Afghan lifts Afghanistan to 216-6 in 5th Ireland ODI

DEHRADUN: Skipper Asghar Afghan hit a gritty 82 to help Afghanistan set Ireland a modest target of 217 after suffering an early collapse in the fifth one-day international on Sunday.

Afghanistan were reeling at 50 for four after being put in to bat first when Afghan built crucial partnerships to thwart Ireland's disciplined bowling attack in Dehradun. Afghanistan posted 216-6.

Afghan, who made 75 and 54 in the previous two matches, put on 76 runs with veteran batsman Mohammad Nabi, who made 40, to revive the innings.

He then stood firm with Rashid Khan, who hit an unbeaten 35, at the other end to manage 65 runs for the seventh wicket before retiring hurt.

Afghan's 111-ball stay was laced with six fours and two sixes.

George Dockrell took two wickets with his left-arm spin after striking on successive deliveries and be on a hat-trick in his third over. Nabi played out the hat-trick ball.

Afghanistan lead the series 2-1 with the second match abandoned due to rain.