Share

Teen debutant Mujeeb helps Afghanistan rout Ireland

Sharjah - Off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran became the first international male cricketer born in the 21st century as his four wickets helped Afghanistan thrash Ireland by 138 runs in the first one-day international (ODI) in Sharjah on Tuesday.

Born on March 28, 2001, the 16-year-old's 4-24 were the joint-best figures for an Afghanistan bowler on ODI debut as Ireland were bowled out for only 100 in pursuit of 239.

Afghanistan's biggest win over Ireland gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the remaining matches also in Sharjah on December 7 and 10.

Ireland women's all-rounder Gaby Lewis became the first international cricketer born this millennium when she made her Twenty20 international debut against South Africa at Solihull, England in 2014.

Mujeeb, brought into the Afghanistan side for this series after taking 20 wickets in five matches to help his country win the Under-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur last month, made an early impact.

He equalled fast bowler Shapoor Zadran's 4-24 against the Netherlands at Amstelveen in 2009.

Skipper William Porterfield (35), Stuart Poynter (27 not out) and George Dockrell (ten) were the only batsmen to reach double figures in Ireland's lowest total against Afghanistan.

Their previous lowest was 150 at Belfast in 2016 and their previous heaviest defeat against Afghanistan was by 71 runs in Dublin in 2015.

Rising star Rashid Khan, 19, took 3-28 with his leg-spin, having also struck a 49-ball 48.

Afghanistan, sent in to bat, made 238-9 with Nasir Jamal scoring 53 and Rahmat Shah an even 50.

The big-hitting Shafiqullah Shafiq smashed a 23-ball 36 with three sixes after coming in at number nine.

Boyd Rankin (4-44) and Tim Murtagh (3-28) were the pick of the Ireland attack, while Kevin O'Brien took 1-50 to become the first Irish bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE