Rashid Khan’s unbeaten 37 off 43 balls helped Afghanistan move closer to the target alongside Yamin Ahmadzai
Updated: August 10, 2026, 11:26 PM IST
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Afghanistan gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against Ireland after producing a strong bowling effort and pulling off a thrilling chase in the third one-day against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.
Chasing 207, Afghanistan reached 194 for 7 after 43 overs and needed only 13 more runs from 42 balls at the time of writingRahmanullah Gurbaz led the chase with a fine 71 off 77 balls, while Rashid Khan kept Afghanistan in control with an unbeaten 37.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, and their decision paid off as Ireland struggled to build partnershipsThe hosts were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs.
Ireland’s top order failed to make a big contributionAndrew Balbirnie fell for 7 before Paul Stirling made 23Cade Carmichael provided some resistance with 32 off 52 balls, while Harry Tector was dismissed for 14.
Gavin Hoey then played an important innings of 36 off 67 balls but Ireland continued to lose wickets at regular intervalsJai Moondra added 31 off 33 balls while Benjamin Calitz made 20Ireland’s lower order could not provide enough runs as they were bowled out with 21 balls still remaining.
Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the workload wellRashid Khan was the pick of the attack with 3 for 44 from his 10 oversYoung spinner AM Ghazanfar also impressed, taking 3 for 29 in his nine oversYamin Ahmadzai picked up two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai took one each.
Afghanistan started their chase positively, with Gurbaz taking the attack to the Irish bowlersHe scored five sixes and two fours during his 71-run knock and gave his side a strong start.
Ibrahim Zadran, however, could manage only 12 before falling to Byron McDonoughSediqullah Atal then scored 27 from 25 balls, but his dismissal was followed by the wickets of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Gurbaz’s dismissal for 71 briefly gave Ireland hope, but Afghanistan remained aheadDarwish Rasooli made 13, while Azmatullah Omarzai scored 13 before both departed.
Rashid then took responsibility with the batHis unbeaten 37 off 43 balls helped Afghanistan move closer to the target alongside Yamin Ahmadzai.
Gavin Hoey was Ireland’s standout bowler, finishing with four wickets for 34 runs from his 10 oversMark Adair also claimed two wickets.
