Cricketers of the week - 19th March to 25th March

#3 Kevin O’Brien

Kevin O'Brien powered Ireland to victory

Afghanistan would have steamrolled Ireland in the 5-match ODI series at Greater Noida if not for Kevin O’Brien’s all-round show in the fourth ODI of the five-match series. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 220 thanks largely to resistance down the order after they were reduced to 83 for 7 in the 24^th over.

O’Brien registered bowling figures of 4/26 in seven overs, three of those four being top order wickets which came in his first three overs with the new ball. He also picked up the danger man Mohammad Nabi who scored 41.

With the bat, O’Brien walked in to bat with Ireland in a spot of bother at 59 for 3 in the 16^th over. With minimal fuss, he smashed a 60-ball 72, remaining unbeaten at the end. He had to retire hurt at one point but was there to see his team through in the end despite the middle order wobble at 130 for 6 in the 32^nd over.

That win forced the series into a decider which Afghanistan won eventually.