGE AND FOUR. Unlucky for the bowler. Length ball moving away from the batsman. Shah has a poke at it but gets thick outside edge and goes through the vacant slip cordon. Wilson dives to his right but cannot get his hand to it and the ball races away to the fence.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Driven towards the mid-off region.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.

DRINKS BREAK. This has been a really solid start for the Afghans. They have reached 100 in quick time in what looked to be good conditions for batting and with the sun out as well. Ireland will need a few quiet overs in the middle as well as wickets or else the visitors will be sending them on a leather hunt in the latter part of the innings and the hosts could be staring at a big total to chase down! Mark Adair to bowl now after the break...

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. A fuller one on middle, driven down to long on for a single by RS.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Pushed to cover by the batsman on the front foot.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Another single down the ground, this time off the bat of Mohammad. 100 comes up for the visitors!

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. The batsman has driven it through mid on. Shah picks up a run.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Flighted ball on middle and leg, Rahmat looks to come down the ground and drive this to long on but the ball goes without much timing to a straightish mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Fired in fuller outside off, eased down to long off by Shahzad for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Dot to finish the over but an expensive one for Ireland. 12 runs off the over. The last ball is on the stumps, Shah defends it calmly off his front foot.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on off, Rahmat defends it with a straight bat.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. Back of a length ball on off, Shahzad pulls it away to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on off, Shah flat-bats it towards point for a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! 10 runs off the first two. On the pads, Shah flicks it fine down the leg side. The keeper dives to his left but to no avail. The ball races away to the fence.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. SIX! Full on the body, Shah flicks it over deep backward square leg. Kevin O'Brien there cannot do anything but just watch it sail over him for a maximum.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Tossed up on middle and leg, Shah nudges it towards long on and keeps the strike. 3 runs off McBrine's first.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Flatter on middle and off, MS tucks it wide of mid-wicket and gets one.

Andy McBrine to Mohammad Shahzad. Floated on middle and off, Shahzad hits it straight to mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Shorter on middle and off, Shah pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Flighted on off, Rahmat taps it to point.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Starts with a tossed up ball on off, Shah blocks it.

Andy McBrine is brought on.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. Good ball! Almost takes the outside edge! A length ball outside off and slightly shaping away. Shahzad looks to run it down but the shape takes it away from the outside edge at the last moment.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Bowled on the hips, worked through square leg for a single by Rahmat.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Pushed off the back foot by RS towards point.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Back of a length outside off, tapped towards cover by the batsman.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! What a shot! Shot of the day so far for me! A fuller length ball outside off, driven gloriously through the covers. No fielder in the deep means it is an easy boundary.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On a length on middle and leg, patted with soft hands back down the ground by Shah.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Fifty for Shahzad. He has looked amazing from ball one and what a way to get to his 15th ODI fifty. Shorter on middle, Shahzad pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a boundary to get to his milestone. He though now should look to convert this into a big one.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. On the pads, Shah flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Back of a length ball on the body, Shahzad hooks it to fine leg for a run.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Back of a length ball around off, Shahzad plays a wonderful upper cut over the keeper's head for a boundary.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Shahzad takes the aerial route and gets the result. Full on off. The mid off is up inside the circle, so Shahzad has no qualms hitting it over the man and he gets a couple as he does not time it well.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Length ball outside off, Shah punches it towards cover for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Outside off on a length, Shah runs it down to third man and ends the over with one.

Boyd Rankin to Mohammad Shahzad. Back of a length ball on off, Shahzad pulls it away towards mid-wicket for a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On the pads once again, Shah flicks it this time wide of mid-wicket for a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on off, Shah flicks it wide of mid-wicket but Paul Stirling dives to his right and stops runs for his side.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On the pads, Shah flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Back of a length ball, Shah pulls it to fine leg and keeps the strike.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Played to the point region by Rahmat.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. On the pads, Mohammad flicks it to fine leg for a single.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. WIDE! McCarthy misses his line and sprays it down the leg side. MS looks to flick but misses. Wide given by the umpire.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Bouncer! It is a well directed one. Shahzad ducks under it.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Driven straight to the man at mid off.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Length ball outside off, Shah dabs it to third man and gets a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. In the air but safe. Good length ball on middle, Shah flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket. Mark Adair dives in front to catch it but it falls short of him. He though has saved a certain boundary. Good effort from him. Just a single taken.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On the body, Shah flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On off, Shah plays it to the man at point.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Back of a length ball on off, Shah gets on his back foot and blocks it.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. On middle, Shah flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Starts with a length delivery outside off, Shah does not disturb it on its way to the keeper.

Powerplay 2 signalled by the umpire. Now 4 fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Boyd Rankin is into the attack now.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Ends the over with a single down to third man.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Full on off, Rahmat defends it with a straight bat.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Peach of a delivery. Good length ball on off, it moves away from the batsman. Rahmat looks to defend but gets beaten. The ball just misses the outside edge on its way to the keeper. He is struggling to middle the ball here.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Length ball outside off, Shahzad runs it down to third man and gets to the other end.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. On off and on a length, MS blocks it.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball on middle, Shahzad defends it towards mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. On middle and leg, RS flicks it mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. EDGED AND FOUR! Good length ball on off. There is a hint of away swing on this one. Rahmat looks to block but gets a thick outside edge which flies past the diving first slip for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On middle and leg, Shahzad flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a run.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On off, Shahzad defends it with soft hands.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Corrects his line and length and bowls it on the off stump line. MS hits it straight to point.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! 8 runs off the last two balls. Poor line from Murtagh. He bowls it on the pads, Shahzad flicks it fine towards fine leg for a boundary.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! Rahmat is off the mark after 12 deliveries. He gets a length ball on the pads, Shah whips it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Barry McCarthy to Rahmat Shah. Full on off, Rahmat drives it straight to cover.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball on off, Shahzad solidly blocks it and gets a single as the ball goes towards point.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Outside off on a length, Shahzad lets it go to the keeper.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Barry McCarthy to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Not the start McCarthy would have wanted. He bowls it full on off, Shahzad lofts it over covers for a boundary.

Barry McCarthy is introduced into the attack.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Once again flicks it to the same man at mid-wicket to finish the over.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. On middle and leg, Rahmat flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. On off, tapped back to the bowler by Shah.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Just short. Good bowling this. Length ball pitching on off and moves away at the last moment. Shah looks to block but gets a thick outside edge which falls short of Paul Stirling at first slip.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. In the air but safe. Full on middle and leg, Rahmat drives it uppishly towards mid on. It is short of Porterfield there and he gets it on a bounce.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On middle and leg, Shahzad flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a run.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Single to end the over. 9 runs off the over. Good length ball on middle, Shahzad defends it with soft hands towards mid on and gets a run.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Shahzad moves to 24 already. Full on off, it is in Mohammad's slot. He whacks it over mid on for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball comes in with the angle, Shahazad knows where his off stump is and confidently lets it go.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. On middle and leg, MS flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. Length ball outside off, Shahzad slaps it but straight to point.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Shahzad cannot play the waiting game long, can he? Full on off, Shahzad whips it wide of the fine leg fielder over square leg for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Full on off, Shah drives it straight to the man at cover. Just a single off the over. Strong comeback here from Ireland.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Outside off on a length, Shahzad runs it down to third man and gets a run.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On the pads, MS flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Back of a length ball on off, Shahzad blocks it off his back foot.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Full on off, Shahzad defends it straight down the ground.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On off, Shahzad blocks it off the front foot.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Yes he can. Length ball outside off, Shah looks to cut but misses.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. On the stumps, Shah blocks it. 4 dots and a wicket so far. Can he end it as a wicket maiden?

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Good length ball outside off, Shah drives it towards cover. The fielder there dives to his right and makes a great stop.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Length ball outside off, Rahmat leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Rahmat Shah. Good length ball on middle and leg. It is going away with the angle, Rahmat looks to flick but gets hit over the knee roll. There is a slight appeal but the umpire is not interested.

Rahmat Shah walks in at number 3.

Mark Adair to Noor Ali Zadran. OUT! That will be the first wicket. Adair strikes. Full length ball on off, it is not the greatest of deliveries. Ali Zadran looks to hit it over mid on but does not get the elevation. He ends hitting it to the right of Boyd Rankin there. He makes no mistake and takes an easy catch. The visitors had gotten off to a good start but the Irish now will be looking to pull things back with the help of this wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. On the pads, Mohammad flicks it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Now a solid font foot defense. Length ball on off, MS blocks it. Sensible batting this. Respecting the good balls and putting away the bad ones.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Whacked away! Shahzad looks in the mood today. Back of a length ball on off, Shahzad rocks onto his back foot and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. Length ball on off, Ali Zadran runs it down to third man for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. Good length ball on off. No swing on offer on this one, Noor defends it towards mid off and looks for a single but does not get it.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Good length ball coming in with the angle. Shahzad looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of his bat towards square leg for a single.

Mark Adair to Noor Ali Zadran. On the stumps, Noor defends it to see off the over.

Mark Adair to Noor Ali Zadran. Outside off, better line and length this from Adair. Ali Zadran leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Noor Ali Zadran. FOUR LEG BYES! Another delivery sliding down the leg side, Ali Zadran looks to flick but it goes off his thigh pad. There is an appeal but the umpire is not interested. The ball goes fine of fine leg for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. On the pads, Shahzad flicks it to fine leg and gets a single.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Shahzad likes the width on offer and smashes it over point for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. On a length around off, Shahzad blocks it off his back foot.

Mark Adair to Mohammad Shahzad. WIDE! Way outside off, Shahzad looks to punch it but it is outside the tramline. Wide signalled.

Mark Adair to bowl with the second new ball.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. 9 off the first over. Good length ball on off, Ali Zadran blocks it.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. Back of a length ball on off, Ali Zadran blocks it off his back foot.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. Now follows it up with a solid front foot defense of the front foot.

Tim Murtagh to Noor Ali Zadran. FOUR! Ali Zadran gets off the mark with a boundary too. Not the start Ireland would have wanted. Murtagh bowls a poor delivery on the pads, he flicks it wide of fine leg for a boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Now follows it up with a single. It is on the pads, Shahzad flicks it down to fine leg for a run.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. FOUR! What a start! Shahzad comes down the track the very first ball and whacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary. Just the approach they missed while batting in the last game.

We are all set to start the game. Mohammad Shahzad and Noor Ali Zadran walk out to open the innings for Afghanistan. Tim Murtagh to bowl the first over with the first new ball for Ireland.

TOSS - Ireland win the toss and opt to field first!

Welcome to the final game of this 2-match ODI series between Ireland and Afghanistan. This is the final competitive game for the side from Asia before they head into the World Cup. They will be looking to bounce back and level the series. The hosts, on the other hand, finally got over the line and will look to disrupt the visitors preparation and win the series. We are not far away from the action. Stay tuned for toss and further updates.