Afghanistan’s spin duo of Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote wreaked havoc on Ireland’s batting lineup, leading Afghanistan to a resounding 117-run victory in the third ODI in Sharjah.
Nabi, a veteran of 15 years, claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 17. The 19-year-old Kharote, making his ODI debut, also impressed with four wickets for 30 runs.
Ireland’s chase of 237 began promisingly, with Paul Stirling scoring a half-century. However, the introduction of Nabi and Kharote triggered a dramatic collapse. Ireland lost eight wickets for just 26 runs, as the Afghan spinners exploited the slow and skiddy pitch.
Nabi’s fifth wicket was a particularly impressive delivery, angled into the left-handed Graham Hume and beating his defense to crash into the stumps. Kharote’s first wicket came in the 25th over, as Curtis Campher edged one to the wicketkeeper.
Earlier, Afghanistan had posted a competitive 236 for 9, thanks to half-centuries from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (51) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (69). Nabi also contributed with a valuable 48.
Ireland’s bowlers had restricted Afghanistan to 96 for 4, but the Afghan batters rallied to add 140 runs for the remaining five wickets.
Despite the absence of star spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Nabi and Kharote proved to be more than capable replacements, showcasing the depth of Afghanistan’s spin bowling resources.
