AFG v IRE, 1st ODI Review: Debutant Mujeeb stuns the Irish; Afghanistan register a huge win

What can be said about this youngster! At the age of 16, becoming the first ever man born in the 21st century to play International cricket, Mujeeb Zadran made his country proud with a performance that will remain etched in their memories for a long time. Afghanistan registered one of the most sensational wins in their history as an experienced Irish side were humiliated by this teenage sensation.

Batting first, Afghanistan was not off to a brilliant start. Openers Javed Ahmadi and Ihsanullah scored 10 runs each before getting dismissed inside the batting Powerplay. The happy Irish contingent faced some hard times in the next few overs as Rahmat Shah and Nasir Jamal stitched a crucial partnership in the middle order.

Both these players started off cautiously and kept striking a few boundaries here and there when needed. They made the bowlers work hard and after a point, easy singles were on offer for the batters. Both these players got to their half-centuries before Murtagh broke the partnership by dismissing Nasir Jamal. Rahmat Shah walked back soon as well and in the same over from Boyd Rankin, Mohammad Nabi ran himself out.

Rankin then dismissed the skipper for a platry two runs and they were looking in grave danger. This was the moment when teenage senior player in the side, Rashid Khan, took the onus upon himself and smashed a few crucial boundaries. Shafiqullah joined the party as well and the duo added 55 runs for the 8th wicket inside 6 overs.

Rashid scored 48 off 49 balls and Shafiqullah scored 36 off just 23 balls. Afghanistan scored 238 for the loss of nine wickets. Murtagh registered figures of 3/28 whereas Rankin returned with figures of 4/44.

Mujeeb – You Beauty!

The next big sensation coming from the land of Afghanistan, Mujeeb Zadran, is all set to take the world by a storm. After ripping apart lineups in the Under-19 Asia Cup recently, he earned his International debut and produced a match-winning performance. He provided the first breakthrough by sending back Paul Stirling.

In his next over, Andy balbirnie was left bamboozled with a peach and his stumps went for a ride. Mujeeb was on a high and Dawlat Zadran joined the act to dismiss the very experienced Niall O’Brien. They were reduced to 15/3 in 7 overs and the Afghans were on cloud 9 at this point.

The decimation continued as Mujeeb was never taken off the attack. He chipped in with two more big wickets in the game just after the batting Powerplay came to an end. Firstly, he rattled Gary Wilson’s stumps and followed it up by dismantling Kevin O’Brien’s sticks in a matter of time. The 16-year-old finished his spell with figures of 4/24, which eventually earned him the man of the match award.

With Mujeeb doing so much damage, they were reduced to 30/5, even before their talisman Rashid Khan came into the attack. When Rashid finally came into bowl, he followed the suit and ripped the tail apart. William Porterfield, the Irish skipper, fought hard but could only manage 35 runs off 63 balls.

Removing the final few wickets was just a mere formality, completed by Rashid. The 19-year-old registered figures of 3/28 and it was a perfect day for the rising nation, who will pose a serious challenge to the big teams in the coming time.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan: 238/9 in 50 overs (Rahmat Shah 50, Nasir Jamal 53, Rashid Khan 48; Boyd Rankin 4/44, Tim Murtagh 3/28)

Ireland: 100 all out in 31.4 overs (William Porterfield 35; Rashid Khan 3/28, Mujeeb Zadran 4/24, Dawlat Zadran 2/13)