(Cricket News) Ireland beat Afghanistan in a one-off test at Abu Dhabi to register their maiden test win. Balbirnie hit a crucial unbeaten half-century to help his team register a win, after the initial blows.

Chasing 111, Ireland were reduced to 39/4 and it seemed that Afghanistan could well make a great comeback and deny the Irish team off a win. However Balbernie and Tucker ensured that, it was not the case. They stitched a wonderful unbeaten partnership to take their home.

By stumps on the second day, had a chance to turn things around with their captain Shahidi batting ans was accompanied by Gurbaz. However, Shahidi fell early in the day, getting trapped leg-before-wicket for 55 and further they lost another quick wicket. Gurbaz fought hard, but managed to drag the lead by just more than 100, which was never gonna be enough.

Afghanistan however started off with a bang picking up quick wickets. Balbirnie then stopped a rampaging Afghanistan alongside Lorcan Tucker as the two batters kept Ireland at ease. The pair ensured the runs kept flowing and rotated the strike constantly to move the scorecard. Balbirnie in the process also brought up a fifty.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 155 (Ibrahim Zadran 53; Mark Adair 5/39) & 218 (Hashmatullah Shahidi 55; Craig Young 3/24) , Ireland 263 (Paul Stirling 52; Zia-ur-Rehman 5/64) & 111/4 (Andrew Balbirnie 58*; Naveed Zadran 2/31) Ireland win by 6 wickets.

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