(Reuters) – Ireland secured their first test victory against Afghanistan in a thrilling match in Abu Dhabi, with skipper Andy Balbirnie leading his team to a six-wicket win with an unbeaten half-century. Both Ireland and Afghanistan obtained test status in 2017, but Ireland had struggled with seven consecutive losses before this historic win.
Balbirnie expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “A lot of our guys didn’t get to play test cricket. Hopefully people back home want to be test cricketers. We knew it would be attritional stuff.”
He added, “There’s a lot of cricket in the world… We’ve created results, and created history. The monkey is off our back, very special to do that.”
In the first innings, Ireland bowled out Afghanistan for 155, with seamer Mark Adair leading the way with five wickets (5-39). Paul Stirling’s innings of 52 helped Ireland reach a total of 263, giving them a crucial lead of 108 runs.
Adair continued his stellar performance in the second innings, claiming three more wickets to leave Afghanistan struggling. However, Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi’s resilient 55 guided his team to a total of 218, setting Ireland a target of 111 runs for victory.
Despite a shaky start at 13-3, Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 and Lorcan Tucker’s composed 27 not out helped Ireland secure a memorable victory with a 72-run partnership. Tucker hit the winning runs, sealing the win for his team.
Reflecting on the victory, Adair, who was named player of the match, said, “I’m buzzing. Obviously very nice to get a win. Absolutely chuffed. Test cricket is pretty difficult. I think we’ve got a really good bowling group.”
He added, “In the last year, we’ve played a lot of cricket,” highlighting Ireland’s hard work and determination in achieving this milestone victory.
With this win, Ireland has not only broken their losing streak but also made history by securing their first test victory, signaling a new chapter for Irish cricket on the international stage.
The team’s performance and resilience against Afghanistan have sparked hope and inspiration for aspiring test cricketers in Ireland, showcasing the potential and talent within the country’s cricketing landscape.
As Ireland celebrates this historic moment, their victory serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making their mark in the world of test cricket.
It is a milestone that will be remembered and cherished by Irish cricket fans and players alike, marking a significant turning point in their journey in the competitive world of international test cricket.
