An outstaning century by Rahmanullah Gurbaz on debut helped Afghanistan defeat Ireland by 16 runs in the first of their three-match series in Abu Dhabi.

Gurbaz became the first Afghan player, and 16th overall, to achieve the rare feat before getting out for a run-a ball 127 in which he got 9 sixes and 8 fours.

In this match, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the ICC Cricket World Cup ODI Super League. 

The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Javed Ahmadi provided a brilliant foundation for the team before Ahmadi lost his wicket to Mcbrine for 38 breaking the 120-run partnership.

As Gurbaz was accumulating runs on one end, Afghanistan lost wickets in quick succession as 5 batsmen were back to the pavilion within 10 overs. Gurbaz, however, was well supported later by Rashid Khan in the middle. Khan scored a quick half-century smashing 5 sixes in the process taking Afghanistan to a good total of 287/9 in the allotted overs.

In response, Ireland could not chase the required target and fell short as Afghan bowlers restricted them to 271/9 winning the match by 16 runs

Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher gave a good fight to the Afghan spin and pace attack with great knocks of 83 and 39 respectively.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on 24 January.