Rashid s five-wicket haul puts Afghanistan ahead vs Ireland

Greater Noida March 29 (IANS) Leg-spinner Rashid Khan took five wickets as Ireland slipped to 170/7 in the first innings in reply to Afghanistan s 558/8 declared by close of play on the second day of their crucial ICC Intercontinental Cup clash here on Wednesday.

Mohammad Nabi made the initial breakthrough and following a strong 117-run stand between Ed Joyce (45) and Andy Balbirnie (62) Rashid effected a dramatic collapse according of an International Cricket Council s (ICC) release.

John Anderson (10) and Andy McBrine (0) were at the crease when the day s play was called off.

Earlier Afghanistan resuming the day at 357/6 extended Ireland s toil by a session and a half before finally declaring.

Asghar Stanikzai (145) Afsar Zazai (103) and Mohammad Shahzad (85) were the major contributors for Afghanistan s cause.

For Ireland George Dockrell scalped three wickets while Andy McBrine and John Anderson took two wickets each.

--IANS
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