Twitter Reactions: Magical Mujeeb takes down Ireland in Dehradun

After whitewashing Ireland in the three-match T20I series, Afghanistan made a resounding start to the five-match ODI series as well. The home team, captained by the enigmatic Asghar Afghan, won by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The game at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun turned out to be a low-scoring affair where the bowlers stamped their authority.

Stirling stands tall

Ireland’s decision to bat first backfired miserably on them as they were bundled out for 161 in 49.2 overs. Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman brushed off the Irish top-order, including the likes of William Porterfield, Andy Balbirnie and debutant James McCollum. At one point in time, the visiting team was reduced to 6/69 in 30.2 overs. At the other end, Paul Stirling didn’t throw his wicket away.

The opener took his time and accomplished a hard-fought half-century in 105 balls. He also cobbled together a useful partnership of 76 runs with George Dockrell, who contributed with 37 runs with three fours and a six. Meanwhile, Stirling played until the very last over and notched 89 runs from 150 balls with six fours and three sixes. Apart from Mujeeb, speedster Dawlat Zadran also got three wickets.

Afghanistan canter home

Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai didn’t go hammer and tongs and put on 43 runs in 75 deliveries to kick-start Afghanistan’s run-chase. Pacer Brian McCarthy broke the stand, picking up Zazai for 25 runs. Rahmat Shah joined Shahzad and added 47 runs for the second wicket. However, the tall and lanky Boyd Rankin came to the party and nipped out both Shah and Shahzad in consecutive overs.

Shahzad churned out a handy 43 runs from 53 balls with six boundaries. Simi Singh got rid of Hashmatullah Shahidi. Gulbadin Naib took his time initially, but he pressed the accelerator as his innings progressed. He scored 46 runs before being dismissed by spinner George Dockrell. Najibullah Zadran found the boundaries a couple of times to take the Afghans over the line with 49 balls to spare.

Here is how Twitter reacted

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