Afghanistan win to draw level with Ireland

Staff WritersPress Association
Camera IconA half-century by Afghanistan's Najibullah Zadran was the cornerstone of their win over Ireland. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP

Ireland's T20 international series against Afghanistan has been levelled at 2-2 with one match to play after the tourists triumphed by 27 runs in a rain-delayed fourth encounter at Stormont.

After wet weather saw the start of play pushed back by a couple of hours to 5.30pm - and the contest reduced to 11 overs a side - Afghanistan, having been inserted by their opponents, posted 6-132, with Najibullah Zadran the biggest thorn in Ireland's side as he notched a half-century.

As well as Zadran's 50 in 22 balls, there was also an unbeaten 31 from Rashid Khan off 10, while Gareth Delany claimed three wickets for 33.

Ireland's subsequent run chase saw George Dockrell hit 41 not out before the hosts were bowled out for 105. Fareed Ahmad took three wickets for 14 runs, Khan and Naveen-Ul-Haq two apiece.

The series, in which Ireland were 2-0 up, concludes with the final match on Wednesday.

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