Twitter Reactions: A fabulous century from Andrew Balbirnie jolts the Afghans

For the first time on this tour, Ireland managed to overpower Afghanistan. After having struggled throughout, Andrew Balbirnie came out as the Messiah for the visitors in the third ODI. He registered his second ODI century in the match and was at the helm of this massive turnaround.

Along with George Dockrell, he put up a 143-run partnership and was fabulous in this tricky chase. This victory not only brings a huge sigh of relief for Ireland but also keeps the series alive. With two more games to go and series level at 1-1, both the teams will try to push hard for a win. However, it won’t be such an easy task for the Irish men and they will have to continue to be at the top of their game.

Najibullah Zadran scores a ton against the run of play

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan was reduced to 74/5 within no time. The bowlers were on fire and they dismissed Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Samiullah Shenwari cheaply. Hazratullah Zazai, after looking good for his 34, was dismissed run out. The hosts seemed to be in all sorts of trouble at this point in time.

However, skipper Asghar Afghan along with Najibullah Zadran took things in his control. The duo added 117 runs together and bailed the side out of trouble. But, Asghar got out after piling up 75 runs. It seemed tough for Afghanistan to get to a decent total. But, Zadran accelerated towards the end and remained unbeaten on 104 as the home team finished with 256 runs on the board.

That was a superlative innings from Andrew Balbirnie

Ireland team was also met with a similar fate in the chase. They were brought down to 29/3 and were further reduced to 73/4. William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien – all gave up. But, Andrew Balbirnie and George Dockrell weren’t to throw the towel in as easily. They fought back hard raising Ireland’s hopes of registering a win.

Dockrell played the anchor and was out stumped when he was on 54. Stuart Poynter also in the next over and there was immense pressure on Balbirnie. He had to score most of the last 40 runs all by himself. But, he didn’t let the heat take over him. He maintained his calm and played glorious cricketing shots and was unbeaten on 145 off 136 balls as Ireland registered a four-wicket win.

Twitterati approbated the talent Andrew Balbirnie was and drenched him in praise. They also applauded the Irish bowlers for keeping it tight and preventing Afghanistan from putting up a big total. George Dockrell received an equal amount of applause as well.

Here is how Twitterati reacted:

I said this Andy Balbirnie was a good player! #AFGvIRE @balbo90. 👏👏👏

— Ian Pont (@Ponty100mph) March 5, 2019

Such a knock from @balbo90 #AFGvIRE Proper sport @Rossgarvey

— David Curran (@DavidCgolf) March 5, 2019

@Irelandcricket @balbo90 Absolutely terrific innings best I've seen in years well played Lads #BackingGreen #afgvire

— Alan M (@AlanMag18) March 5, 2019

Dear @ACBofficials, if you want to do well and advance in the #CWC19, then you to rest Rashid/Mujeeb/Nabi who have been playing non-stop cricket since the last 2-3 years.

It will affect their performances big time in the World Cup. Please manage their workload.#AFGvIRE

— Jeet Vachharajani (@Jeetv27) March 5, 2019

Andy Balbirnie wow what a knock man 145* off 136 led the way for Ireland to make it 1-1

Ireland chased down 260 with an over to spare #AFGvIRE pic.twitter.com/KgVP51HC0J

— Talk Cricket (@TheYorkerBall) March 5, 2019

Fabulous run chase #AFGvIRE . Hats off to all and to @balbo90 and @georgedockrell in particular. We're on the up again !!!! @Irelandcricket @cricketleinster

— Matt (@mattsheridan321) March 5, 2019

Magnificent innings from balbrine , he was disappointing in the first odi. But today he was just too good. Finally a win for the Irish on this tour. 👏#AFGvIRE

— srikrishna 🏏 (@1998Srikrishna) March 5, 2019

We had a poor fielding tonight 😞 lots of catchz missed by fielders!😭
But we must not forget that amazing catch of @zazai_3
We love u #bluetigers it was not our night!😭but I love u all my #MenInBlue u guys are fantastic! I’m so proud of u all my loves!🖤❤️💚 #AFGvIRE #3rdODI

— Lamia Karimi (@lamia_karimi) March 5, 2019

13-1, chasing 257 against Afghanistan. Team collapses to 73-4, with 10 overs of Rashid left in the hut on a sluggish pitch. What do you do?

Smoke 145* off 136, 8 4s & 8 6s & win the match.

Andy Balbirnie, you absolute beauty. One of the great ODI knocks of ALL TIME! #AFGvIRE

— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) March 5, 2019

Scenes! Sensational 145* from @balbo90 leads @Irelandcricket to a phenomenal comeback win in Dedradun. His third ODI century and highest score. Against *that* attack, in the subcontinent. Superb! #AFGvIRE

— The Opening Statsman (@OpeningStatsman) March 5, 2019

You beauty @balbo90 what an innings. 145 roúge ink against arguably the best spin attack in world cricket on a turner to lead the boys to victory, how good. Great support from @georgedockrell great to see the lads get the win to make it 1 a piece #AFGvIRE

— tyrone kane (@KaneTyrone) March 5, 2019

Meanwhile at Dehradun, Ireland have defeated Afghanistan defying all the odds. Andy Balbarnie top scored with 145* .#AFGvIRE

— Encrypted Layman! (@freddieefaizan) March 5, 2019

5 match series nicely poised at 1-1 with two matches to play#AFGvIRE

— Just Cricket 🏏 (@BatBallStumps) March 5, 2019

Also need to make sure that there is praise for George Dockrell. Ireland would never have got there without his contribution to that big partnership. #AFGvIRE

— justin smyth (@justinsmyth1) March 5, 2019

Ireland wins the 3rd ODI against Afghanistan.
Andy Balbirnie scored 145 off 136(8*4 , 8*6) and won it for Ireland.#AFGvIRE

— Akki (@akkiakki973798) March 5, 2019

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