Ireland v Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits debut century as Afghans take 16-run win
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Andy McBrine took a career best 5-29 as Afghanistan posted a total of 287-9
First one-day international, Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan 287-9 (50 overs): Gurbaz 127, Rashid 55; McBrine 5-29
Ireland 271-9 (50 overs): Tucker 83, Stirling 39; Naveen 3-68
Afghanistan won by 16 runs
A superb 127 from debutant Rahmanullah Gurbaz helped Afghanistan to a 16-run win over Ireland in the first of three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi.
The opener anchored the Afghans innings before Rashid Khan hit 55 off 30 balls to set Ireland 288 to win.
Andy McBrine was the pick of the bowlers with 5-29, but only Lorcan Tucker made a big impact with the bat.
Gurbaz equals Flower’s record
Afp, Abu Dhabi
21st January, 2021 11:36:09
A breathless century on his debut from teenage opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan the upper hand in the first ODI against Ireland as they beat them by 16 runs in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Afghanistan reached 287 for nine from their 50 overs but Ireland fell short of the target, managing only 271-9 in their stipulated overs.
The 19-year-old hit a run-a-ball 127 which included nine sixes and six fours before slogging a long hop from Gareth Delany down the throat of Simi Singh on the square leg boundary.
With this hundred, Gurbaz becomes only second wicket-keeper batsman to score a hundred on debut after Zimbabwe great Andy Flower who achieved the feat against Sri Lanka in 1992.
Ireland spinner Simi Singh on Monday bowled the third most economical five-for ever and helped his team claim a 112-run victory over UAE to level the series at 1-1.