Afghanistan registered their maiden Test win yesterday when they beat Ireland by seven wickets at Dehradun. This triumph was special for the Asghar Afghan-led side, who tasted Test success within one year, in just their second Test, after losing to India in Bangalore last June.

Riding on a 139-run stand between Rahmat Shah (76) and Ihsanullah Janat (65 not out) for the second wicket, Afghanistan achieved the victory target of 147 convincingly on Day Four. Shah, who missed his century by just two runs in the first innings, was declared player of the match. Afghanistan's exploits in the longer format did not surprise the team's former batting coach Umesh Patwal. "Yes, I expected such a dominating performance [against Ireland]. It's a talented bunch of players.