Afghanistan hold off dogged Irish to keep series alive

George Dockrell's valiant counter-attack was not enough to save Ireland from a 22-run defeat by Afghanistan in the third T20 international at Stormont.

Ireland, looking to claim an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, were in all sorts of trouble as they crashed to 85 for seven chasing 190 before Dockrell, in partnership with debutant Fionn Hand, gave the hosts hope.

The eighth-wicket pair put on 74 in just over six overs as the Afghanistan attack, including star names such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, were put to the sword.

Hand contributed 36 off only 18 balls before the stand was finally broken with the score on 159 when he was caught attempting to scoop Naveen-ul-Haq.

Dockrell continued to fight, ending the day unbeaten on 58 having struck six fours and two sixes in his 37-ball knock, but he was unable to guide Ireland home as they finished on 167 for nine.

Afghanistan had earlier made 189 for five after being sent in, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scoring with 53 while Najibullah Zadran struck five sixes in his 18-ball 42.