A remarkable display of cricket unfolded on Tuesday, March 12, as Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi delivered an awe-inspiring performance against Ireland in the third One-Day International (ODI). His phenomenal five-wicket haul, with figures of 5/17, left the opposition reeling as Afghanistan secured an authoritative 117-run victory to clinch the three-match series 2-0.
Nabi’s expertise shined through at a crucial juncture, not only with the ball but also with a pivotal 48-run knock, contributing to Afghanistan’s competitive total. His heroics earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award and reinforced his status as a veteran allrounder with the ability to change the course of a game.
The match also saw the emergence of a promising talent in Nangeyalia Kharote, the teenage slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Making his international debut, Kharote left a lasting impression as he took four wickets, leaving the Irish batting order in tatters.
Set to chase a target of 237 runs, the task proved to be daunting for Ireland, who found themselves under immense pressure from the onset. Their predicament was exacerbated as they struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Apart from their skipper Paul Stirling, who played a resilient innings of 50 runs off 53 balls, and Curtis Campher, who added a gritty 43 off 63 balls, the rest of the Irish lineup failed to contribute significantly, failing to even reach double digits.
Earlier in the day, the stakes were high for Ireland, who after winning the toss and electing to field, were determined to square the series. Despite their strategic choice, they were unable to contain the Afghan openers who commenced the innings at a brisk pace. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a strong opening partnership, contributing 62 runs until Zadran’s dismissal at an individual score of 22 to Barry McCarthy.
Maintaining the momentum, Gurbaz went on to score a half-century, garnished with seven boundaries and a lofty six. At this juncture, Ireland sensed an opportunity and clawed back into the contest, reducing Afghanistan from a comfortable 62/1 to a precarious 96/4. This comeback was a testament to Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack that momentarily swung the game in their favor.
Nevertheless, Afghanistan’s resilience shone through as Nabi, alongside captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored a composed 69 off 103 balls, steadied the innings with a 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their combined efforts were essential in rescuing Afghanistan from the initial slump and setting up a defendable total of 236.
This solid foundation laid by the batsmen was capitalized by the bowlers, particularly Nabi and the debutant Kharote, who spun a web around the Irish batsmen. The duo’s exceptional bowling ensured that Afghanistan didn’t just win, but dominated the opposition to secure the series.
Ireland’s day culminated in disappointment. Unable to counter the spin threat, their innings wrapped up at a scant total of 119, signaling a clear dominance by Afghanistan in the one-day format. With the series now in their pocket, Afghanistan continues to build its reputation as a formidable team in international cricket.
While the victorious side rejoices in their triumph, Ireland heads back to the drawing board, contemplating strategies to overcome such high-caliber opponents in the future. The series may have come to an end, but the cricketing journey for both teams marches on, as they forge their paths with an eye on development and success in upcoming contests.
