Afghanistan hammer Ireland in Sharjah opener

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan on Tuesday handed a 138-run defeat to Ireland in the first of their three one-day matches in Sharjah.

Ireland won the toss and opted to field in the 50-over game at the Sharjah Cricket Ground. Nasir Jamal hit 53 and Rahmat Shah 50 as Afghanistan posted 238-9.

Before a 125 runs partnership between Jamal and Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan were at 22-2. Lower order contributions from Rashid Khan (48) and Shafiqllah Shafique (36) gave the Afghans a competitive total.

In response, Irish wickets began to tumble, starting with Paul Stirling for five as the Afghan spinners doing the damage reduced Ireland to 30-5 and were finally skittled out for 100.

The teams will meet again at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday with the final match three days later.

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