CRICKET – World League:Ireland will have to wait until Sunday to end their run of defeats to Afghanistan in international competition as rain ended today's clash in Rotterdam.
Trent Johnston’s side will be confident of defending their total of 237 for nine when the sides return to the VOC grounds in the morning.
After winning the toss and batting, Ireland were in early trouble when the in-form Paul Stirling was bowled for six.
Alex Cusack (two) and James Hall (15) departed within seven balls to leave Ireland on 27 for three and in need of a decent stand.
It came in the shape of Kevin O’Brien and Andrew Poynter, who put on 79 for the third wicket.
O’Brien holed out for 44 but Clontarf batsman Poynter dug in to bring up a first One-Day International half-century. He added 73 with Andrew White (31) for the fifth wicket and a quick-fire 38 with Johnston before he skied a Hamid Hassan delivery into the wicketkeeper’s gloves after making 78 from 109 balls.
Johnston supplied late impetus, hitting two fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 42 off just 28 deliveries as Ireland added 131 from the last 20 overs of their innings.
