Afghanistan beat Ireland to win Twenty20 series in India
- Published
Harry Tector made 37 off 29 balls in Ireland's unsuccessful pursuit of 185
Second Twenty20 international, Greater Noida, India |
Afghanistan 184-4 (20 overs): Afghan 49 |
Ireland 163-6 (20 overs): Balbirnie 46; Mujeeb 3-38 |
Afghanistan won by 21 runs |
Afghanistan beat Ireland by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 to win the series with a game to spare.
Captain Ashgar Afghan hit 49 off 28 deliveries in Afghanistan's 184-4 after winning the toss in Greater Noida, India.
Ireland - beaten by 11 runs in the first T20 - made 163-6 in reply despite skipper Andrew Balbirnie's 35-ball 46 as Mujeeb ur Rahman took 3-38.
The final T20 takes place at the same venue on Tuesday.
"We started quite well - we held them well. They're obviously a dangerous side, particularly in that powerplay," said Balbirnie.
"But against a side like Afghanistan, you have to be good for 20 overs to get a result.
"We tend to start [with the bat] quite well in Twenty20 internationals, but it's about getting that right balance in the middle to get us over the line in tight games."