Ire v Afg, 5th ODI Review: Ed Joyce inspires Ireland to level the series over Afghanistan

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Ed Joyce
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Ed Joyce. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Ireland came back well in the final ODI of the 5-match series as they defeated Afghanistan by a narrow margin of 12 runs to level the series 2-2. Ed Joyce’s massive knock helped Ireland to post a decent total while Afghanistan’s lower middle order led their side close to victory after early set back.

After been put to bat, Ireland lost couple of early wickets. But a big stand between Ed Joyce and Gary Wilson took the hosts towards a decent total. The duo shared a 134-run stand for 3rd wicket before Gary Wilson got out after a well-made 58 off 92 with 5 fours and a six. Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling too fell in the following overs as Ireland looked like settling down to a moderate total.

However, Joyce peaked at right time for his side and smashed almost at 250 strike rate at the end. After bringing up his 5th ODI century, Joyce went from 112 to 160 in just 18 balls as Ireland scored 54 runs in last 4 overs finishing on 265/5. Joyce remained unbeaten on 160 in 148 balls with 19 fours and 3 sixes. Joyce’s 160* is the 3rd highest individual score by an Associate nation player in ODIs.

Joyce scored 60.37% runs of Ireland’s total. This is the 9th highest percentage of team’s runs for a player in a completed ODI innings.

Also read – India, Australia need big wins to stay put in the Test rankings

While chasing, Afghanistan lost 3 quick wickets. Later Rahmat Shah, Captain Stanikzai and Nabi got starts but failed to convert as Afghanistan crumbled to 119 for 6 in the 33rd over. Rashid Khan continued his good form with bat and along with Najibullah Zadran who risen hopes in Afghan camp before Rashid holed out at long leg after a quick 40 sharing a 93 run stand for the 7th wicket. Mirwais and Najibullah got out in consecutive balls. Najibullah top scored with 54 off 64 and has struck 4 fours and a six.

Dawlat Zadran tried his best to take the game closer with an unbeaten 15-ball 31. Last over yielded 20 runs for Afghanistan but those weren’t enough. Kevin O’Brien, who was playing his 100th ODI, picked up 3 crucial wickets.

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