Afghanistan Crush Ireland in Fourth ODI to Take Unbeatable Series Lead

Afghanistan outclassed Ireland by 42 runs in the fourth ODI at Belfast, with Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal leading the charge by scoring centuries. Yamin Ahmadzai then played a key role with the ball, taking four wickets to help Afghanistan complete the win.

The result gave Afghanistan a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, meaning Ireland can no longer win the trophy at home.

Ireland captain Paul Stirling chose to bowl first, but the move did not go as planned. Afghanistan put up 343/9 in their 50 overs, mainly because Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal added 231 runs for the second wicket.

Atal led the scoring with a superb 143 from 120 balls. His innings included 17 fours and four sixes, which also earned him the Player of the Match award. Zadran also made a century, scoring 107 off 118 balls with 11 fours and a six.

Byron McDonough was Ireland’s leading bowler, finishing with three wickets for 84 runs from his 10 overs. Gavin Hoey and Mark Adair also took two wickets each, while Liam McCarthy picked up one.

Ireland needed 344 runs to keep the series alive but were bowled out for 301 in 48 overs. Andy Balbirnie fought hard with a century, but his effort was not enough to take his side over the line.

The right-handed opener stayed at the crease until the 41st over, trying to take the chase deep. He was the top scorer for Ireland, making 109 from 119 balls with nine fours and three sixes.

Andy Balbirnie found good support from Curtis Campher as the pair added 83 runs for the fifth wicket. Campher played an attacking knock of 84 from 46 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes, and finished as Ireland’s second-highest scorer.

Yamin Ahmadzai led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with 4/71 from his 10 overs. Rashid Khan claimed three wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai took two and AM Ghazanfar picked up the remaining wicket. After this strong performance, the visitors will now aim to win the last ODI which will be played at the same venue on August 15.