Ireland vs Afghanistan 2017: 3rd ODI, 5 Talking Points

#1 Andrew Balbirnie guides Ireland to victory

Balbirnie showed poise and confidence to take Ireland to victory

Andrew Balbirnie notched up his fourth ODI half-century to steady the Ireland middle-order after the fall of Paul Stirling. Balbirnie lost Stirling after the duo had put on 59 for the fourth wicket. But he was determined to alter the trend of middle-order batsmen not clicking for the Irish on this tour.

The biggest factor in Afghanistan's victories in this series was Rashid Khan, their leggie. Balbirnie, though, led Ireland with the bat and showed his teammates how to negotiate the 18-year-old by constantly rotating strike against him.

The right-handed batsman chipped Rashid over the infield, swept him numerous times and even slog-swept his wrong'un. For once, the leggie did not have any answers as Balbirnie took Ireland home while remaining unbeaten on 85 off 71 balls.