McDonough gave Ireland an early breakthrough in the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz after they elected to field. However, Zadran and Atal added an innings-defining 231-run stand thereafter. While Gavin Hoey removed the two centurions, McDonough dismissed Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai in quick succession. McDonough's three wickets came for 84 runs in 10 overs.