Ireland lost their one-day international series decider against Afghanistan by seven wickets.
Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten century led Afghanistan to a series clinching seven wickets win in the 5th ODI in Greater Noida.
Chasing 230, Shah timed the run chase to perfection as he and Samiullah Shewari shared a match winning unbroken third wicket partnership. The pair added 133 in 145 balls in a nerveless chase, to seal the victory.
Shah’s unbeaten 108 came from 128 balls and included 11 fours and one maximum. He found a willing partner in the experienced Shenwari, whose undefeated 62 came from 77 balls (5 fours, 1 six).
Paul Stirling’s 4th ODI half-century in five games saw him and Ed Joyce (42) give the Irish the perfect platform with an opening stand of 69. Stirling’s 51 took his series tally to 341 runs at an average of 68.20, which saw him earn both the Player and Batsman of the series awards.
Not surprisingly, it was Rashid Khan who proved the key man, his 4 for 16 taking his series tally to 16, which saw him awarded the bowler of the series award. Kevin O’Brien was sorely missed due to a hamstring injury.
On a slightly brighter note, Paul Stirling won the Man of the Series award for Ireland.
Speaking after the game Porterfield admitted his side just hadn’t scored enough runs to put pressure on their opponents.
"I think we were 20 or 30 runs light with the bat," said Porterfield.
"We would have liked to have posted 250-260 there, and I think that would have made for a really interesting chase.
"We gave it a good fight, but that was a fantastic knock from Rahmat which saw them over the line. I’m pleased with the character we’ve shown after going 2-0 down, and the way the team fought to the end today."
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