Ireland end Afghanistan’s winning streak

KABUL Twenty 20 Qualifiers tournament, going down to Ireland in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE on Saturday night.

“Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat in the 20 over game, scoring 152 runs for the loss of six wickets,” Nasratullah Wafa, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesperson, told Pajhwok Afghan News over the telephone.

Mohammad Shahzad played a superb knock for the national team, scoring 77 runs, while Daulat Zadran got three wickets and Aftab Alam two wickets, he added.

Gritty Ireland reached the 153-run target in the 19th over, losing five wickets in a match watched by millions of cricket fans across the country.

The T-20 World Cup Qualifier kicked off on March 13 and concluded on March 24 in Dubai. Afghanistan, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Kenya, Scotland, USA, Bermuda, Papua New Guinea, Denmark, Italy, Namibia, Hong Kong, Oman and Nepal competed in the event.

Ireland will join Australia and the West Indies in Group B of the ICC World Twenty20 Cup to be hosted by Sri Lanka in September.

Afghanistan will be placed in Group A, which includes world class teams — defending champions England and 2007 winners India.

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