Ireland have fight on their hands in Dambulla

Afghanistan bounced back on day two of their four day ICC Intercontinental Cricket Cup tie against Ireland at Dambulla in Sri Lanka, reaching 263 for 3 at stumps in their first innings in reply to Ireland's 404 all out.

Resuming on 324 for 7, Ireland made a further 81 for the loss of the last three wickets to push their first innings past 400, with John Mooney making 58 not out. He shared in a ninth wicket stand of 65 with Peter Connell which helped Phil Simmons' side to a decent total.

Samiullah Shenwari was the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers taking 4 for 75 off his 27 overs.

Afghanistan started well in reply with openers Karm Sadig and Noor Ali putting on 72 for the first wicket before Sadiq was bowled by Gary Kidd for 19 and Noor, who made 53, followed when he was caught behind by Niall O'Brien from the bowling of Connell as the Afghans fell to 74 for 2.

However, a third wicket stand of 104 between Shabir Noori and Nowroz Mangal, pushed the score out to 178 before Mangal, who played some lovely shots for his 84, became O'Brien's second catch off the bowling of Andre Botha.

At the end of the day’s play Ireland couldn’t force another breakthrough, with Norri beaten on 44 and Mohammad Shahzad in superb form, as he remained at the crease on 60 not out overnight. He made his runs off just 62 deliveries, hitting 11 fours in the process.

After two draws in their opening two games, Ireland need to force a win in Sri Lanka if they are going to be in a position to defend the trophy and will need to make inroads into the Afghanistan innings today.