Afghanistan shock Ireland
Tuesday, 9 February 2010 17:45Ireland's chances of qualifying for the Twenty20 World Cup finals in the West Indies in April hang by a thread after losing their opening game of the qualifiers to Afghanistan by 13 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Having won the toss, Ireland put the Afghans into bat and they made 139 for eight off their 20 overs, with the inspired all-rounder Mohammad Nabi recording an unbeaten 43 with the bat off 25 balls.
Despite a 35 from 23 balls from Irish captain William Porterfield, which included two huge sixes, Ireland lost wickets at crucial points in the game and in the end were reduced to 126 all out in 19.2 overs.
Ireland's next match is against the USA, who surprisingly beat Scotland by six wickets in the other match in Group A, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Defeat would end Ireland's interest in the tournament.
