IRE VS AFG T20I

Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. Andy Balbirnie is joined by his team-mates to begin the celebrations of winning the series. The squad poses for a picture with the trophy. A great day for Ireland cricket. Ireland now have a short break before they head out to Australia for the T20 World Cup in October. For Afghanistan though their next challenge isn't far away as they head down to UAE for the Asia Cup 2022. They will be competing in the opening fixture of the competition against Sri Lanka on 27th August, 2022. The first ball will be at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) but you can join us for the build-up much sooner. Until then, take care and goodbye.

Andy Balbirnie, the victorious skipper is in for a chat. He says they had a long summer with results not going their way. Mentions he always believed if the side sticks to the plan a series win isn't that far away. Adds they have a really great group and it is good to see the squad getting bigger. Says that they knew they had to start pretty well and it is always tricky to chase such target. Praises the effort of George Dockrell throughout this series and confirms that he will be a huge part of the squad going forward. Further adds that this series win is a big one for this group. Nonetheless, they have a big challenge coming up in Australia in October and will focus on their training after a few days break. Ends by saying a few players from the group haven't been there yet. So its going to be exciting.

Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they cannot control the weather and it was a really good game in the end. Further says that they threw a few early wickets today and the guys are improving day by day. Further adds the DLS was a bit unfair to them. Says that batting and bowling are important and they need to improve day-by-day. Ends by saying they have enjoyed their stay in Ireland.

George Dockrell is adjudged as the Player of the Series for his incredible form with the blade throughout the series. In fact, he remains unbeaten throughout the series. He says that he is really enjoying the new role he has taken up this year. Adds that he is really happy to contribute to the side. Mentions that they are doing really well to execute their plans and hopefully they are able to continue in the same manner in the future.

Mark Adair wins the Man of the Match award for his exceptional spell with the ball. He says that it was a good game and it came out a bit lucky for them today. Further says that they always need to bowl good and give their best on the field. Mentions that it is always good to finish the series and win it.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the innings, after being put in to bat. Afghanistan did not start as they would've wanted too. They lost the cream of their batting order in quick succession. Usman Ghani was the only batter who added some impetus on the scoreboard. Afghanistan were 95/5 after 15 overs, before the rain gods decided to play its part. Later, after quite some delay, the target was revised to 56 and Ireland made sure to get over the line with two balls to spare.

The rain certainly ruined a spectacular game for us. Afghanistan would be a bit disappointed about the same but this is what the game of cricket is all about. Afghanistan came out on the field and put up a solid fight. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman did well to put some pressure on the batters but it was a bit too much to ask from them.

The rain delay put Ireland on the driving seat when they came out to chase 56 runs of 7 overs. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie got off to a solid start, but both slipped out in quick succession. Later, George Dockrell and Harry Tector held their nerves and managed to get their side over the line.

It was always going to be an easy task for Ireland to chase down the revised target. The Afghans though did not let them breeze away and gave a run for their money with the limited overs in hand. In the end, it is Ireland who seal the series with a tally of 3-2.

George Dockrell wins it for Ireland. Shorter and on off, George Dockrell hits it over mid off for a single. Ireland wins by 7 wickets!

FOUR! Shorter and on leg, George Dockrell pulls it firmly through deep square leg for a boundary. Rashid Khan makes a diving effort at the fence but couldn't reach it. 1 needed now!

Shorter again, outside off, Harry Tector hits it to mid off for one more. 5 needed from 4 balls now!

Shorter and on off, George Dockrell fends it to short third man for one.

This is really good running! Flatter one, outside off. Harry Tector stays back and cuts it hard to deep point. There is protection in the deep but the batters do well to put pressure on the fielder and they run two.

Short ball, around middle and leg. George Dockrell pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep does well to keep it down to one.

Fuller, around middle. Harry Tector hits it down to long on and crosses for a single.