Afghanistan concluded a dominant ODI series against Ireland with a 4-0 victory after winning the final match in Belfast by six wickets. The series opener had previously been abandoned due to rain, but Afghanistan remained unbeaten throughout the remaining fixtures.
Chasing a target of 299, the visitors faced an early crisis at 22-2 within six overs as Liam McCarthy claimed the wickets of openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. McCarthy finished the match with impressive figures of 3-47, but his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by a record-breaking recovery.
Rahmat Shah, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 143, teamed up with Sediqullah Atal to put together a 201-run stand. This partnership established a new third-wicket record for Afghanistan in ODI cricket, eclipsing the 184-run collaboration between Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi against Ireland in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Ireland had initially posted a competitive total of 298-7, bolstered by a rapid 96 from all-rounder Curtis Campher. However, the momentum shifted as Shah and Atal targeted leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, who conceded 73 runs across his 10 wicketless overs. Shah reached his century off 109 balls, hitting nine fours and a six.
Atal narrowly missed out on back-to-back centuries after being caught by Cade Carmichael while attempting a pull shot off McCarthy. Following his departure, Azmatullah Omarzai contributed a quick 24 runs to help Afghanistan reach the target with seven balls remaining.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan has secured a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup and is scheduled to face India in a three-match T20 series this September. The team previously established a 2-0 lead in this series and successfully integrated their returning pace duo for the tour.
Saturday’s victory in Belfast saw Afghanistan complete a dominant 4-0 series win after the opening match was washed out.