Mohammad Nabi proved instrumental for Afghanistan, contributing a vital 48 runs before showcasing his prowess with the ball, taking five wickets to seal an impressive 117-run win over Ireland in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The triumph sealed a 2-0 win for Afghanistan in the three-match one-day international series.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, fresh from his century in the series opener, propelled Afghanistan to another strong start as he made 51 runs off 53 balls before falling victim to spinner Andy McBrine who claimed a reverse catch.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi kept Afghanistan’s momentum going with his second straight half-century in ODIs, producing a composed 69 runs that ensured a competitive total despite stumbling in the middle overs.
Despite Nabi’s vital support, Afghanistan faced pressure from Ireland in the final and settled for 236-9. Mark Adair claimed 3-51 while Barry McCarthy took two wickets.
Ireland’s innings got off to a promising start until opener Andy Balbirnie departed early. Despite captain Paul Stirling reaching 50, Ireland’s progress was halted and Harry Tector’s departure for three followed.
Nabi’s nifty off-spin took care of Tector and Lorcan Tucker, while debutant Nangeyalia Kharote made an impressive impact, dismissing key Irish batsmen and triggering a dramatic collapse, with Ireland losing five wickets for just two runs.
Nabi’s spell intensified as he bowled McBrien and Graham Hume to secure his maiden ODI five-wicket haul with figures of 5-17.
Kharote complemented Nabi’s performance, claiming four wickets in 30 runs to seal a comprehensive victory.
After abandoning the second ODI due to heavy rain, both teams will remain in Sharjah for three T20 matches scheduled on March 15, 17 and 18.
Ireland’s win in the previous Test match marked their first win in the five-day format after seven consecutive losses.
