Match Report: Ireland vs Afghanistan Day 1

At the close of play on Day 1 of Ireland's First Class four-day match against Afghanistan in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the boys in green are still at bat with a marvellous score of 324/7.

Ireland won the toss and chose to bat. An excellent opening partnership from William Porterfield and Gary Wilson set us on the way, with a score of 120 for first wicket. Wilson lasted almost two hours, posting 53 runs along the way. The captain, Porterfield was next out, fo 78 after 175 minutes and 134 balls. He scored seven fours and two sixes along the way.

Niall O'Brien, Andrew White and Alex Cusack all did well for the Irish, scoing 66, 43, and 39 respectively. Unfortnately all-rounder Andre Botha was stumped for a duck after 5 balls, and Kevin O'Brien scored just 16 runs in his 53 minutes at bat.

At close of play, John Mooney and Trent Johnston were in, with only five runs between them, Johnston not having posted a run in eleven balls. Hopefully he can get into double figures tomorrow before Ireland turn around to bowl against Afghanistan.

Samiullah Shenwari was the best of their bowling side, taking 3-55 in 20 overs. 98 overs were played in all, and the match is due to continue until Sunday.