RAHMAT SHAH SMASHED an unbeaten century to guide Afghanistan to a seven-wicket victory over Ireland in their second one-day international in Abu Dhabi.
Rahmat hit two sixes and 10 fours in his 103 from 109 balls as the Afghans reached their victory target of 260 with 28 balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Rahmat was backed up by Hashmatullah Shahidi, whose 82 from 100 balls, saw the duo put on 184 for the third wicket.
Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan pitched in with an unbeaten 21 to help his side to victory.
🚨 STAT ALERT 🚨
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 24, 2021
Paul Stirling overtakes William Porterfield to become Ireland's all-time leading run-scorer across all formats 🔝
What a gem!#BackingGreen☘️ #AFGvIRE pic.twitter.com/VMP8jJLHOC
Ireland had won the toss and chose to bat, Paul Stirling hitting 128 from 132 balls to help his team get to 259/9 from their 50 overs.
Naveen-ul-Haq claimed Stirling’s wicket, ending with 4-42 off his 10 overs.
The defeat dented Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup in India through the World Cup Super League, and came as Irish cricket mourns the loss of the late, great Roy Torrens.
Vale Roy Torrens.
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 23, 2021
The Board and staff of Cricket Ireland are saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved friend, Roy Torrens - a true great of Irish cricket.
➡️ Read more: https://t.co/3WLQ8vZNoa#RIPRoy ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/tDfii1X28r