Afghanistan Clinch ODI Opener Despite Tector’s Century
Afghanistan secured a 35-run victory over Ireland in the first One-Day International (ODI) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, March 7th. This comes on the heels of Ireland’s historic first Test win over Afghanistan last week, a feat they couldn’t replicate in the white-ball format’s opener.
Ireland, featuring just two changes from their Test victory – George Dockrell and Graham Hume replacing Barry McCarthy and PJ Moor – opted to bowl first after winning the toss. However, their decision proved ineffective in the stifling heat.
Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran stitched together a vital 150-run partnership for Afghanistan, laying a solid foundation for a big total.
Theo van Woerkom emerged as Ireland’s most successful bowler, claiming the wickets of Zadran (60), Azmatullah Omarzai (19), and crucially, the well-set Gurbaz, who fell after scoring a brilliant 121.
Craig Young and Hume chipped in with further wickets, but late contributions from Mohammad Nabi (40) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (50) propelled Afghanistan to a daunting total of 310 runs.
Ireland’s chase began disastrously, losing their top three batsmen – Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, and Curtis Campher – with just 34 runs on the board. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the wrecker-in-chief for Afghanistan, grabbing two of the early wickets.
However, a spirited fightback ensued, spearheaded by Harry Tector. Tector, in a stellar display of batting, stitched together a 173-run partnership with Lorcan Tucker (85) for the fourth wicket. Tector notched his fifth ODI century (138 off 147 balls), laced with nine fours and three sixes, keeping Ireland’s hopes alive.
Just as Tector seemed to have steered Ireland towards a possible victory, he departed in the final over. Despite his valiant effort, Ireland fell short by 35 runs, with Afghanistan taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Despite Tector’s valiant 138 (9 fours, 3 sixes), Ireland’s batting order faltered once again, and they were eventually bowled out for 275. The series now moves to a crucial second ODI on Saturday, with Afghanistan looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
The two teams will lock horns again at the same venue on Saturday, March 9th, in the second ODI. The series concludes with the final match next Tuesday.
