Andy Balbirnie described Ireland’s first Test victory as “kind of overwhelming” after emotional scenes greeted their six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The whole squad went over to their families and friends gathered neared the presentation area at the end of the match and Balbirnie admitted the win, at only their eighth attempt, had still not sunk in.

Balbirnie admits the victory was 'kind of overwhelming' (ACB)

“I played in the match when Afghanistan won their first Test (in 2019) and saw what it meant to them, We are a new Test nation and absolutely love playing it. We know it’s hard and we will get beaten, so we will savour this win.

“It is kind of overwhelming how important this win is, but once we unwrap the whites in July (against Zimbabwe in Stormont) we will be ready to go again.

“It is a very different team to 2019, but it means so much to the group. Test cricket is really important for the game and it’s important to us as players and we are very privileged to play it."

Mark Adair was named Player of the Match but Balbirnie also credited his two experienced fast bowling colleagues who took nine wickets between them on their debuts.

“Barry (McCarthy) and Craig (Young) bowled beautifully all week but for Mark to take five wickets in the first innings and eight in the game was superb. He has really taken on the mantle of leader of the attack and deserved the man of the match.”

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott, the former England Test player, added his praise for the Ireland bowlers who took seven wickets for 84 on the final day.

“Another 50 runs would have made it difficult for Ireland but we leaked runs all around and the way Ireland bowled this morning was impressive. We couldn’t withstand the pressure.”