Ireland make Test history beating Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi

Ireland have secured their first ever Test victory, beating Afghanistan by six wickets in Abu Dhabi.

A captain's knock from Andrew Balbirnie ensured a momentous first win for Ireland at the Tolerance Oval, after his side were set a tricky 111 for victory in their second innings, as he held his nerve with an unbeaten 58 to masterfully see his side over the line.

Ireland's bowlers had made success possible earlier in the day by running through Afghanistan's batters, perfectly teeing up Balbirnie's heroics deep into the final session of day three.

With Afghanistan resuming on 134-3, and 26 runs ahead of Ireland, the tourists knew they required early wickets.

Mark Adair ensured they did just that, continuing his superb Test match by removing Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (55) in the fifth over of the day. It was just the start Ireland wanted at the beginning of day three, and debutant Barry McCarthy continued the excellent opening with the dismissal of Nasir Jamal (2).

Ireland were rampant at this stage and by the time Craig Young had accounted for first Karim Janat (13) and then key man Rahmanullah Gurbaz (55), Balbirnie's side were well positioned to secure an historic win.

By lunch Afghanistan were 182-7 and held a lead of 74, which they managed to eke over three figures thanks to the later resistance from Zia-ur-Rehman (13) and Naveed Zadran (25).

A crucial first Test wicket for Theo van Woerkom (1-43) managed to break the stubborn eighth-wicket partnership, though, before McCarthy (3-48) and Young (3-24) wrapped up the innings.

With Afghanistan 218 all-out, Ireland then set about chasing down their target of 111. Their chase, however, got off to a rocky start, with opener PJ Moor and Curtis Campher both bowled by