Ireland create history to win their first-ever match in Test Cricket, beat Afghanistan at their home by 6 wickets

It’s a big day for Irish cricket as Ireland registered their first-ever victory in Test cricket by beating Afghanistan by 6 wickets at Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi. Ireland played 7 test matches before it and this is their first Test victory in their eighth match. Ireland played their 1st Test match back in 2018 and they finally won their first match in 2024 in their attempt, with this Ireland became the 6th team to win and earn their maiden test victory in under 10 matches.

Ironically Andy Balbirnie who featured in all the eight matches that Ireland played so far was the one who steered them home in a tricky chase in the 4th innings. While chasing a target of 111 runs, Ireland was reeling at 39/4 at one stage but Andrew Balbirnie played an unbeaten knock of 58 runs and stitched a 72-run stand with Lorcan Tucker and at the end attained the target with 6 wickets remaining.

With this victory, Ireland has now gone ahead of India, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe in terms of matches taken to get to their first Test victory. The gravity of this victory could be ascertained by the jubilation in the Irish camp after hitting the winning shot and the players were elated to register this historic win.

No words needed… pic.twitter.com/kjKZydkGh6

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) March 1, 2024

Afghanistan’s 2nd innings collapse set it up for Ireland

Ireland faced a tense situation in their Test match against Afghanistan after day two ended with Afghanistan batting well with 13-4, seemingly putting Ireland’s first-innings lead of 108 runs in jeopardy. Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi led the charge, remaining unbeaten on 53.

However, day three brought a dramatic turn of events. Shahidi added only two runs before being dismissed by Mark Adair. This triggered a complete collapse of the Afghan batting order, as they lost their remaining six wickets for just 68 runs. Craig Young and Mark Adair were the main destroyers, taking three wickets each.

Despite the Afghan collapse, Ireland’s batting also started shakily in their second innings. They lost their first two wickets in the second over, both batsmen dismissed for ducks by Naveed Zadran. The early dismissals of Harry Tector and Paul Stirling further rattled Ireland, leaving them in a precarious position at 39-4.