The commentary is not available for this match. Please check the scorecard for latest updates.
So, we see you again on Tuesday, the 12th of March from Sharjah for the 3rd and final ODI of the series. Afghanistan are in the lead after winning the first game, therefore, it will be a do-or-die for Ireland if they have to level the series. Keep following Sportskeeda, friends!
2:25 pm local time, 3:55 pm IST: Unfortunately, due to persistent rain and an absolutely wet outfield, the 2nd ODI match between Afghanistan and Ireland has been abandoned without the toss conducted. It is an unfortunate way to end, but we do not have the weather under our control, so, it is as it is.
Hello everyone! Welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of the 2nd one-day international between Afghanistan and Ireland at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium! Bringing all the action to you from the 1st innings of this game will be the commentary pair of Bidipto and Darpan. Before we get started, do give the preview a read 👇.
After a disappointing loss in the Test, Afghanistan roared back in style to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series against Ireland. Riding on a sensational Rahmanullah Gurbaz ton, they mounted a massive total in the first innings in Sharjah which proved a bit too many for the Irish despite a valiant fight.
This series was always expected to ebb and flow in either direction with little to pick between the two sides. The opener was a fitting reflection of the same and one can expect something similar to transpire again on Saturday as the two teams lock horns.
Afghanistan's opening combination of Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have proven tough to dislodge every time they have begun well. It was the case on Thursday as they posted a partnership of 150 for the opening wicket and complemented each other beautifully, with Gurbaz taking the attacking route and Zadran playing second fiddle.
Later on, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi added the finishing touches with a rapid half-century after Mohammad Nabi blitzed his way to a quickfire 40 of his own. With Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai expected to come into their own, the batting lineup looks in a healthy state for Afghanistan.
Ireland were rocked early in their chase of 311 and at 34/3, they looked down and out. But Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker enhanced already burgeoning reputations with a stand of 173 for the fourth wicket that gave their team a shot at a famous win. With the asking rate getting out of hand though, a quick collapse meant that Ireland couldn't get the job done.
In this regard, it is important for the likes of George Dockrell and Mark Adair to show the way even as the team would want a better start from their top-order comprising Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher and skipper Paul Stirling.
They'd certainly want to do a lot better with the ball too and make early inroads, the onus for which lies in the hands of Adair, Graham Hume and Craig Young although Barry McCarthy could also get a look-in. Theo van Woerkom was the pick of the lot in the first match with his left-arm spin and if the pitch slows up, he could have a massive say in proceedings again.
Afghanistan will not mind the pitch slowing up considering that it puts their own spin attack into the contest. Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar will look to get into the wickets regularly while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai will be keen to rock the Irish top-order again.
This contest sits on an even footing again even as Afghanistan enter it with momentum on their hands. Ireland certainly have all the elements to stage a fightback and take the series into a decider but they must rock up now and turn in a complete performance against a buoyant Afghan outfit.
If that happens, we sure ought to be in for a treat not just today, but ahead of what could then turn into a sudden death contest on Tuesday. A fascinating duel surely awaits, doesn't it?
Video
;'/></svg>)
A Omarzai
;'/></svg>){kind=small}
Match has not started yet
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
