Cricket Ireland (Photo Source: X/Twitter)
In a historic showdown against Afghanistan in the UAE, Ireland cricket etched its name on their self-made honour board once again, celebrating their maiden Test victory. This tradition, which commenced six years ago during their clash with Pakistan at Malahide, witnessed a new chapter unfold. The honour board, a simple rectangular placard, immortalizes standout performers of the game with a marker’s stroke.
Kevin O’Brien scripted the inaugural entry to the leaderboard back in 2018 with his magnificent 118-run innings against Pakistan. Now, joining the elite list is Mark Adair, recognized for his stellar bowling display of 5 for 39 against Afghanistan. Adair’s remarkable feats played a pivotal role in Ireland’s commanding first-innings performance, fuelling their victorious momentum. This honour board stands as an example of Ireland’s growing ability and resilience in cricket, igniting hopes for more triumphs in the future.
Here’s Ireland Cricket’s own leaderboard:
No honours board? No problem, we brought our own.#MuchBetter pic.twitter.com/piFe7NUw46
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) March 1, 2024
Afghanistan resumed their second innings on Friday at 3 for 134 but were eventually bowled out for 218. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi led the charge with a top score of 55, while Test debutant Rahmanullah Gurbaz showcased promise with a solid 46. Adair shone with the ball, clinching three wickets to tally eight for the match, well-supported by Craig Young and Barry McCarthy, who claimed three wickets each. Gurbaz, renowned for his explosive batting in limited-overs cricket, showcased his prowess by smashing the only two sixes of the innings.
Ireland create history in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, Ireland clinched their maiden Test victory, defeating Afghanistan by six wickets. Skipper Andy Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 anchored the chase as Ireland achieved their modest target of 111 in the final session of day three. This triumph ended Ireland’s seven-match losing streak, tracing back to their inaugural Test against Pakistan in 2018.
“We’re absolutely excited. We’ve created history. The monkey is off the back and it’s very special to do that. Obviously there were nerves; we were chasing our first win. You ask this whole group how special this is. A lot of our guys didn’t get to play Test cricket. Hopefully people back home want to be Test cricketers,” Balbirnie said as quoted by Fox Sports.
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