Shahzad ton, Naib 6-for in Afghan win

Belfast, May 21 

Mohammad Shahzad struck an 87-ball century as Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 126 runs to draw their two-game ODI series in Belfast. Shahzad's 150-run second-wicket stand with Rahmat Shah (62) helped the visitors post 305 in 50 overs. 

In reply, Ireland's Paul Stirling hit a 55-ball 50 but the hosts never looked likely to pose any threat to Afghanistan's total. Gulbadin Naib took six wickets as Afghanistan wrecked Ireland's lower-order. Stirling, Andy Balbirnie and wicketkeeper Gary Wilson were the only Ireland batsmen to score 20 runs or more. In the end, Ireland were bundeled for 179 in 41.2 overs. Captain Naib said, “Last time Ireland played a good game, today we bounced back. A big event coming up, I think it's been perfect preparation for us. Shahzad scored a hundred, Rahmat Shah played a good knock.”

Brief Scores: Afghanistan: 305/7 (Shahzad 101, Rahmat 62; Adair 3/71); Ireland: 179 (Stirling 50; Naib 6/43) — Agencies