Mark: "Ireland will feel that they have let Afghanistan off the hook here. I can't see Ireland making a similar recovery if they start badly. However, if Paul Stirling is in the mood, this could be a short chase: he is the batsman that the Afghans will want to get quickly."

Jacob W.: "We take a bow, Abhijato... The Crystal Ball rolls on and on all over Cricinfo!"

Anand Barauni: "I think Afghanistan has a really good batting depth . Whenever they are in a critical situation ,there is someone to uplift their scorecard at the end.Rashid and Asghar Afghan did same today."

4.15pm After the trouble they were in at 81 for 6 and later 131 for 7, Afghanistan would be pretty chuffed with that effort and have their captain Asghar Afghan, allrounder Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan to thank for it. All three struck vital fifties that were paced to near perfection. With the pitch offering appreciable turn, Afghanistan's spinners would be licking their lips. Back with the chase soon