Najibullah Zadran’s maiden one-day international half-century helped Afghanistan bounce back from a heavy defeat to Scotland with a convincing 71-run victory over Ireland in Dubai.
The 21-year-old left-hander started patiently before breaking the shackles, hitting seven fours and half-a-dozen maximums in a 50-ball 83.
Zadran helped Afghanistan blast 119 runs from the last 13 overs, including 52 between the 45th and 47th, as they posted an imposing 246 for eight.
Ireland fell well short in their chase, dismissed for 175 in the 44th over, with Hamid Hassan taking 3-24.
Afghanistan appeared in trouble at 38 for two after Craig Young’s double strike, but Samiullah Shenwari shared stands of 61 with Asghar Stanikzai and then 67 alongside Zadran.
So this is how the table looks heading into the final match against @CricketScotland on Monday #alltoplayforpic.twitter.com/vlmVy5krpn
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 17, 2015
Stanikzai compiled a patient 44 and Shenwari made 50 before Zadran was left with the responsibility of providing late impetus.
He had 35 from as many balls before smashing 48 from his next 15, taking a liking to Alex Cusack and George Dockrell, but eventually became a third victim for Kevin O’Brien in the 48th over.
Paul Stirling gave Ireland a solid start, dominating a 40-run opening stand with Will Porterfield until he became Hassan’s second scalp for 36 off 24 balls.
Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien and Andy Balbirnie all failed to kick on after making starts, with Aftab Alam and Hassan quickly wrapping up the innings.
Ireland play Scotland in the final match on Monday with the winners crowned Tri-Series champions.