AFG VS IRE - 5th ODI, Afghanistan v Ireland in India, 2019

Both captains walk to collect the trophy at the end of an absorbing series. It was an enthralling series, one where Afghanistan kept making changes, as they tested their bench strength ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Have they found the perfect XV? Not sure about that, but they should be close in doing so. On the other hand, Ireland's preparations for the one-off Test has just got a massive boost. The way they tackled spin tonight was noteworthy, but it will be all different when the two teams square off at the same venue five days from now. Join us for that historic ocassion. For now, cheers and bye..

Asghar Afghan is the Man of the Match. Andy Balbirnie is the Man of the Series

A professional batting display from Ireland and they have levelled the series at 2-2. They needed a start and Paul Stirling provided one. His 70 set-up Ireland's reply and he found good support from captain Porterfield and Balbirnie (68). After he was dismissed in an unlucky fashion, Balbirnie held firm and with support from Kevin O'Brien (33*) - ensured that Ireland didn't collapse. The pitch was turning square and the star Afghan spinner didn't really capitalize. Fair to say 2-2 is the right result. Presentations in a while..

Nabi to Stuart Poynter, FOUR, Ireland win, full-toss down leg and Poynter helps it on its way

Stuart Poynter, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Nabi to Dockrell, out Bowled!! A firtst-ball duck for Dockrell, pushed through quicker and just outside off, Dockrell was cramped for room on the drive, too close to him and the inside edge crashes into the off-stump. Ireland loseing a few wickets on the cusp of victory. Dockrell b Nabi 0(1)

Nabi to Dockrell, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Mohammad Nabi [9.0-0-43-0] is back into the attack

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, no run, tossed up on off, KOB gets well forward and defends it

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, 2 runs, dropped short and well outside off, punched square on the off-side and KOB wants a second - a better throw and he might have been struggling, but long strides in and he's home with ease. The third umpire has a look

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, FOUR, nicely played, quicker and just outside off, KOB waited on it, played with an open face and runs it past the lone slip

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, no run, tossed up on middle, KOB pushes it to the off-side, wanted a single and is sent back

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, no run, the leg-break from Rashid, pitched on off, drew KOB forward and beat his outside edge

Rashid Khan to Kevin O Brien, 2 runs, flatter and wider of off, punched in front of square on the off-side for a couple

George Dockrell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Mujeeb to Andy Balbirnie, out Bowled!! That came from nowhere, but is too late for Afghanistan? The wrong 'un and Balbirnie was completely beaten - for pace as well as turn, went back in defence, left a big gap between bat and pad - enough for the ball to sneak in and peg the middle-stump back. Andy Balbirnie b Mujeeb 68(91) [4s-4]

Mujeeb to Andy Balbirnie, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Mujeeb to Kevin O Brien, 1 run, flatter and well outside off, punched square past cover for a single

Mujeeb to Andy Balbirnie, 1 run, nicely tossed up outside off, eased down to deep cover for a single

Mujeeb to Kevin O Brien, 1 run, flatter and at the stumps, eased down towards long-on for a single