Rashid hat-trick helps Afghans whitewash Ireland

DEHRADUN: Leg-spinner Rashid Khan bagged a hat-trick as Afghanistan swept Ireland 3-0 with a 32-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 International here on Sunday.

Mohammad Nabi’s 81 off 36 balls propelled Afghanistan to 210-7 after Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss and chose to field.

Rashid’s 5-27 included the wickets of George Dockrell, Shane Getkate and Simi Singh off the first three deliveries of the 18th over to restrict Ireland to 178-8.

Kevin O’Brien top scored with 74 off 47 balls before falling to Rashid in the 16th over that took the game away from Ireland.

Afghanistan beat Ireland by five wickets in the first match before winning the second match on Saturday by 84 runs.

A five-match One-day Inter­national series between the teams starts on Thursday.