Captain Shahidi calls for ‘big day’ from Afghan batsman in one-off Test against Ireland

Afghanistan face an uphill battle as they aim to set a challenging target in the one-off Test against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.

Ireland earned a 108-run first innings lead on Day 2 at the Tolerance Oval on Thursday before the Afghans reached 134-3 by stumps to edge ahead by 26 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was unbeaten on 53 at stumps, and he will be carrying the hopes of his team on Friday.

Seamer Mark Adair, as he did in the first innings, produced two early blows and Barry McCarthy then struck late to dismiss Noor Ali in what looked like a prospering third wicket stand with Shahidi.

Ibrahim Zadran (12) was the first of the two scalps for Adair in the second innings. He edged one to Peter Moor who dived to his left and held on to a one-handed catch at third slip. Rahmat Shah (9) edged one to Lorcan Tucker behind the wicket to leave Afghanistan reeling at 38-2.

Shahidi and Ali (32) shared a 55-run stand before McCarthy had the latter caught by Adair at gully off a rising delivery.

Shahidi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (23) saw their side through safely to stumps.

A dream delivery from Zahir Khan to bowl Paul Stirling