The first T20 of the three-match series between Afghanistan and Ireland was played on the 6th of March in Noida, India. Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first.
Impressive batting performances were given by Paul Stirling (60 runs in 41 balls) and Kevin O’Brien (35 runs in 17 balls). Andy Balbirine and Harry Tector scored 29 runs each in 28 and 17 balls respectively. The Irish batting line up managed a total of 172 runs, playing all 20 overs while losing 6 wickets. The Afghans delivered an average bowling performance. Maximum runs were conceded by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. He allowed 49 runs in the 4 overs that he bowled. Captain Rashid Khan took 3 wickets while allowing only 22 runs to be scored in his 4 overs spell. Duo Shapoor Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman managed to take a wicket each. Afghanistan was handed a target of 173 runs to score in the 2nd inning of the match.
The two best batting performances from the Afghans were delivered by Najibullah Zadran (42 runs in 21 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurzab (28 runs in 13 balls). Amongst other batsmen, Samiullah Shinwari scored 28 runs in 29 balls and Hazratullah Zazai scored 23 runs in 15 balls. None of the other batsmen managed to score above 6 runs. As 5 overs were omitted from the match due to rains Afghanistan stood victorious as per the rules affiliated. They won the match by 11 runs while losing five wickets. A decent bowling performance was delivered by Ireland as none of the bowlers conceded more than 44 runs in the 15 overs they bowled.
Simi Singh bagged two wickets allowing only 18 runs in his 3 over spell while Boyd Rankin managed to take a wicket. The man of the match was awarded to Rashid Khan.