Despite Zia-ur-Rehman’s efforts, Ireland prevailed.

After Day 2 of the one-off Test at Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi. Ireland still had the upper hand despite Zia-ur-Rehman taking five wickets. Thanks to Paul Stirling’s half-century and valuable contributions from the lower order, Ireland concluded with a first-innings total of 263 to take a comfortable 108-run lead. Afghanistan concluded the day at 134/3, leading by 26 runs, thanks to a stronger batting performance in their second essay.

Ireland had knocked Afghanistan out for 155 on the first day of play, and they started the second day at 100/4. When Harry Tector was dismissed for 32 by Naveed Zadran early in the day, they were under even more strain. At that point, Stirling was on eight, and he made fifty-two, eight of them fours. Lorcan Tucker gave him excellent support as they put on 80 runs for the sixth wicket, batting for over 22 overs.

Just before lunch, Zahir Khan eventually ended the partnership when he bowled Stirling, sending the ball spinning away from him and hitting the stumps. After the interval, Ireland’s lower order devised obstinate stances to annoy Afghanistan. Before the former fell four short of a half-century and became Zia’s third victim. Tucker and Andy McBrine contributed thirty more runs. In his first Test match, Zia claimed the wickets of Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy as well. Ireland concluded with a lead of more than 100 points. Andy McBrine was the last to go after scoring 38.

Mark Adair, who was Ireland’s standout bowler in the first innings. Afghanistan a scare at 38/2 by taking the wicket of Rahmat Shah. Ibrahim Zadran’s stay in the second innings. Noor Ali Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi spearheaded the comeback with a 55-run partnership before the latter was dismissed by McCarthy for 32.

In a counteroffensive, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit sixes against McCarthy and McBrine while Shahidi scored a patient fifty. Both batsmen, who have already combined for 41 runs without a loss at Stumps. They will be crucial on Day 3 as Afghanistan attempts to provide Ireland with a difficult target.