Image Source: Cricket Ireland
[Saba Sports News] In a landmark match against Afghanistan in the UAE, Ireland’s cricket team marked a significant moment on their self-established honour board by securing their first Test win.
This board, initiated during their inaugural Test against Pakistan at Malahide six years prior, celebrates exceptional performances, with Kevin O’Brien being the first to be honored for his 118-run knock in 2018. The latest accolade was bestowed upon Mark Adair for his outstanding bowling figures of 5 for 39 against Afghanistan, contributing significantly to Ireland’s win.
Adair’s impressive bowling, capturing three more wickets in Afghanistan’s second innings, culminated in a total of eight wickets for the match, propelling Ireland to victory. His performance, along with contributions from Craig Young and Barry McCarthy, was instrumental in bowling out Afghanistan for 218, despite a fighting half-century from Hashmatullah Shahidi and a promising 46 from debutant Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Ireland’s triumph in Abu Dhabi, their first Test victory, came with a six-wicket win, ending a series of defeats dating back to their Test debut in 2018. Captain Andy Balbirnie’s unbeaten 58 led the successful chase of a 111-run target, a victory that holds special significance for the team, as expressed by Balbirnie’s post-match reflections on the historic win and the bright future it heralds for Irish Test cricket.