Afghanistan secured a dominant 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series against Ireland following a 42-run victory in the fourth encounter in Belfast. After being sent in to bat, the visitors posted a formidable total of 343 for 9, anchored by a massive 231-run second-wicket partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran.
Despite losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 12 early on, Afghanistan regained control through the duo’s clinical batting. Ibrahim reached his century in 114 balls, finishing with 107 off 118, while the more aggressive Atal struck 17 fours and four sixes to reach a career-best 143 off 120 balls. Although Byron McDonough claimed 3-84, Mark Adair took 2-60, and Gavin Hoey picked up 2-71 to restrict the late-order scoring, the platform set by the openers proved decisive.
Ireland’s pursuit began steadily with Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie, but the hosts faltered after Stirling fell for 27 to Allah Ghazanfar and Cade Carmichael was bowled by Yamin Ahmadzai for five. Balbirnie remained a constant presence, anchoring the innings with a resilient 109 off 119 balls. Curtis Campher injected life into the chase with a blistering 84 off 46 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach for a period.
However, Afghanistan’s bowling attack remained disciplined under pressure. Once Campher departed, the Irish innings lost momentum, and the team was eventually bowled out for 301 in 48 overs. Yamin Ahmadzai led the bowling effort with 4-71, supported by Rashid Khan, who claimed 3-49 to stifle the late resistance and seal the series win.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 343/9 in 50 overs (Sediqullah Atal 143, Ibrahim Zadran 107; Byron McDonough 3-84, Mark Adair 2-60, Gavin Hoey 2-71) beat Ireland 301 all out in 48 overs (Andy Balbirnie 109, Curtis Campher 84; Yamin Ahmadzai 4-71, Rashid Khan 3-49) by 42 runs.
Ibrahim reached his century from 114 balls and scored 107 off 118, while Atal was more aggressive, bringing up his hundred from 98 balls.
Their partnership took Afghanistan past 240 before Ireland finally broke through.
Ireland’s bowlers did well to pick up wickets in the final part of the innings and restrict Afghanistan to 343 for 9.
Darwish Rasooli added 24 and Azmatullah Omarzai made 15 as Afghanistan finished with a total that put Ireland under pressure.
Ireland started positively but slowly in the chase, with Paul Stirling and Balbirnie putting on 48 for the first wicket.
Stirling made 27 before Allah Ghazanfar trapped him lbw and Yamin Ahmadzai then bowled Cade Carmichael for five to leave Ireland 53 for 2.
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