END OF OVER:50 | 11 Runs | AFG: 266/9 | RR: 5.32
- Naveen-ul-Haq10 (7b)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman18 (18b)
- Craig Young8-0-61-3
- Josh Little7-1-27-1
The umpires have made out their way to the middle. Afghanistan get into a final team chat, before taking to the ground. McCollum and Stirling come out, skipping along the way
Dada Khan: "Looks like all Afghan players can bat. Lower order has put on a show in this game. THAT RESERVE SWEEP from mujeeb, OMG!" ---- Yes, excellent from the lower order. But it also tells us the pitch has played pretty well. Ireland must fancy their chances of chasing this down, especially if they get a solid start
Umang: "What's wrong with this Ireland side. Never looks to be in control whether they are in good position while batting or bowling. A batting collapse or counterattack while bowling is always on. They need to learn to convert opportunities"
Mustafa Saber: "Told ya, the target will reach 260 with Rashid there. But seemed like commentators were not as optimistic as me. Great total here. Looking forward for great bowling show from Afghanistan. "
3.02 pm The day that began with fog, should hopefully end in a blaze of glory, for either Afghanistan or Ireland. Loads to look forward to in this chase, which will get underway soon.
We'll be back in about 30 minutes with the chase. For those asking, Shiva Jayaraman tells me that there are at least four instances of teams having scored more in an ODI without an individual half-century.
ENG SL 2006-06-28 285 PAK WI 2005-01-28 281 NL CAN 2006-11-26 271 NL IRE 2013-07-09 268
2.40 pm Naveen-ul-Haq has worn that on this right arm, as Afghanistan finish with 266 for 9. Naveen has got struck somewhere near the elbow, which is what he clutches as he walks off. Interesting innings, where the top order went like a runaway train, but also disappeared before they could capitalize. Andy Balbirnie's captaincy was on point for most part in the early part of the session, but seemed a little short on ideas once the middle order and lower order started counterattacking. Exceptional play late from Rashid Khan, who timed his assault to perfection. Started with nudges and compact play, and then played some innovative shots in the last four overs or so, and with the tail, he has hauled Afghanistan to what is a very competitive total on this pitch. Ireland will have to bat well to get these runs
END OF OVER:49 | 11 Runs 1 Wkt | AFG: 255/9 | RR: 5.20
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman13 (16b)
- Naveen-ul-Haq5 (3b)
- Josh Little7-1-27-1
- Mark Adair7-0-52-0
Ireland have conceded 27 extras today, with 7 balls yet to come
David Weston: "Rashid should open the batting in t20s for afg and have license to go after every ball"
Sri G: "Is there anything Rashid cannot do? Top score to rescue his side and in all probability, bowl them to victory. Does he have some free time to sort out this covid pandemic as well?"
