Day 1 vs Afghanistan sees Ireland grab the lead thanks to Adair’s career-best free throw.

2024.02.29

Afghanistan was left reeling on the first day of its one-off Test at the Tolerance Oval here on Wednesday, thanks to five wickets taken by Ireland’s all-rounder Mark Adair.

Following the first day of their one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Ireland found themselves in a commanding position thanks to a maiden five-wicket haul for Mark Adair in Test cricket.

Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and chose to bat, and the Northern Irish all-rounder contributed to bowling the opponents out for 155 with figures of five for 39.

Theo van Woerkom, the night watchman, and Curtis Campher, who ended a 60-run third-wicket partnership with Harry Tector, fell victim to late wickets on what would have been an otherwise fantastic day for Ireland.

Before a late Afghan comeback spearheaded by spinner Zia-ur-Rehman left Andy Balbirnie’s team four wickets down and 55 runs short of the Afghan total, Ireland looked to be coasting through their reply.

Campher, who was one run short of a half-century, was claimed by the Afghanistan left-armer with less than 30 minutes remaining in play, and Van Woerkom was clean bowled.

On what seemed to be a decent hitting surface, Afghanistan struggled to establish their rhythm in the first innings and only had four batsmen reach double digits without their injured talisman, Rashid Khan.

In the seventh over, Adair made his first century of the day when he trapped Noor Ali Zadran for only seven runs by Balbirnie.

Then, Afghanistan went from 66-3 to 90-6 in a middle-order collapse that was rounded off when fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran, the nephew of Noor Ali, dropped for 53.

However, Karim Janat’s unbeaten 41 earned them some credibility.

Ireland’s response seemed to be faltering when both openers fell within 10 overs until the partnership of Campher and Tector.

Still without a win since gaining Test status in 2017, Ireland will resume play on Day two with Tector (32 not out) and Paul Stirling in the middle.

Afghanistan also became a Test nation in the same year and havs since claimed three wins in the format, including one against Ireland in 2019.

@charith