Ireland thrashed by Afghanistan in Desert T20 Challenge final

Paul Stirling helped Ireland to the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Ireland collapsed to a 10-wicket defeat by Afghanistan in the final of the Desert Twenty20 Challenge in Dubai.

Ireland were all out for 71 in 13.2 overs, with Paul Stirling (17) one of only two players to reach double figures, and Mohammad Nabi taking 4-10.

Afghanistan chased down the target in only 7.5 overs, Mohammad Shahzad hitting nine fours and a six in racing to 52 not out from 40 balls.

Ireland had thumped Scotland by 98 wins in their semi-final earlier in the day.

Gary Wilson top scored for Ireland with 65 not out, while opener Stirling made 60 as they set the Scots a target of 212.

Scotland fell well short despite the efforts of Kyle Coetzer (40) and Matthew Cross (35) as they were bowled out for 113 with nearly five overs to spare, as young leg-spinner Jacob Mulder took 4-16.

Afghanistan won their semi-final against Oman by eight wickets.

Greg Thompson with 10 not out was the only other Ireland player to make double figures against Afghanistan in the final, with Amir Hamza, Fareed Ahmad and Karim Janat taking two wickets apiece.

An innings of 17 not out from Nawroz Mangal helped Afghanistan to victory with 73 balls remaining.