7 days ago
Rashid Khan produced a sensational six-wicket haul as Afghanistan thrashed Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI at Bready Cricket Club on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
After the opening ODI was abandoned without a toss due to rain, the second game was also delayed by inclement weather and eventually reduced to 47 overs per side. Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, posted 299 for 8 before Rashid ripped through Ireland's batting line-up, bowling them out for 207 in 33.4 overs.
Asked to bat first in overcast conditions, Afghanistan initially found it difficult against Ireland's new-ball movement. Mark Adair opened with a maiden, but Jai Moondra struggled to contain Rahmanullah Gurbaz, conceding four boundaries in his first two overs.
Gurbaz briefly took Moondra apart with a six and a four in the left-arm seamer's third over, but the bowler had the last laugh when the opener attempted another big shot and holed out.
Sediqullah Atal kept the scoring moving, while Ibrahim initially played a more measured innings. Afghanistan reached 65 for 1 before the pair took control, putting together a 116-run partnership.
Ibrahim shifted gears and brought up his half-century from 52 ******* . Atal's dismissal in the 25th over ended the stand, but Ibrahim continued to anchor the innings.
The Afghanistan captain then added 43 with Rahmat Shah before both fell within two overs. Another 43-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli kept Afghanistan on course, while Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a late flourish with a 21-ball 36, including four boundaries in the final two overs.
Despite losing three wickets for 21 runs late on, Afghanistan finished with a formidable 299 for 8.
Ireland made a confident start in the chase, reaching 65 for 1 despite losing Paul Stirling early.
Andy Balbirnie looked fluent, while Cade Carmichael, playing only his fourth ODI, launched an aggressive counterattack. Carmichael smashed Saleem Safi for 21 runs in the 14th over and went on to bring up his maiden ODI fifty from 44 ******* .
But Afghanistan's spinners soon changed the game.
Rashid struck twice in quick succession to remove Balbirnie and Harry Tector, leaving Ireland in need of a substantial partnership. Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker attempted to rebuild, but their 38-run stand ended when Tucker was run out after losing track of the ball during an LBW appeal.
Carmichael followed in the next over for 62, leaving Ireland at 152 for 5.
Ben Calitz and Curtis Campher briefly threatened to revive the chase, smashing 41 runs in three overs, including five fours and two sixes. Rashid ended that ******* ault by dismissing Calitz, triggering a stunning collapse.
Ireland lost their final four wickets for just nine runs, with Rashid claiming three of them to complete remarkable figures of 6-34.
The third ODI will be played on Monday, August 10, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.
Brief Scores: Afghanist
After the opening ODI was abandoned without a toss due to rain, the second game was also delayed by inclement weather and eventually reduced to 47 overs per side. Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran, posted 299 for 8 before Rashid ripped through Ireland's batting line-up, bowling them out for 207 in 33.4 overs.
Asked to bat first in overcast conditions, Afghanistan initially found it difficult against Ireland's new-ball movement. Mark Adair opened with a maiden, but Jai Moondra struggled to contain Rahmanullah Gurbaz, conceding four boundaries in his first two overs.
Gurbaz briefly took Moondra apart with a six and a four in the left-arm seamer's third over, but the bowler had the last laugh when the opener attempted another big shot and holed out.
Sediqullah Atal kept the scoring moving, while Ibrahim initially played a more measured innings. Afghanistan reached 65 for 1 before the pair took control, putting together a 116-run partnership.
Ibrahim shifted gears and brought up his half-century from 52 ******* . Atal's dismissal in the 25th over ended the stand, but Ibrahim continued to anchor the innings.
The Afghanistan captain then added 43 with Rahmat Shah before both fell within two overs. Another 43-run partnership between Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli kept Afghanistan on course, while Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a late flourish with a 21-ball 36, including four boundaries in the final two overs.
Despite losing three wickets for 21 runs late on, Afghanistan finished with a formidable 299 for 8.
Ireland made a confident start in the chase, reaching 65 for 1 despite losing Paul Stirling early.
Andy Balbirnie looked fluent, while Cade Carmichael, playing only his fourth ODI, launched an aggressive counterattack. Carmichael smashed Saleem Safi for 21 runs in the 14th over and went on to bring up his maiden ODI fifty from 44 ******* .
But Afghanistan's spinners soon changed the game.
Rashid struck twice in quick succession to remove Balbirnie and Harry Tector, leaving Ireland in need of a substantial partnership. Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker attempted to rebuild, but their 38-run stand ended when Tucker was run out after losing track of the ball during an LBW appeal.
Carmichael followed in the next over for 62, leaving Ireland at 152 for 5.
Ben Calitz and Curtis Campher briefly threatened to revive the chase, smashing 41 runs in three overs, including five fours and two sixes. Rashid ended that ******* ault by dismissing Calitz, triggering a stunning collapse.
Ireland lost their final four wickets for just nine runs, with Rashid claiming three of them to complete remarkable figures of 6-34.
The third ODI will be played on Monday, August 10, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.
Brief Scores: Afghanist
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma etched his name into the record books during the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
Stationed at first slip, Rohit grabbed the first three catches of the Afghanistan innings to become only the fourth Indian fielder to be involved in the first three dismissals of an ODI innings.
The rare feat had previously been achieved only by Sourav Ganguly against the West Indies in Baroda in 2002, Manoj Tiwary against the West Indies in North Sound in 2011, and Suresh Raina against Sri Lanka in Cardiff in 2013.
Afghanistan's innings got off to a disastrous start when Rohit completed a catch off the very first ball of the match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz edged Prasidh Krishna to first slip and Rohit made no mistake.
A few overs later, Rohit was in action again. Rahmat Shah attempted to work a delivery towards the leg side but only managed a leading edge, with the Indian skipper safely taking the catch.
Rohit's hat-trick of catches came in the eighth over when Ibrahim Zadran edged another Prasidh Krishna delivery to first slip. The catch completed a remarkable sequence, with Rohit accounting for Afghanistan's first three dismissals.
Sourav Ganguly vs West Indies, Baroda, 2002
Manoj Tiwary vs West Indies, North Sound, 2011
Suresh Raina vs Sri Lanka, Cardiff, 2013
Stationed at first slip, Rohit grabbed the first three catches of the Afghanistan innings to become only the fourth Indian fielder to be involved in the first three dismissals of an ODI innings.
The rare feat had previously been achieved only by Sourav Ganguly against the West Indies in Baroda in 2002, Manoj Tiwary against the West Indies in North Sound in 2011, and Suresh Raina against Sri Lanka in Cardiff in 2013.
Afghanistan's innings got off to a disastrous start when Rohit completed a catch off the very first ball of the match. Rahmanullah Gurbaz edged Prasidh Krishna to first slip and Rohit made no mistake.
A few overs later, Rohit was in action again. Rahmat Shah attempted to work a delivery towards the leg side but only managed a leading edge, with the Indian skipper safely taking the catch.
Rohit's hat-trick of catches came in the eighth over when Ibrahim Zadran edged another Prasidh Krishna delivery to first slip. The catch completed a remarkable sequence, with Rohit accounting for Afghanistan's first three dismissals.
Sourav Ganguly vs West Indies, Baroda, 2002
Manoj Tiwary vs West Indies, North Sound, 2011
Suresh Raina vs Sri Lanka, Cardiff, 2013
2 months ago
Former England spinner Graeme Swann heaped praise on Ishan Kishan after the wicketkeeper-batter's sensational century powered India to a dominant 170-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.
Kishan played a stunning knock of 125 from just 79 ******* , striking 14 boundaries and seven sixes. His innings formed the backbone of a massive 224-run third-wicket stand with India captain Shubman Gill, who produced a brilliant 154. Their partnership helped India amass 402 before restricting Afghanistan to 232.
Speaking on JioStar, Swann admired Kishan's team-first attitude and his ability to fit seamlessly into any role required by the side.
“He is the sort of player who will do whatever job you ask of him without any complaints. The fact that he’s come back into the team and looks like he’s never been away is remarkable,” Swann said.
The former England spinner also highlighted the way Kishan paced his innings before shifting gears dramatically. According to Swann, the left-hander showed excellent game awareness rather than relying on reckless strokeplay.
“He came to the crease and was circumspect for his first fifty, but then took just 19 deliveries to go from 50 to 100, which is ridiculous. It wasn’t crazy hitting or slogging either. He was simply being sensible, picking his spots on the leg side, forcing the bowlers to change their lines, and then playing those gorgeous lofted extra-cover drives.”
Swann felt Kishan's transformation reflected the hard work he has put into improving specific areas of his batting.
“It’s a sign of sheer class. That shot, wide of long-off, is something he’s worked on over the last two years. It was an area where bowlers could shut him down, but he went away, worked on it, and turned it into a strength, which is brilliant,” he added.
Kishan brought up his hundred in only 71 deliveries and ensured India's momentum never slowed. Alongside Gill, he dismantled Afghanistan's bowling attack and set up one of India's biggest ODI totals in recent years.
India then completed a comprehensive victory as Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets each. Rahmat Shah fought hard with 79, but Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 232, handing India an unbeatable 2-0 lead ahead of the final ODI in Chennai.
Kishan played a stunning knock of 125 from just 79 ******* , striking 14 boundaries and seven sixes. His innings formed the backbone of a massive 224-run third-wicket stand with India captain Shubman Gill, who produced a brilliant 154. Their partnership helped India amass 402 before restricting Afghanistan to 232.
Speaking on JioStar, Swann admired Kishan's team-first attitude and his ability to fit seamlessly into any role required by the side.
“He is the sort of player who will do whatever job you ask of him without any complaints. The fact that he’s come back into the team and looks like he’s never been away is remarkable,” Swann said.
The former England spinner also highlighted the way Kishan paced his innings before shifting gears dramatically. According to Swann, the left-hander showed excellent game awareness rather than relying on reckless strokeplay.
“He came to the crease and was circumspect for his first fifty, but then took just 19 deliveries to go from 50 to 100, which is ridiculous. It wasn’t crazy hitting or slogging either. He was simply being sensible, picking his spots on the leg side, forcing the bowlers to change their lines, and then playing those gorgeous lofted extra-cover drives.”
Swann felt Kishan's transformation reflected the hard work he has put into improving specific areas of his batting.
“It’s a sign of sheer class. That shot, wide of long-off, is something he’s worked on over the last two years. It was an area where bowlers could shut him down, but he went away, worked on it, and turned it into a strength, which is brilliant,” he added.
Kishan brought up his hundred in only 71 deliveries and ensured India's momentum never slowed. Alongside Gill, he dismantled Afghanistan's bowling attack and set up one of India's biggest ODI totals in recent years.
India then completed a comprehensive victory as Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets each. Rahmat Shah fought hard with 79, but Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 232, handing India an unbeatable 2-0 lead ahead of the final ODI in Chennai.
2 months ago
India captain Shubman Gill overcame intense heat and cramps to score 154, while Ishan Kishan struck his second ODI century as India beat Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI in Lucknow on Wednesday and sealed the three-match series 2-0.
After Afghanistan chose to bowl first in difficult afternoon conditions, India piled up 402 all out, powered by a 224-run partnership between Gill and Kishan for the third wicket. The stand came off just 141 deliveries and put India in complete control of the contest.
The weather played a major role throughout the match, with several players struggling physically. Gill needed treatment on the field and batted with an ice collar around his neck. The India captain did not return to the field after being dismissed.
Chasing 403, Afghanistan needed their highest successful ODI chase and a first-ever win over India in any format. However, they were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs despite Rahmat Shah's 79.
Afghanistan never built the momentum required for such a huge chase. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) made starts but could not provide the rapid beginning their side needed.
Gurbaz received a reprieve when debutant Prince Yadav had him caught at mid-on, only for the wicket to be overturned because of a no-ball. However, the opener could not make the most of the chance and was dismissed 11 deliveries later by Gurnoor Brar.
Afghanistan suffered another setback when Darwish Rasooli, who had earlier been stretchered off during India's innings, came out to bat but later retired hurt due to a hamstring injury.
Prince eventually claimed his maiden ODI wicket by bowling Nangeyalia Kharote before ending the match with the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Arshdeep Singh finished with 3/45, while Brar also took 3/60. Prince returned figures of 2/56. Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.
Earlier, India continued their experimentation ahead of next year's World Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside Rohit Sharma, while Gill moved down to No. 3. Jaiswal managed only 4 before being dismissed in the second over.
Rohit looked comfortable and scored 48 before Rashid Khan removed him with a googly.
Gill then took charge of the innings. He mixed caution with attack and brought up his ninth ODI century. Kishan provided strong support before accelerating after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper-batter completed his second ODI hundred and his first since his double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.
Gill continued despite cramps and fatigue, but his dismissal sparked a collapse. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote claimed 4/76, while Rashid took three wickets. India lost seven wickets in the final 10 overs but had already done enough to set up a comfortable victory and secure the series.
After Afghanistan chose to bowl first in difficult afternoon conditions, India piled up 402 all out, powered by a 224-run partnership between Gill and Kishan for the third wicket. The stand came off just 141 deliveries and put India in complete control of the contest.
The weather played a major role throughout the match, with several players struggling physically. Gill needed treatment on the field and batted with an ice collar around his neck. The India captain did not return to the field after being dismissed.
Chasing 403, Afghanistan needed their highest successful ODI chase and a first-ever win over India in any format. However, they were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs despite Rahmat Shah's 79.
Afghanistan never built the momentum required for such a huge chase. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (41) and Ibrahim Zadran (21) made starts but could not provide the rapid beginning their side needed.
Gurbaz received a reprieve when debutant Prince Yadav had him caught at mid-on, only for the wicket to be overturned because of a no-ball. However, the opener could not make the most of the chance and was dismissed 11 deliveries later by Gurnoor Brar.
Afghanistan suffered another setback when Darwish Rasooli, who had earlier been stretchered off during India's innings, came out to bat but later retired hurt due to a hamstring injury.
Prince eventually claimed his maiden ODI wicket by bowling Nangeyalia Kharote before ending the match with the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Arshdeep Singh finished with 3/45, while Brar also took 3/60. Prince returned figures of 2/56. Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless.
Earlier, India continued their experimentation ahead of next year's World Cup. Yashasvi Jaiswal opened alongside Rohit Sharma, while Gill moved down to No. 3. Jaiswal managed only 4 before being dismissed in the second over.
Rohit looked comfortable and scored 48 before Rashid Khan removed him with a googly.
Gill then took charge of the innings. He mixed caution with attack and brought up his ninth ODI century. Kishan provided strong support before accelerating after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper-batter completed his second ODI hundred and his first since his double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.
Gill continued despite cramps and fatigue, but his dismissal sparked a collapse. Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote claimed 4/76, while Rashid took three wickets. India lost seven wickets in the final 10 overs but had already done enough to set up a comfortable victory and secure the series.
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: A heartwarming moment involving India captain Shubman Gill has gone viral following India's dominant victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.
In a video that has been widely shared on social media, a young ball boy stationed near the boundary ropes was seen touching Gill's feet as the India skipper walked back to the pavilion after scoring a superb century.
Gill, who led from the front with a brilliant 126, acknowledged the youngster's gesture before continuing towards the dressing room. The touching interaction quickly became one of the standout moments of the match.
Manav Suthar steals the show on debut
While Gill's century and the viral video grabbed attention, the match ultimately belonged to debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who enjoyed a dream start to his Test career.
— rushiii_12 (rushiii_12)
The Rajasthan spinner claimed seven wickets in the match, including a sensational 6/33 in Afghanistan's first innings, as India completed their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket by an innings and 300 runs.
After electing to bat, India posted a massive 564/8 declared. Alongside Gill's 126, KL Rahul scored 100, while Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant contributed 81 each. Washington Sundar added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 52.
Afghanistan unable to recover
Afghanistan resumed Day 3 on 113/5 and were eventually bowled out for 152 despite a fighting 60 from Rahmat Shah. Suthar ripped through the lower order to register the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut.
Asked to follow on, Afghanistan showed some resistance through Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal, who added 42 runs for the opening wicket. Atal looked comfortable during his knock of 42, but India's bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
Mohammed Siraj provided the breakthrough before Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav joined the wicket-taking spree. Afghanistan slipped from 74/1 to 98/5 as Sundar removed Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Atal.
India complete historic win
The visitors never recovered from the collapse. Suthar added another wicket, Sundar finished with four wickets in the innings, and Kuldeep cleaned up the tail as Afghanistan were bowled out for 112.
131624804
The emphatic victory gave India their largest-ever win in Test cricket in terms of innings and runs.
While the hosts dominated with both bat and ball, it was a simple gesture from a young ball boy towards Gill that captured fans' imagination and became one of the most talked-about moments from an unforgettable Test match.
In a video that has been widely shared on social media, a young ball boy stationed near the boundary ropes was seen touching Gill's feet as the India skipper walked back to the pavilion after scoring a superb century.
Gill, who led from the front with a brilliant 126, acknowledged the youngster's gesture before continuing towards the dressing room. The touching interaction quickly became one of the standout moments of the match.
Manav Suthar steals the show on debut
While Gill's century and the viral video grabbed attention, the match ultimately belonged to debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who enjoyed a dream start to his Test career.
— rushiii_12 (rushiii_12)
The Rajasthan spinner claimed seven wickets in the match, including a sensational 6/33 in Afghanistan's first innings, as India completed their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket by an innings and 300 runs.
After electing to bat, India posted a massive 564/8 declared. Alongside Gill's 126, KL Rahul scored 100, while Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant contributed 81 each. Washington Sundar added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 52.
Afghanistan unable to recover
Afghanistan resumed Day 3 on 113/5 and were eventually bowled out for 152 despite a fighting 60 from Rahmat Shah. Suthar ripped through the lower order to register the second-best bowling figures by an Indian on Test debut.
Asked to follow on, Afghanistan showed some resistance through Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal, who added 42 runs for the opening wicket. Atal looked comfortable during his knock of 42, but India's bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
Mohammed Siraj provided the breakthrough before Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav joined the wicket-taking spree. Afghanistan slipped from 74/1 to 98/5 as Sundar removed Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Atal.
India complete historic win
The visitors never recovered from the collapse. Suthar added another wicket, Sundar finished with four wickets in the innings, and Kuldeep cleaned up the tail as Afghanistan were bowled out for 112.
131624804
The emphatic victory gave India their largest-ever win in Test cricket in terms of innings and runs.
While the hosts dominated with both bat and ball, it was a simple gesture from a young ball boy towards Gill that captured fans' imagination and became one of the most talked-about moments from an unforgettable Test match.
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar announced his arrival on the Test stage in stunning fashion, producing a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in his maiden appearance for India at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
The left-arm spinner finished with exceptional figures of 6/33 from 22 overs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in response to India's imposing first-innings total of 564/8 declared.
Suthar's spell not only put India firmly in control of the one-off Test but also earned him a place in the record books.
The 23-year-old registered the best bowling figures in an innings on Test debut by an Indian in 38 years.
The last Indian to better that mark in his debut Test innings was Narendra Hirwani, who produced a legendary performance against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988, claiming 8/61 and later finishing the match with 16 wickets.
Suthar also joined an exclusive club of Indian bowlers to register six-wicket hauls on Test debut. Before him, only Hirwani, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dilip Doshi and Syed Abid Ali had achieved the feat in an innings during their first Test appearances.
Furthermore, Suthar became the 10th Indian (seventh among spinners) to pick a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
What made Suthar's effort particularly impressive was the control he displayed throughout a long spell. He conceded just 33 runs in 22 overs, including 10 maidens, while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of 1.50. His victims included Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Mohammad Saleem Safi.
After picking up three wickets on the second day, Suthar returned on Day 3 to complete the milestone haul. His ability to generate drift, extract turn and vary his pace consistently troubled Afghanistan's batting line-up.
ALSO READ: 'Rajasthan ka Jadeja': The making of Manav Suthar, India's newest left-arm spin hope
While Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, it was Suthar who stole the spotlight with a memorable debut performance.
With Ravindra Jadeja entering the latter stages of his career, India's selectors will be encouraged by the emergence of another promising left-arm spinning option in the red-ball format.
For Suthar, it was a dream beginning to what could be a long international journey.
131582496
