Rankin stars but Afghans claim series

BOYD RANKIN was the star turn with the ball for Ireland on his club ground at Bready last night but the big man from Co Tyrone could not prevent Afghanistan easing to a second victory by 81 runs to claim the three-match T20 international series with a game to spare.

Fast bowler Rankin has had to wait until his 114th international to make a first appearance for Ireland in the village where he learnt his cricket and he did the Boys in Green proud with a sharp four overs that delivered excellent figures of 2-14.

Left-armer George Dockrell also tied down the visitors, taking 1-19 from his set of four, but as a unit the Ireland bowlers were unable to keep a grip, and after wobbling at 14-2 after four overs Afghanistan still reached a respectable 42-2 at the end of the six overs powerplay.

Teenager Josh Little was typical of the inconsistency of the attack, conceding just a single from his first over then 19 from his next as Hazrat Zazai followed up his 74 on Monday with 82 from 54 balls in an Afghan total of 160-8.

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After key man Paul Stirling was caught in the second over for two, the Ireland chase failed to get going and fell well woefully short in the face of superb spin bowling from Rashid Khan and Mujeeb, despite a defiant top score of 33 from former skipper William Porterfield.

Rankin had the satisfaction of hitting Rashid, the world’s best T20 bowler, for a mighty six over cow corner but he was bowled next ball and when Peter Chase was dismissed three balls later Ireland were all out for 79.

Meanwhile, James Vince is poised for an England recall in place of Jonny Bairstow if he fails to recover from his broken finger in time to play in the fourth Test against India next week.

England will name the squad today with Vince initially included as cover but he has a great chance of one more attempt at a Test career with Bairstow struggling to be fit.

India yesterday wrapped up the third Test as Ravi Ashwin nabbed James Anderson with the day’s 17th ball to take the remaining wicket at Trent Bridge for a 203-run win.