After almost seven years since being granted Test status, Ireland clinched their first-ever victory in the longest format by defeating Afghanistan by six wickets in a solitary Test held on Friday.
Leading the charge in their pursuit of 111 runs in the second innings, Ireland's captain, Andy Balbirne, played a crucial role with an unbeaten 58 off 96 balls. This triumph was facilitated by pacer Mark Adair's stellar performance, claiming eight wickets in the match (5/39 and 3/56).
Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan faced a swift collapse in their first innings, managing only 155 runs in 54.5 overs.
Mark Adair, utilizing the swinging conditions at the Tolerance Oval, orchestrated his maiden five-wicket haul. Craig Young (2/31), Curtis Campher (2/13), and Barry McCarthy (1/28) provided valuable support.
Ibrahim Zadran's patient knock of 53 and Karim Janat's resistance (41 not out) prevented Afghanistan from a more disastrous first-innings total.
In response, Ireland encountered a shaky start, but stabilizing innings from Curtis Campher (49) and Harry Tector (32) laid the foundation. Despite Afghanistan's attempt at a comeback, Ireland's middle and lower order, including Paul Stirling (52), Lorcan Tucker (46), and Andy McBrine (38), propelled them to 263, securing a crucial first-innings lead of 108 runs.
Afghanistan managed 218 in their second innings, with Adair and McCarthy claiming three wickets each, setting Ireland a modest target of 111 runs for victory.
Although Afghanistan's top and middle order, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (55) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (46), displayed resistance, Adair, McCarthy, and Craig Young stifled the scoring rate.
Adair's 3/24, along with contributions from McCarthy and Young, ensured Afghanistan's innings concluded at 218.
In pursuit of 111, Ireland faced an early setback, reduced to 13/3 by a remarkable opening spell from Naveed Zadran (2/31) and Nijat Masood (1/27).
However, Balbirnie's resilient two-hour knock, first with Paul Stirling (14) and later with Lorcan Tucker (27 not out), guided Ireland to victory with two days to spare.
It is noteworthy that Ireland, granted Full Member and Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on June 22, 2017, had previously suffered seven defeats in Test matches. Afghanistan had also secured their first Test win against Ireland in 2019.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 155 (Ibrahim Zadran 53; Mark Adair 5/39) and 218 (Hashmatullah Shahidi 55; Craig Young 3/24, Barry McCarthy 3/48, Adair 3/56) lose to Ireland 263 (Paul Stirling 52; Zia-ur-Rahman 5/64) and 111/4 (Andy Balbirnie 58 not out) by six wickets.
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