Cricket:Ireland travelled to one of the remotest outposts in world cricket to take on Afghanistan in their four-day Intercontinental Cup fixture at the International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Playing in a near-empty 30,000-capacity stadium in the jungle, Phil Simmons’ side returned an impressive 324 for seven from 98 overs after the opening day’s play.
However there was still some disappointment in the Ireland camp as none of the Irish batsmen managed to reach a ton and leave their opponents chasing from the outset.
Ireland’s openers William Porterfield and Gary Wilson set-out the Irish stall with a 120 partnership before the latter fell for 54 just before lunch - Porterfield went for 78 after the break.
Further wickets fell in the afternoon with Alex Cusack (39) and Andrea Botha for a duck. Niall O’Brien (66) and Andrew White (43) then put up a defiant stance with an 85-run stand.
Ireland will start tomorrow’s action with John Mooney and Trent Johnston at the crease.
SCORECARD
Intercontinental Cup (At Dambulla, Sri Lanka). Day 1 of 4.
Ireland won the toss and batted.
IRELAND 1ST INNS
W Porterfield c Shenwari b Hasan 78
G Wilson c Hasan b Nabi 53
A Cusack c Shahzad b Shenwari 39
N O'Brien c Shahzad b Sadiq 66
A Botha st Shahzad b Shenwari 0
K O'Brien lbw Shenwari 16
A White c Sadiq b Hasan 43
J Mooney not out 5
T Johnston not out 0
Extras (lb9 nb13 w2) 24
Total (for 7 wkts, 98 ovs) 324
Fall: 1-120, 2-170, 3-203, 4-203, 5-231, 6-316, 7-323.
To Bat: G Kidd, P Connell.
Bowling: D Ahmadzai 10-2-19-0; S Zadran 8-1-22-0 0; H Hasan 19-3-77-2; N Ali 2-0-21-0; M Nabi 24-3-90-1; S Shenwari 20-4-55-3; K Sadiq 13-5-24-1; N Mangal 2-0-7-0.