Afghanistan v Ireland: Visitors fall to defeat in first one-day international of the series

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 35 runs in their opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Harry Tector notched his fifth century in the ODI format as Ireland fell short after a close chase.

The second ODI will take place at the same venue on Saturday.

Ireland’s one-day team was not dramatically different from the one that claimed a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi last week, with the inclusions of George Dockrell and Graham Hume to replace Barry McCarthy and PJ Moor.

Josh Little will not be involved in this tour until the T20 matches start on 15 March.

The visitors won the toss and bowled first, but to no avail in the sweltering heat as Afghanistan, through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran, racked up 150 for the first wicket.

Theo van Woerkom was Ireland’s best bowler as he removed Zadran for 60, Azmatullah Omarzai (19) and, crucially, centurion Gurbaz (121).

Craig Young and Hume went on to strike further blows for Ireland, but they were left chasing 311 runs for victory after late hitting from Mohammad Nabi (40) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (50).

It appeared Ireland would fall well short of their target after losing their top three batters with only 34 on the board. Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher were all sent back as Fazalhaq Farooqi impressed for the hosts with two of the three early wickets.

Tector led a spirited fightback, however, with a 173-run stand for the fourth-wicket alongside Lorcan Tucker.

Tucker made 85 from 76 balls before falling to Farooqi, shortly before his partner moved to three figures, with Tector’s knock containing nine fours and three sixes.

Having edged the Irish to a famous win, he fell in the final over for a wonderful 138 off 147 balls.

The series will conclude with a final game next Tuesday.