Ireland's cricketers have lost their T20 series with Afghanistan - falling to a 21-run defeat in the second game in India.
The Blarney Army were set a target of 185 runs to win in Greater Noida against the team ranked seven in the discipline's world rankings - however after the 20 overs, they were unable to reach 163.
MATCH RESULT
Congratulations to Afghanistan, they win by 22 runs.
➡️ Scorecard: https://t.co/uNGzfV8wAl#BackingGreen #AFGvIRE ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ttlWYUNaPU
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) March 8, 2020
“We started quite well, I thought we held them well – they’re obviously a dangerous side, particularly in that power play. But against a side like Afghanistan, you have to be good for 20 overs to get a result,” said captain Andrew Balbirnie after the game in India.
“We tend to start quite well in T20 Internationals, but it’s about getting that right balance in the middle to get us over the line in tight games.”
“I think you’re always learning when you are playing such quality bowlers regularly, you’re learning about yourself and how you adapt in certain situations. The series is now gone, so we’ve got to focus on the third T20I – it’s a big T20 year obviously and we’re going to be going in there looking for the win.”
MATCH REPORT
Balbirnie’s captains knock not enough as Ireland defeated in second T20I against Afghanistan.
➡️ Read more: https://t.co/a6sHdc83q0#BackingGreen ☘️ pic.twitter.com/x3M2aSH3Ym
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) March 8, 2020
Afghanistan took the three-match series after a win in the opener against Ireland on Friday. However, there will still be a third game in the series, which will take place on Tuesday morning at 8.30am.
