CRICKET: IRELAND'S AUDACIOUS attempt to win their four-day Intercontinental Cup clash against Afghanistan in just five sessions fell short in Rathmines yesterday as a defiant half-century from Asghar Stanikzai helped the visitors secure a draw.

With six points already in the bag after taking a lead at the end of the first innings, Ireland added seven for the draw to move 21 points clear of Scotland at the top of the standings after four games.

Ireland’s bowlers spared no effort in trying to annex the full 20 points after skipper Kevin O’Brien declared his side’s first innings on 251 for four, a lead of 167. The cue for the declaration came when Gary Wilson was out for 73, with Andrew White unbeaten on 62 after a fourth-wicket stand of 119.

After being bowled out for just 84 on Wednesday afternoon, the Afghan openers applied themselves to the cause, with openers Karim Sadiq and Javed Ahmadi putting on 106 on a wicket that had far less demons in it.

The breakthrough finally came when Sadiq, on 46, skied a ball to mid-wicket, where John Mooney took a wonderful catch. It was a painful experience for the North County all-rounder as he dislocated the thumb on his left hand and had to leave the field for treatment.

O’Brien introduced Limavady all-rounder Stuart Thompson to the attack from the Mountpleasant end on his debut, and after a settler where he conceded 10 runs, he struck for his first international wicket with his ninth delivery when he bowled Ahmadi for 59.

With both openers gone, Ireland sniffed their chance and Thompson would go on to take the wickets of Afsar Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad in a fine first spell in first-class cricket.

O’Brien then reintroduced Max Sorensen for Thompson with the desired effect after he had Mohammad Nabi caught at first slip by Paul Stirling and Najibullah Zadran caught behind by Gary Wilson.

It left Afghanistan on 181 for six, a lead of just 14, but Stanikzai’s watchful knock of 51 not out off 84 balls helped his side secure the draw when the two sides shook hands at 6pm with the visitors on 208 for seven.