Opener Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal's centuries helped Afghanistan post their highest score in ODI history and beat Ireland by 42 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. At Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, Afghanistan posted 343/9. In reply, opener Andy Balbirnie scored a century whereas all-rounder Curtis Campher scored a fiery 46-ball 84 but it wasn't enough to get Ireland close to the target set by Afghanistan.
Zadran, Atal’s record stand
Ireland skipper Paul Stirling won the toss and opted to bowl first. Bryon McDonough struck early, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a 10-ball 12. Then, Zadran and Atal shared a 231-run partnership, Afghanistan's highest for the second wicket and third-highest for any wicket. Zadran scored his seventh ODI century and also became the third joint-fastest to 2,000 runs in the format.
ALSO READ: 'I don’t think this...': Joe Root scraps England's midnight curfew after taking over as Test Captain
Atal went on to score 143 runs from 120 balls, featuring 17 fours and four sixes. The duo set a platform for Afghanistan to build on. After Atal's wicket, Afghanistan were 285/3 in 42.5 overs. In the slog overs, Afghanistan lost six more wickets and posted 343 on the board. Their previous highest ODI score came against Sri Lanka while chasing in 2024. In Pallekele, they posted 339/6 in a losing cause.
ALSO READ: Eoin Morgan to become next CSK head coach? R Ashwin makes big revelation
Balbirnie departs after ton
Ireland got off to a cautious start. Skipper Stirling hit three fours and two sixes before getting out lbw for a 25-ball 27 to AM Ghazanfar. Balbirnie played the anchor role while the required run rate kept climbing. Balbirnie reached his 10th ODI hundred from 113 balls in the 38th over. In the 40th over, Rashid struck twice to dismiss Balbirnie and Benjamin Clutz.
Campher’s fiery knock in vain
Campher stepped on the accelerator in the slog overs. He hit Zia Ur Rahman for two sixes and a four in the 42nd over. He reached his half-century from 34 balls. He continued to strike big until the 48th over when Yamin Ahmadzai got his wicket. His knock of 46-ball 84 featured eight fours and five sixes. In the same over, Ahmadzai struck again as Ireland were bowled out for 301. Ahmazdai starred with a four-wicket haul. Atal was named ‘Player of the match’ for his 143-run knock.
Hat-trick of wins for Afghanistan
After a hat-trick of wins, Afghanistan will go up against Ireland in the fifth and final ODI of the series on August 14 at the same venue. Afghanistan have already earned a direct qualification to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 via rankings. They are placed eighth in the ICC Men’s ODI team rankings.