Series on the rope: Afghanistan secures series win with 42‑run victory

Afghanistan wrapped up the four‑match One‑Day International series with a 42‑run triumph over Ireland at Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club on 12 August, moving the series score to 3‑1 in their favour.

The opening fixture was abandoned due to rain. Afghanistan rebounded with a 92‑run win in the second match, followed by a three‑wicket success in the third, before clinching the series in the fourth game.

Electing to bat, Afghanistan compiled 343 for 9 wickets. After a brief opening stand of 16, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed. A colossal partnership of 231 runs between Sedikullah Atal (143) and Ibrahim Jadir (107) lifted the innings to 247, with lower‑order runs adding to the total.

Sedikullah Atal’s 143 off 120 deliveries and Ibrahim Jadir’s 107 off 118 balls were the backbone of the innings, while Darwish Rasooli contributed 24 runs.

Ireland’s chase ended at 301 all out after 48 overs. Their innings began with a 48‑run opening partnership by Paul Stirling and Andrew Balberni. Balberni went on to score 109 off 119 balls, and Curtis Campher supplied 84 runs.

Afghanistan’s bowlers were effective: Yamin Ahmadzai took four wickets for 71 runs, Rashid Khan three, Ajmatullah Omarzai two, and AM Ganjfar one. Ireland’s top bowler, Bairn McDonough, claimed three wickets.

The series concludes with the final match set for 14 August at the same ground.