Ireland managed to hold the nerves against the much vaunted Afghanistan side at the North County Cricket Club.

Ireland batted first and posted 212 in its 50 overs, after having earlier slipped to 86 for 6. Andrew McBrine (50: 70b, 6x4) revived the Ireland innings and later Barry McCarthy weighed in with a brisk 47 to help propel Ireland to a challenging target.

In the chase, Afghanistan was well served by Hashmatullah Shaidi (46), Rahmatullah Sahag (46) and Nasir Ahmadzai (42). But a late order collapse meant that Afghanistan slipped from 162 for four to be bowled out for 208 off the final ball of the match.

Afghanistan has now lost both its opening games.

McBrine was named Man of the Match for his knock. A thrilled McBrine is now looking to keep his good work going: ''It was a very uncertain match. It was very entertaining for the crowd that turned up. The two wins in two days shows that we gel well as a side and back each other well.

"We respond well in tight situations. We were always in control. The Afghan batsmen batted well, but they were slow upfront. Next game on Sunday against Scotland is a big one and the boys are up for it.''