IRE vs AFG: Ireland continue magical run against Afghanistan, take 2-0 series lead

Ireland beat Afghanistan by five wickets on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in their five-match Twenty20 series.

Andy Balbirnie led from the front as the Irish captain scored 46 off 36 balls to help Ireland chase down the modest target of 123 runs and seal a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I in Belfast. The hosts now lead the five-match series 2-0.

Ireland take a 2-0 lead in the five-match seriesWatch the #IREvAFG T20I series LIVE on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) | Scorecard: https://t.co/M4lfRKAy0U pic.twitter.com/WgAakfW8Y7

Afghanistan won the toss and struggled with the bat as Ireland bowlers Josh Little, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany took two wickets apiece. The tourists reached 122 for eight from their 20 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi top-scored with 36 from 42 balls.

Ireland lost opener Paul Stirling (4) in the third over with only seven runs on the board, but captain Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker shared 65 for the second wicket, with Balbirnie making 46 from 36 balls and Tucker 27 from 28. Mohammad Nabi took two for 15 for Afghanistan, but George Dockrell’s unbeaten 25 helped Ireland reach its target with an over to spare.

"Was able to give myself some time, and reap the benefits. Chasing a low total, you don't feel under the pump. He's playing nicely (Tucker). He's taking that number three spot well. Were probably going to bat as well," Balbirnie said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

"To keep Afghanistan to 120 is a very good effort. Word from behind the stumps was that it was doing enough to keep them going. Have to remind yourself you've done well in the past. You're not a bad player. Gelling well as a team. That's what we play the game for (series victory)," Balbirnie added.

Ireland 125 for 5 (Balbirnie 46, Tucker 27, Nabi 2-15) beat Afghanistan 122 for 8 (Shahidi 36, Ibrahim 17, Adair 2-12, Campher 2-13) by five wickets