Left Arm Around

Ireland win their first ever Men’s Test with a brilliant six-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

They have finally tasted triumph at the eighth time of asking following two losses to England and Sri Lanka, one to Bangladesh, one to Pakistan and another to Afghanistan.

The visitors were faltering at 39-4 following Paul Stirling’s dismissal to Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar, but captain Andrew Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 safely guided them to their target of 111.

Wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker also played a good hand with a composed 27 not out.

Afghanistan began day three 134-3, a lead of 26, though the Irish attack took wickets at regular intervals to dismiss them for 218.

Mark Adair backed up his fifer in the first innings with 3-56 to claim the man of the match award.

Barry McCarthy and Craig Young also chipped in with three wickets apiece.

As for Afghanistan, they will be ruing the absence of key players such as Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.