Afghanistan's cricket team secured a commanding 92-run victory over Ireland in the second One-Day International (ODI), taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after the opener was washed out. The match, held at Bready Cricket Club in the Northern Irish village of Magheramason, saw Afghanistan post a formidable total of 299-8 before bowling out the hosts for 207.

Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the finest leg-spinners of his generation, was the architect of Ireland's downfall, claiming six wickets for just 34 runs. This marked his third six-wicket haul in ODI cricket, with his career-best figures of 7-18 against the West Indies in 2017 still standing as a benchmark.

Khan struck early, dismissing Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector caught behind to break a promising 72-run partnership. The Irish chase, reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain, required 156 runs from 137 balls with seven wickets in hand when the collapse began. Lorcan Tucker's dismissal was particularly freakish: after an lbw appeal was turned down, he was run out by a direct hit from Sediqullah Atal while attempting a run.

Earlier, opener Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 84 runs, anchoring Afghanistan's innings. The visitors' total of 299-8 proved too steep for Ireland, who lost their last seven wickets for just 63 runs. The series continues on Monday in Belfast, where Afghanistan will look to extend their lead.

Source: www.aljazeera.com