Afghanistan secured a comprehensive 4-0 series victory over Ireland on Saturday, August 15, following a clinical six-wicket win in the final ODI. Chasing a target of 299, the visitors overcame a shaky start to complete their highest-ever successful run-chase in the format, finishing on 302/4 in 48.5 overs.
The Afghan innings began poorly, with the team reeling at 22/2 after losing openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to Liam McCarthy within the first five overs. However, captain Rahmat Shah steadied the ship, forming a match-defining 201-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal, who contributed 98. Despite a disciplined Irish bowling performance that kept the required run-rate above seven an over early on, the pair maintained their composure, accelerating the scoring in the 16th over when Rahmat struck a six off Gavin Hoey.
As the partnership matured, the duo punished loose deliveries, reaching their respective fifties while keeping the scoreboard ticking. The stand was finally broken in the 40th over when Atal, attempting to reach his century, was caught by Cade Carmichael off McCarthy. Rahmat, however, remained resolute, reaching his first ODI century in over five years in the 42nd over. Following Atal’s departure, Azmatullah Omarzai provided a vital 24 off 14 balls, helping the captain seal the victory with a boundary in the 49th over.
Earlier in the day, Ireland posted 298/7 after opting to bat. Afghanistan’s bowlers initially dominated, with Omarzai claiming two wickets in the seventh over to remove Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling. AM Ghazanfar further stifled the hosts by dismissing Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker. Although Harry Tector (53) and Curtis Campher (96) attempted to rebuild, Nangeyalia Kharoti removed Tector to break their 55-run stand.
Despite Afghanistan’s efforts to contain the scoring, Ireland finished strongly, accumulating 101 runs in the final 10 overs. Campher’s aggressive 96-run knock was eventually ended by Saleem Safi in the final over. In the final match statistics, Ireland finished on 298/7, while Afghanistan’s successful response of 302/4 was anchored by Rahmat’s unbeaten 143 and McCarthy’s 3/47 for the hosts.
Having assumed control, Ireland remained disciplined for the rest of the Powerplay, with Afghanistan only scoring 30 for 2.
The required run-rate soared past 7 runs per over as early as the 13th over but the two batters never lost their composure.
The partnership, largely chanceless barring a top-edge that landed safe and a slight mix-up, had swelled to 200 by the 40th over.
With a sizeable total to defend, Ireland started well with the new ball.
An over later, George Dockrell took an excellent catch running back from mid-on to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz and hand McCarthy his second wicket.
Having settled in and attained comfort at the crease, the duo confidently punished anything that was loose.
Both batters brought up fifty and kept striking timely boundaries as Ireland continued to grow desperate.
Just as it seemed like Ireland were without hope, McCarthy returned to break the partnership.
Eager to reach three figures, Atal heaved a length delivery towards deep midwicket only for Cade Carmichael to swoop in and take a stunning catch.
Azmatullah Omarzai also played a crucial hand, contributing a 14-ball 24 in a 56-run partnership with Rahmat, to tilt the game decisively in Afghanistan’s favour.
Earlier in the day, both teams made three changes each with the series already decided.
Campher was then joined by Dockrell and the duo ensured Ireland didn’t lose momentum.
