Abu Dhabi: In a historic Check match in Abu Dhabi, Eire showcased a commanding efficiency, securing a big six-wicket victory over Afghanistan which marks their first-ever win in Check match cricket. The three-day encounter witnessed distinctive contributions from each bat and ball, marking a memorable milestone for the Irish cricket group.
Swinging Circumstances Favour Eire’s Bowlers
Opting to bowl after dropping the toss, Eire capitalised on the beneficial swinging circumstances as Mark Adair starred with a powerful five-wicket haul. Supported by the tempo trio of Barry McCarthy, Craig Younger and Curtis Campher, Eire efficiently restricted Afghanistan’s first-innings whole. Regardless of Ibrahim Zadran’s affected person fifty and resistance from Karim Janat, Adair’s brilliance restricted the opposition’s rating.
A historic second for Irish cricket as they declare their first-ever Check victory, beating Afghanistan by six wickets in Abu Dhabi ☘👏
Particulars 👉 pic.twitter.com/1gvCM8RUM7
— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2024
| Crew | Matches taken for first Check win |
|---|---|
| Australia | 1 |
| England | 2 |
| Pakistan | 2 |
| Afghanistan | 2 |
| West Indies | 6 |
| Eire | 8 |
| Zimbabwe | 11 |
| South Africa | 12 |
| Sri Lanka | 14 |
| India | 25 |
| Bangladesh | 35 |
| New Zealand | 45 |
Decrease Center-Order Resilience
Dealing with a difficult goal, Eire encountered an early wobble however placed on a strong comeback. Curtis Campher, Harry Tector offered stability, setting the stage for a decrease middle-order resurgence. Mature innings from Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine propelled Eire to a commendable whole, establishing a vital 108-run lead.
Adair’s Brilliance Continues
Resuming their bowling assault, Eire’s Mark Adair continued his distinctive kind, eradicating key Afghan batsmen early of their second innings. Regardless of resistance from Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Adair, together with McCarthy and Younger, utilized stress, proscribing Afghanistan’s scoring charge.
Balbirnie’s Captaincy and Batting Heroics
Chasing a modest goal of 111, Eire confronted early setbacks, slipping to 13/3. Nevertheless, captain Andrew Balbirnie showcased exemplary management, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten knock of 58. Collaborating with Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, Balbirnie guided Eire to a historic six-wicket triumph, etching their title within the annals of Check cricket.
