Delany revived Irish hopes after a middle-order collapse, smashing four sixes in an 18-ball 39 before Fazalhaq Farooqi got the better of him in the final over.

Ireland's No.7 was dismissed from the last ball to leave his side on 8-142 after being set a target of 153.

They began their chase well, with Andy Balbirnie (45) and captain Paul Stirling (24) leading the way.

But they slumped from 1-68 to 7-95. Rashid Khan did most of the damage with figures of 4-14.

Delany kept the game alive with some brutal hitting, notably when he took 22 off the 18th over from Farooqi.

Two more boundaries in the penultimate over got the target down to 18 but it proved too much, despite Delany clearing the ropes once more.

Sunday's win completed a good fightback from Afghanistan, who had been reduced to 4-14 early in their innings.

Mohammad Nabi hit 59 and Sediqullah Atal 35 as they recovered to post 9-152, which proved enough to square the series.

Mark Adair took 3-27 in four overs for Ireland.

Australian Associated Press