IRE beat AFG by 3 wickets | Afghanistan vs Ireland, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd ODI Match - Commentary

Once again, the hosts' bowlers have come up with an impressive show. Now, all eyes will be on their batsman. Can they rise to the occasion to keep the series alive? Or will the in-form trio of Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb make a match out of this? Expect a hard-fought chase. Join us on the other side of the break.

The Irish bowlers, with some tight and tidy bowling, kept the Afghan batters under check throughout the innings. With some impressive fielding efforts (two run outs and a stumping), tight lines and lengths and some intelligent changes of pace, the Afghanistan innings just could not take off at any stage.

However, once Shah departed, things once again got gloomy for them. Afghan's unfortunate run out added to their woes. But, Najibullah Zadran, with support from the tail, managed to put up a fighting total on the board.

Losing four wickets inside the first ten overs, Ireland put the Afghanistan batsmen on the back foot right from the word go. Tim Murtagh, in his opening spell, broke the spine of the tourists' top order. Afghanistan were 16 for 4 before a 56-run partnership between Rahmat Shah and his skipper saw them pull back things a bit and bring their rail on track.

Some responsible batting by the Afghanistan middle and lower order along with a small surge at the end has meant that the visitors have reached a fighting total of 182. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visiting team were off to a horrid start.

Kevin O'Brien to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Full ball on middle and leg, Rahman hits it down to long on and comes back for a couple. AFGHANISTAN FINISH ON 182/9!

Kevin O'Brien to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Slower bouncer, Mujeeb swings but misses.

Kevin O'Brien to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Fuller length ball, Rahman shapes to play the reverse hit again and O'Brien bowls it down the leg side. He fails to connect.

Kevin O'Brien to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. FOUR! Keeps it full around off, Rahman is in position way before the ball is released by the bowler. He goes for the reverse scoop and gets it bang on. The ball flies over the short third man fielder and an important boundary this for Afghanistan.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Alam pulls this short of a length ball on the stumps, gets a single to deep square leg.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Wide of off stump, cut towards the point region.

Tim Murtagh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. FOUR! Third time lucky. Rahman gets the pull out on this short of a length delivery outside off. This time the ball finds the middle of Rahman's bat. The ball races across the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Tim Murtagh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Similar ball, similar attempt by Rahman and the same result. Another dot ball.

Tim Murtagh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Beaten! Slower off cutter on a length just outside off, Rahman goes for the wild swing and misses the ball. Niall O'Brien behind tidies things well.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. Fuller and straighter on the stumps, driven to mid on for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. Alam wants to have a whack at everything now. He goes for a wild swing to this length ball around off, hopes to get it over the cow corner boundary. But gets beaten by pace and misses it completely.

Tim Murtagh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Fuller delivery just outside off, stroked away to deep point for a single.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Hangs back to the length ball and keeps it out.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Confusion but safe! Full ball on leg stump, Alam tries to flick it away but the ball lobs off the pads towards covers. He sets off for a run but is sent back as his partner spots the point fielder rushing in. The throw comes in but it misses the target. Would have been close had that hit.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. FOUR! Just over the man at short third man! Chase hits the deck hard as he lands this one on off. Alam backs away and upper cuts it. The fielder leaps but it just goes over him to the third man fence.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Alam tries to heave another length ball but once again only manages to connect with thin air.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Good length ball on leg stump, Alam makes space for himself as he tries to tonk it out of the park but misses.

Peter Chase to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Full ball on middle and leg, turned around the corner for a single.

Peter Chase is back for his final over.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Keeps it a bit short of a length, Alam pushes this one into the mid-wicket region but there's no single on offer.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Wild swing again but an inside edge onto the pads is the result. A length ball on off, Alam tries to go for a heave again, gets the inner part of the bat and the ball thuds into his pads. No chance of a run.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. FOUR! Flat-bats it through the mid off region for four valuable runs for the visiting team. Kevin bowls this slower and just back of a length around off. Alam waits for it to arrive, and with a horizontal swing of the bat, gets the ball between the bowler and the mid off fielder. There is enough power in the shot to take the ball racing across the fence.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the last man in.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. OUT! An important wicket for the hosts in the context of the game. The dangerous southpaw could have done some damage in the end. Keeps it a bit shorter this time. Zadran goes for the pull. The ball goes in the air and it seems like it will sail over the fielder again. But Simi Singh at the deep square leg boundary, backtracks, judges it perfectly and pouches it safely. A very smart and responsible innings from Zadran comes to an end.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! First one of the innings. Monstorous hit by Zadran. Kevin O'Brien keeps this slower ball very full in line of the stumps. Zadran, with his weight behind the ball, swings through the line. He gets good elevation and the ball sails over the mid-wicket fence for a gigantic maximum.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Lands it just behind a length on the off stump. Aftab goes for the wild swing at the ball, manages to get some bat on the ball and it goes towards long on. A single taken.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Finishes the over well! Back of a length around off, Najibullah makes room, goes for the slap but only gets a bottom edge towards short third man.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Three dots in a row! Good thinking from Rankin. He is not allowing Zadran any space to work with. Bangs this one in the tight off stump corridor as Zadran can only tap it to point.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Beaten! Shortish ball and there is some room on offer, Zadran flashes his blade at it but only connects with thin air.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. On a length, leaving the southpaw. He cuts it straight to the point fielder.

Boyd Rankin to Aftab Alam. Similar length ball outside off, dabbed nicely to third man to rotate strike. Gives the strike back to Zadran and that is what is needed.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Good length ball on off, Najibullah makes room and glides it towards backward point. Calls his partner through for a brisk run.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran drives this full ball on off to mid off. Takes a run and keeps strike.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! If you slash, slash hard. That's exactly what Zadran did as he saw the width on this back of a length delivery from Kevin O'Brien. The ball takes the thickish outside edge and flies over the slip region with pace on it. The man at third man has no chance of cutting it off and the visitors get an important boundary.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. Beaten! Bowls it slower on a length outside off, the ball pitches and cuts away a bit, Zadran tries to put bat on ball but misses. Niall does better this time.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. Kevin strays a bit down the leg side, Zadran gets inside the line and works it away on the leg side through the mid-wicket region. The batsman are sharp enough to run back for the second.

Kevin O'Brien to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran goes for the pull shot against this slower and shorter delivery on off, gets enough bat on it, the fielder at deep square leg keeps them down to two.

Kevin O'Brien to Aftab Alam. Bye! Kevin starts his new spell with a slower delivery outside the off stump. He rolls his fingers over the ball, Alam waits and waits for it to arrive, tries to put bat on ball but misses. Niall O'Brien behind messes it up as he does not collect it cleanly allowing the pair to run a bye.

Kevin O'Brien to have a burst again.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. A back of a length ball is pushed to the cover fielder. No run on offer.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Alam flicks this straight delivery on middle and leg. The ball rolls over to the long leg fielder as they cross over for a single.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Marginally short of a length, Zadran opens the face of the bat and steers it down to third man for a single.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Gives himself room and slashes hard at this short of a length ball outside off, gets a top edge and it flies to the left of the third man fielder who keeps it to just a run.

Peter Chase to Aftab Alam. Alam sees this length ball angling into him, tries to work it down the leg side but does not connect. No run.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Shortish in length outside the off stump, Zadran pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. Alam goes for the wild swing, mistimes his heave and the ball flies in the air but falls short of the mid off fielder. No run taken.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. Defends this back of a length delivery back to the bowler.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Shorter this time by Murtagh, in line of the stumps. Zadran pulls it down to long leg for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Short and a bit wide of off, Zadran plays the cut but finds the point fielder. No run there.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. Fullish delivery on the stumps is driven uppishly towards the mid on region. Just a single though.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Murtagh goes short and Zadran does well to control the pull shot and plays it out to cow corner for a run.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Rankin angles this back of a length ball into Zadran, who flicks it to the square leg region for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Wide! Bouncer, banged in too short. Wide given for height.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Defends this length ball into the cover region.

Boyd Rankin to Aftab Alam. Dropped! The Irish captain would be disappointed with that. Rankin continues to keep it on a short of a length. Alam smashes the ball towards Porterfield at mid off. The ball is traveling and although he gets his hands to the ball, he is not able to hold on. A single results.

Boyd Rankin to Aftab Alam. Length around off, Alam gets on the front foot and drives it to covers.

Boyd Rankin to Aftab Alam. Alam backs away and thrusts the bat out at the ball, the man at backward point fields well to avoid the run.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Rankin starts off a new spell by keeping it on a length around off, Zadran comes forward and pushes it to the cover region for a single.

Boyd Rankin is back on.

Tim Murtagh to Aftab Alam. On a length around off, kept out watchfully.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Back of a length outside off, cut away to backward point for a run.

Aftab Alam comes in to bat.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. OUT! Back-to-back 4-wicket hauls for Tim Murtagh! He has been on song in the ODI series. A poor shot from Rashid Khan has brought about his downfall. Back of a length ball around off, Khan walks down the track and has a wild heave at it. However, he only manages a top edge that skies towards mid on. Kevin O'Brien stationed there backtracks a bit and pouches it safely. Seems like Afghanistan won't be able to survive their full quota of overs.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. Good length ball around off, angling in. Khan tries to work it away but is hit high on the pads. A stifled appeal from Murtagh is turned down.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Back of a length outside off, glided down to third man for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! That was hit with authority! Shortish ball on middle, sits up nicely for Zadran. He stands tall and pulls it with aplomb through mid-wicket for a rocketing boundary.

Time for Powerplay 3! Maximum of five fielders will now be allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. Chase keeps it on a length just on off stump. Khan comes forward and defends.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Chase continues to keep it a bit back of a length, Zadran goes back and tries to pull it. The ball goes off the inner half of the bat and rolls to the square leg region. The batsmen cross over for a single.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. Chase keeps it a bit short of a length just outside off, Khan plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man for a single.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. Short of a length on off, pushed to the cover region. No run.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. Flicks this length ball on middle towards the deep square leg region, results in a brace.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Chase bangs it a bit short in line of the stumps, Zadran plays the pull shot and gets this one over the mid-wicket fielder. The fielder at long leg runs across to his left and keeps it away from crossing the ropes. Three runs added to the total.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. Fuller and straighter attacking the stumps, Khan attempts to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. Fuller in length on the stumps but Khan can just push it to the cover region.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. Pitches this just behind a length, Khan pushes this one to point but no run on offer.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. FOUR! First boundary in ten overs, 58 balls to be precise. Afghanistan need more of these. Short of a length delivery outside off, it has been cut away by Khan through square of the wicket on the off side. The ball beats the diving point fielder and crosses the ropes.

Tim Murtagh to Rashid Khan. A bit short of a length, punched to point but no run on offer.

Tim Murtagh to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran pushes this short of a length ball on the stumps to the cover region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Tim Murtagh returns. His figures read 6-1-10-3. He would be aiming to clean the tail up quickly.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball angling in, flicked with the angle to the square leg region for a single.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Wide! Bouncer again, too high again, wide called for height.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. On a length around off, Khan opens the bat face slightly and runs it towards the point region, they cross over for a run.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. A fullish ball on off is driven to mid off. No run.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. Wide! The attempted bouncer, goes well over Khan's head. The umpire signals a wide.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. On a short of a length around off, punched straight to the fielder at covers.

Peter Chase to Rashid Khan. On a length, just in the corridor. Khan blocks it with a straight bat.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Chase starts his new spell by landing it on a length outside off, Zadran stays inside the crease and throws his bat at it. The fielder at sweeper cover keeps it down to a single.

Peter Chase is back for a burst.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran goes back to this slower delivery on middle and off, works it to the square leg region for a single.

Simi Singh to Rashid Khan. Khan sweeps this full ball on off stump towards deep square leg, connects well but gets just a single.

Simi Singh to Rashid Khan. Tossed up on middle and off, defended off the front foot.

Simi Singh to Rashid Khan. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Simi Singh to Rashid Khan. Tossed up ball on off, Khan keeps it out.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran goes for his favourite shot. Sees the tossed up ball on the stumps, gets into position early and reverse sweeps that one to the point region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Andy McBrine to Rashid Khan. Tossed up on the stumps, Khan comes forward and blocks it out.

Andy McBrine to Rashid Khan. Tossed up on off, defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Andy McBrine to Najibullah Zadran. Flatter and fuller on the stumps, Zadran swings the bat hard but does not connect well, the ball goes to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Najibullah Zadran. Flighted and very full on the stumps, Zadran drives it hard but straight to the fielder at covers. No run.

Andy McBrine to Rashid Khan. Very slow and tossed up delivery, Afghan drills it down to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Najibullah Zadran. McBrine tosses this up on middle and leg, Zadran leans forward and drives it to the man at long off. They exchange strike.

Andy McBrine returns.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Loopy ball, knocked down to long on for a single.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. It's been driven superbly through the covers.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Fuller in length, driven crisply to mid off.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Slow through the air, pushed to the cover region.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Tossed up around off, eased to mid off.

Rashid Khan is the new man in.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. OUT! The Irishmen have been electric on the field and they are getting the rewards. Tossed up ball on off, Afghan works it towards the man at 45. Zadran calls him through for a single. The skipper is not that sure but he eventually responds to his partner's call. Paul Stirling runs in, picks up the ball cleanly and hits his target at the bowler's end with needle-like precision as Asghar tries hard to make his ground. The reaction from him suggests that he is a goner as he stares at Najibullah. It is taken upstairs. Well, the replays find him well short of where he needed to be. It is also seen that Afghan was trying to avoid running on the pitch as he moved a bit wide. He was warned by Ian Gould in the previous over for doing so. It would have been playing on in his mind. That also accounted for him being slow across the deck. Another one bites the dust.

Asghar Afghan seems to be a goner. Stirling has hit the bull's eye at the bowler's end and he is cock-a-hoop.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Angled in delivery by Rankin, just back of a length. Afghan turns it to the square leg region wristily and keeps strike. End of a tight over by Rankin.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Bumper! Afghan sees the bouncer early and sways away to let it through to the keeper.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Pushes this length delivery around off to the cover-point region. Afghan sets off for a run but he is rightly sent back. Umpire Ian Gould has a word with Asghar for running down the pitch.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Lands it on a short of a length in line of the stumps, Afghan keeps it out with a straight bat.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. A bit shorter and tighter by Rankin around off, Afghan stays back in his crease and punches this to the cover fielder.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Rankin keeps it on a short of a length, Afghan gets behind the line of the ball and defends.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran again tries the reverse sweep to this full delivery on off, does not get it off the middle and the ball rolls down to short third man. No run taken.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Singh tosses this on the stumps, Afghan has flicked the ball off his pads to the leg side. A direct hit by the fielder at square leg at the non-striker's end makes the umpire take the help of the third umpire. Replay shows he is in and NOT OUT is signalled. Afghan survives.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. A bit flatter and straighter this time by Singh. Zadran works it down towards short fine leg for a single. With that, the left-hander completes 1000 runs in ODI cricket.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Flighted around the off stump, drives this one to mid off.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Beaten! Singh tosses this one outside off. Zadran tries to go for the reverse sweep and completely misses the ball. Niall O'Brien behind the stumps collects.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Tossed up around off, Afghan defends it on the leg side and runs through for a quick single.

Time for Drinks.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Similar length by Rankin, Zadran is out with a straight bat.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Shorter in length and on off, Zadran goes back and blocks it down.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Length ball around off is punched in the covers for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran punches this short of a length ball into the cover-point region. They take quick single.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Bit shorter in length, angling into the body of the batsman, Afghan gets up on his toes to work that one on the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Short of a length delivery is defended off the back foot.

Boyd Rankin back on for a burst. This is a good move from Porterfield, he is going for the kill.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. This straight tossed up ball is blocked out by Zadran.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Zadran comes forward and defends this full ball on the stumps.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Flighted ball around the off stump, punches it to the fielder at covers.

Simi Singh to Najibullah Zadran. Tossed up on the stumps, blocked out.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Tossed up on the stumps, Afghan flicks the ball off his pads towards the square leg region. One run added to the total.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Afghan rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball to covers. No run.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Lands it on a short of a length. Zadran keeps it away off the back foot. A successful over for Ireland.

Peter Chase to Najibullah Zadran. Bumper! Zadran evades it by swaying away well.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Chase gets straighter by attacking the stumps. Afghan is well set and he flicks this angling in delivery to the deep square leg region. Finds the gap but not the ropes as the fielder there cuts this one off and saves a run for his team.

Najibullah Zadran is the next man in.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. OUT! The hosts continue to make merry. Nabi fails to make his 100th ODI a memorable one, at least with the bat. Chase bangs this one on a short of a length outside off. Nabi sees the width on this one and goes for the upper cut but does not control the shot properly. The ball flies towards the third man region where Kevin O'Brien is placed a bit square. He does really well to run to his left and takes a fine tumbling catch. The experienced campaigner is on his way back.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. Straighter and fuller ball on the pads, Nabi tries to flick this one but misses and the ball hits his pads. There is no chance of a single.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Length ball around off, Afghan works it down the leg side. They have run through for a single.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. Nabi has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. Length around off, defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. FOUR! Brings the broom out nicely. Nabi gets down on his knee and sweeps this full ball. His connection is superb as the ball finds the gap at the deep square leg boundary and it crosses the ropes.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Length ball around off, Afghan stays back and places it towards the square leg region for a single.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Beaten! Tossed up just outside off, Afghan comes forward to defend. The ball skids on and beats Afghan.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. Nabi works this one with the spin towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. A bit short of a length, Nabi cuts and cuts well. The fielder at point runs behind and chases it down from crossing the ropes. They run three.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. Some chin music for Nabi, he lets that bouncer through to the wicket-keeper.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. On a length around off, Nabi opens the face and gets it past the diving point fielder. They cross over for a couple.

Peter Chase to Mohammad Nabi. Similar ball outside off and Afghan with a better punch this time. The fielder at point runs back and keeps it down to a brace.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. A bit on a shorter side outside off, Afghan punches this in the gap at the cover-point region and changes strike.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Starts the over with a length ball in the corridor, Afghan pushes it to the fielder at covers. No run there.

Peter Chase is back on.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Flatter and shorter outside off, Afghan goes back and punches it to the cover-point region for a single.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. Nabi waits for the ball to arrive, works it with the spin towards mid-wicket for a single.

Simi Singh to Mohammad Nabi. Tossed up around off, taps it towards the mid-wicket region.

Mohammad Nabi strides out to bat. He his playing his 100th ODI, having featured in all the games for Afghanistan so far in this format. Can he make this a memorable outing?

Simi Singh to Rahmat Shah. OUT! Yes, he has! That was super sharp from Niall O'Brien, great stuff. Singh slows this one as he tosses this one just outside off. Rahmat Shah comes forward to push at it. He is playing for the spin but the ball skids through straight. Shah loses his balance just for a split second and that much is enough for O'Brien to take the bails off in a jiffy. The square leg umpire has gone up to the TV umpire. The replays show that Shah's back foot is just short of the crease. Some smart bowling and keeping. The promising 56-run stand comes to an end. Afghanistan have lost half their side now and there are still more than 23 overs to play out.

A brilliant piece of glovework from Niall O'Brien and he is really confident regarding the stumping. Has he got the better of Rahmat Shah?

Simi Singh to Rahmat Shah. Flatter and fuller on off, Rahmat goes back and defends with the full face of the bat.

Simi Singh to Asghar Afghan. Tossed up on middle and off, Afghan gets his front foot across the line and works this one between square leg and the mid-wicket fielders for a single.

Simi Singh to roll his arm over now.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Straight ball on the pads, Asghar nicely flicks it to the deep square leg region for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Splice-tickler! Rankin bangs this one in but Afghan has nothing to do with it as he ducks under it.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. A bit short of a length, Afghan tries to cut it but the ball takes the inside half of the bat and trickles to the point fielder.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. On a length around off, pushed to point. No run on offer.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. A bit short and angled into the batsman's body, Afghan stays back in his crease and keeps it out.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. A shortish delivery around off, Shah taps it towards the point region and they run a quick single.

Asghar Afghan is taking a bit of a breather as he sips on some water.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Fuller and attacking the stumps, Afghan flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket. No run.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. O'Brien gets too straight, angles it into Afghan's body who works it down the leg side and they take a brace.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Fuller and straighter ball, works it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. A bit short of a length just outside the off stump line. Afghan opens the face at the last moment and guides it towards short third man, they run through for a single. And the 50-run stand comes up. The tourists will want this one to extend further.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Keeps it tight on the stumps. Afghan gets out a perfect front foot defence.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Lands this one on a length around off. Afghan gets his front foot forward and pushes this to the mid-wicket region. No chance of a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Fuller and straighter. Shah shows the full face of the bat and defends.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Very full delivery angling into the stumps, Afghan flicks this to long leg for a single.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Marginally short of a length around off, tapped towards the point region.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Bouncer! Afghan ducks under the short ball at the last moment.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Similar delivery but Shah opens the face of the bat a bit more and beats the diving point fielder. They take a run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Rankin starts his new spell with a back of a length delivery around off, the batsman stays in his crease and taps it to point. No run.

Boyd Rankin returns.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Good length ball outside off, Asghar taps it towards point. He wants a run but his partner denies it.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Tentative! On a length around off, jagging in. Afghan is late to bring his bat down but manages to get an inside edge onto his pads.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Angling down the leg side, tucked to the man at 45 for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat shuffles a touch this time as this fullish ball is clipped towards mid-wicket off the inner half of the bat.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Kevin lands it on a tight off stump channel, Rahmat camps back and answers it with a straight bat.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Gives this one more revs and tosses it around off, Asghar is solid as a rock as he dead-bats it. Good over for Afghanistan, 8 from it. They need more of these. Need to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Shah leans ahead and drives this one with the spin to long on for a run.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! Nicely played! Fullish ball around off, good shot selection from Shah as he crouches and nails the sweep through backward square leg to find the fence.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Full loopy ball around off, Shah puts his head down and defends it calmly.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Waits for the ball to turn into him and places it nicely towards square leg to rotate strike.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Wide! Drifting down the leg side, Asghar tries to flick it away but misses.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Shorter in length, Rahmat rocks back and milks it down to long on for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Right through the gate but his pads save him! Cutting in sharply after landing, Afghan tries to block it but gets hit on the pads.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Length outside off, tapped with soft hands towards point.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. The batsman works it down the leg side.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. A misfield! On a length outside off, Shah opens his bat face and drives it nicely towards backward point. The fielder dives to his right but the ball goes past him in a jiffy. Some work for the man in the deep and he saves a run for his side.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Fullish ball, shaping in, tucked nicely with a closed bat face through mid-wicket for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. On a good length outside off, played with an angled bat towards point.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Full ball attacking the stumps, Shah leans ahead and taps it back to the bowler.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Fractionally overpitched around off, kept out down the track.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Short ball in line of the stumps, Afghan rocks back and pulls it nicely over mid-wicket. Some aggressive running between the batsmen allows them to come back for a brace.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. On a length on middle and leg, tucked to deep square leg to change strike.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. In the air... but safe! Tossed up around off, Afghan uses his feet and tries to go downtown but slices it off the outer half over covers. Chase in the deep makes a mess of it and ends up conceding a couple.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Is that a dropped catch? Yes, it is. Not easy though for a keeper standing up to the stumps to a medium pacer and getting hold of edges. On a length around off, skids after pitching. Afghan pushes at it with hard hands but gets a faint nick behind. Niall O'Brien tries to take it but it deflects off his hands towards short third man. A run taken.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Tight stump-to-stump line, kept out with a straight bat.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Full ball on the pads, tucked away nicely to deep square leg for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Pitched up ball around off, pushed off the front foot towards mid off.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Good fielding! Fuller length ball on middle and leg, Asghar is early into his flick and gets a leading edge. The fielder at short extra cover gets low and after collecting it, has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. An overthrow takes place but the attitude is good from the Irishmen. Their energy levels have been up throughout and they are giving it their all.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Good length ball around off, angling in, tapped towards point.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. FOUR! A welcome boundary. More of these for the visitors. Asghar gets low to this tossed up delivery and sweeps this behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Asghar Afghan. Stays on the back foot and defends it on the leg side.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Comes forward again and drives it to long on for one.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Gives this some loop and bowls it fuller, Shah comes forward and blocks it out.

Andy McBrine to Rahmat Shah. Straighter one from McBrine, Rahmat goes back and keeps it out safely.

Andy McBrine comes into the attack now.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Stays deep in the crease to the back of the length ball and blocks it nicely.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Short ball outside off, Afghan thinks about the pull but bails out at the last moment.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Fullish ball around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Well bowled! On a fuller length around off, Asghar leans ahead and tries to defend it but misses.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Rahmat works this one down the leg side. A single taken.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Driven through the covers by Shah.

Drinks taken! Ireland have completely dominated the proceedings till now. Tim Murtagh was in his elements as he nipped out three early wickets and did a lot of damage to the opposition. A run out has also taken place which is not good from the point of view of the visitors. The Afghanistan batsmen have been found wanting against some seam movement. The pair of Afghan and Shahidi needs to put up a good show if they are to come back into the contest.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. On a length around off, kept out watchfully. A maiden from Rankin, good stuff.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. In the channel outside off, Asghar lets it go.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. A play and a miss! A length ball, Afghan tries to heave it away but gets beaten.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. Some chin music for the batsman, as Rankin bangs this one in, but the Afghanistan skipper lets that bouncer through to the wicket-keeper.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.

Boyd Rankin to Asghar Afghan. A good length ball is pushed towards the covers.

Boyd Rankin is back on.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Back of a length, Shah works it to the leg side as the ball rolls down to the fielder at short fine leg. There is no chance of a run.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. This length ball angling into the stumps is defended well by Shah off the front foot.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. O'Brien strays on the pads, Afghan works it towards the square leg region for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. A short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. The batsmen run through for a single.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Shah shows the full face of the bat and defends this back of a length ball off the back foot.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on off is driven to mid off. No chance of a run.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Chase gets a bit straighter. Afghan walks inside the line and flicks it to the on side. They run two.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Wide! Too short this time as the bouncer goes well above the batsman's head. Wide signaled for height.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Bumper again, Afghan shows respect, ducks under it.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. A fullish ball angling in on the pads, Afghan flicks this to the deep square leg region and gets two for it.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. A bit short of a length, Afghan goes back and defends.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. A very full delivery outside off, Afghan leans forward and drives it through the covers. The diving fielder at covers gets a hand to it but can't stop them from running a brace.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. O'Brien pulls his length back, Shah rocks back and blocks it off.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Fuller this time on off, Shah comes forward and defends with a straight bat.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Length ball is defended off the front foot.

Kevin O'Brien to Rahmat Shah. Length ball outside off stump, Shah gets forward and pushes at this one towards the point region, finds the gap and they pick up two more.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. Lands it short of a length on off, Afghan opens the face of the bat and taps it towards the point fielder. They scamper through for a quick single.

Kevin O'Brien to Asghar Afghan. A length ball landing in the line of off stump, moves away slightly on pitching, Afghan covers the away movement well and defends it off the front foot.

Kevin O'Brien to have a bowl now. The keeper is standing up to the stumps for him.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. A fullish delivery on the stumps, Shah watchfully defends it off the front foot.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. A back of a length ball on off, punched to the cover fielder.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Shah has done well to keep this very full ball out.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. FOUR! Second boundary of the innings. Chase goes for the rib-tickler but Shah is up for it. He gets the pull out and plays it well over the square leg fielder. There is no one in the deep and the ball races across the ropes.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Shortish delivery just outside off, punched to the man at covers.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on the off stump, Shah gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.

Tim Murtagh to Asghar Afghan. What a ripper! Murtagh lands it in the corridor of uncertainty and the ball straightens after pitching. Asghar tries to block it but the ball whizzes past his outside edge.

Tim Murtagh to Asghar Afghan. Full length ball around off, Afghan eases it to the cover region.

Tim Murtagh to Asghar Afghan. Fullish ball angling in, tucked to mid-wicket.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Fullish ball around off, Rahmat comes forward and defends it nicely.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Well bowled! On a length, angling in. Shah is late to bring is bat down and is hit on the thigh pad.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Fuller in length around off, played with an angled bat towards the point region.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Good aggression from Chase! Bangs in a bouncer which angles in. Afghan sways away from the line to make a good leave.

Peter Chase to Asghar Afghan. Fuller in length, angling in, tucked with a closed bat face to mid-wicket.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Well played! Similar ball outside off, Shah hops and places it nicely past the slip cordon for a run.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Shortish ball around off, takes off. Rahmat rises on his toes and does well to block it.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Fullish ball outside off, Shah drives this one nicely but the cover fielder dives to his left to make a good stop.

Tim Murtagh to Asghar Afghan. Keeps this one marginally back of a length, the batsman blocks it off the back foot.

Tim Murtagh to Asghar Afghan. Length ball, played to the mid-wicket region for no run.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. A straight ball is worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Tight bowling by Murtagh as he lands it on a length on off. Shah defends it well.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Full length ball on off, driven to mid on.

The skipper, Asghar Afghan comes out to bat. A captain's knock is the need of the hour for him.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. OUT! Afghanistan being generous, have gifted one to Ireland. Nothing to take away from Balbirnie though, that was a terrific effort. A short of a length ball on off is punched off the back foot towards covers by Shahidi. There is no run on offer but Hashmatullah calls for it and Shah responds. Andy in the same region charges in from his left, attacks the ball, dives and underarms a direct hit at the non-striker's end as the southpaw puts in a desperate dive. He seems to be struggling as the Irishmen are already ecstatic! It is referred to the third umpire. The replays show that Shahidi is well short of his crease. The visitors continue to slip.

The Irishmen are already celebrating. A brilliant piece of work from Balbirnie as he hits the bull's eye at the bowler's end. Seems like Shahidi is a goner.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Beaten! Chase lands this one on a length on the off stump, draws the batsman forward. The ball lands on the deck and moves away a bit. It misses the outside edge and Shah survives. Back-to-back maiden overs from Ireland. Terrific stuff.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Chase keeps it full and straight. Shah gets forward and keeps it out.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Gets back and across to this shortish delivery on off, taps it towards the point region. No run.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. A shortish ball just outside off, Shah gets on his toes and punches this to the cover-point region. No chance of a single.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. The batsman shoulders arms to this length ball outside off.

Peter Chase to Rahmat Shah. Misses out on that full toss. Chase bowls this one outside off, Shah drives it well but straight to the fielder at covers. A rare loose delivery missed.

Peter Chase comes into the attack.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Fullish ball on off, defended solidly off the front foot.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Edged but safe! The soft hands from Shahidi save him there. Full length ball on off, shaping away a touch. Shahidi comes forward and gets it off the outer half towards the slip cordon. Stirling at second slip comes forward but the ball lands just short of him.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Fractionally overpitched around off, driven sweetly but straight to the man at mid off.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Good length ball, leaving Shahidi. He makes a watchful leave.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. On a similar line and length, seams away a bit after landing. The southpaw comes forward nicely and defends it down the track.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Fullish ball around off, Shahidi leans ahead and blocks it nicely.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Full ball on off stump, Shah leans forward and drives it to mid-off. No run.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. A back of a length delivery is pushed towards the point region. No run on offer.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Lands it on a back of a length on off, Shah gets behind and defends.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Dropped! Should have been taken. Rankin bangs this one in short, Shah reads the length early, goes back, swivels and plays the pull but off the toe end. Simi Singh has to go down on his knees and react quickly at mid-wicket. He gets both hands on the ball but can't hold on. Will that turn out to be costly?

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Shorter and wider of off, Shah leaves.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Rankin starts with a length ball outside off, shaping away. Shah shoulders arms.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Straighter and fuller ball, Shahidi drives this crisply but straight to mid on. No run.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. A length ball outside off, left alone by Shahidi.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Length ball on the off stump, Shahidi comes forward and drives it to the right of mid off. The batsmen rush back for the second.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Wide. A bit short in length but the line is way wide of off. Shahidi leaves the ball for the umpire to signal a wide ball.

Tim Murtagh to Hashmatullah Shahidi. Length ball on off, defended off the front foot by Shahidi, presenting the full face of the bat.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is the new man in. Afghanistan are in a real crisis and he needs to put his hand up.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. OUT! That's no. 3 for Murtagh. He is on fire. Bowls this delivery on a fuller length. Naib tries to work this one across the line but the ball seams in a bit after pitching, misses his bat and raps him dead in front of the wickets. A big appeal follows and the dreaded finger of the umpire goes up. Third blow to Afghanistan.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. Marginally back of a length, shaping into the batsman, Naib stays back and works this towards mid-wicket.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. A bit short and wide of the off stump, Rahmat lets this one go.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Shah gets forward and defends this fullish ball on the stumps.

Boyd Rankin to Rahmat Shah. Lands it on a length outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Short again, Naib pulls again but can't get the desired timing on it. The ball trickles behind square leg and they pick up a single.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Naib takes the short stuff on, sees the ball landing just behind a length. He swivels and pulls it towards the deep square leg region, the batsmen run two.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Short of a length outside off, Naib goes on the back foot and keeps it out with a straight bat.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Drives this fullish ball on off straight to mid off.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Straight ball on a length is driven to mid off.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. A short of a length ball on the batsman's pads, Shah turns it towards the mid-wicket region and picks up two.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Murtagh gets a bit too straight and fires this one on his pads. Shah flicks this off his pads towards the deep square leg region. The batsmen cross over for a brace.

Tim Murtagh to Rahmat Shah. Length ball on off stump, Shah gets on the front foot and defends.

Rahmat Shah strides out to bat.

Tim Murtagh to Hazratullah Zazai. OUT! Afghanistan are in some early trouble! Both the openers are back in the hut and Murtagh is the man who is causing the damage. That's a big wicket for the home team and Zazai who was in brilliant form in the T20Is, departs cheaply again. Tim keeps it on a fuller length around middle and leg and the ball seams in after pitching. Zazai is cramped for room and there is not much foot movement from him. He is late on it as the ball misses his bat and crashes into the stumps. The Irish players are all smiles.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. FOUR! Cracking shot! Lands it just short of a length outside the off stump, Naib stands tall, punches the ball in the gap between covers and point. The timing is good to take the ball racing across the fence. First boundary of the innings.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Length ball on off is defended off the front foot.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Beaten! He lands this one just outside off, the ball pitches and nips away, Naib tries to put bat to ball but it goes past the outside edge of his bat.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Naib shoulders arms to this back of a length delivery outside off.

Boyd Rankin to Gulbadin Naib. Length ball on off, Gulbadin shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

Boyd Rankin to Hazratullah Zazai. A short of a length ball angled in, Zazai walks inside the line of the ball and works it away to the leg side for a single.

Boyd Rankin to bowl with the second new ball from the other end. Two slips in place for him as well.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. Length ball angling in, Naib walks across a bit and turns it towards mid-wicket. No run. Brilliant start from Murtagh, a wicket and only a run from the first over.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. Lands it short of a length outside off, Naib shoulders his arms.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. Fullish ball on off is defended back to the bowler.

Tim Murtagh to Gulbadin Naib. Naib covers the line of the ball and defends from within the crease.

Gulbadin Naib comes out to bat. He scored a gutsy fifty in the last game. Can he rise to the occasion again?

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. OUT! What a start for Ireland. Murtagh strikes in the very first over. Shahzad fails in his comeback game. Lands it on a fuller length on off. The ball hits the deck and nips back in slightly. Shahzad tries to flick it away but the inward movement beats the inside edge and hits his front pad. The hosts go up with a big appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Shahzad got tangled with his feet and fell over. Not what Afghanistan would have wanted.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Wide! Sprays it down the leg side, Mohammad tries to flick it but misses.

Tim Murtagh to Mohammad Shahzad. Starts off well with a good length ball shaping away. Shahzad gets right behind the line and blocks it.

We are about to get underway. The players and the umpires walk out to the middle. Mohammad Shahzad is back in the team and will open the batting with Hazratullah Zazai. Tim Murtagh will steam in with the first new ball. Two slips in place. Here we go...

Ireland skipper, William Porterfield says that they would have liked to bat first as well. States that it was a good game for their bowlers in the first ODI. Reckons that it will be a similar track as the last one and they have to bat well.

Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Afghan says that they will bat first. Mentions that they want to put a good score on the board. Feels that they have a good bowling attack and are backing themselves to defend. Informs there are two changes - Mohammad Shahzad and Najibullah Zardran come in for Ishanullah Janat and Shafiqullah Shafiq.

The Pitch Report is taking place. There is a little more green on the surface. The team winning the toss will prefer to bat as it will slow down as the game progresses.

Hello and a warm welcome to the coverage of the 2nd ODI between Ireland and Afghanistan in Belfast. This is the home team's last chance to overhaul the mighty Afghans and come back in the series. Afghanistan, playing their 100th ODI, will be keen to continue their winning momentum and domination on Irish land. Even if the tourists had all their bases well covered in the last game, there is still some fine tuning to be done with regards to their batting. If the hosts' batsmen can apply themselves and come up with a clear plan to tackle the visiting spinners, we might be in for a good contest.