Atal and Zadran Ton Up as Afghanistan Scored 343 in IRE vs AFG 4th ODI

BELFAST: Opening batsman Sediqullah Atal smashed a breathtaking century to power Afghanistan to a mammoth total in the IRE vs AFG 4th ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club. 

Put into bat first on a true batting surface, Afghanistan scored 343 for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs, setting Ireland a monumental target to keep their pride alive in the five-match series. The day belonged to Afghanistan's top order, spearheaded by a masterclass from Atal. The dynamic opener took the Irish bowling attack to the cleaners, hammering a brilliant 143 runs off just 120 deliveries. His explosive innings was punctuated by 17 boundaries and 4 sixes, shifting the momentum entirely in the visitors' favor right from the powerplay.

Atal found an equally determined ally in Ibrahim Zadran. The elegant right-hander anchored the middle overs with precision, anchoring the innings with a patient yet impactful 107 off 118 balls. Together, the duo dismantled the hosts' bowling plans, neutralizing the initial swing and orchestrating a massive partnership that laid a flawless foundation for a 340-plus total.

Ireland's bowlers endured a grueling afternoon under clear skies. Skipper Paul Stirling cycled through his options, but breakthroughs were hard to come by during the peak of the Atal-Zadran assault. However, the hosts staged a spirited fightback in the final ten overs to prevent the scoreboard from spiraling completely out of control. Byron McDonough showed immense character under pressure. 

Despite receiving some early stick, McDonough finished with 3 for 84. His late-innings execution removed key danger men just as Afghanistan looked to clear the ropes at will. Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey and the experienced Mark Adair also chipped in during the death overs, claiming two scalps each. Their disciplined final spells triggered a mini-collapse, ensuring Afghanistan lost a flurry of wickets in the dying stages of the innings rather than cruising past the 360-mark.

With Afghanistan already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, and having safely secured their direct qualification spot for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup following their victory in the 3rd ODI, the visitors are playing with the freedom of a side high on confidence.

To pull off a consolation victory at Stormont, the Irish batting unit will need to execute a record-breaking run chase against a versatile Afghan spin and pace attack.

Watch IRE vs AFG 4th ODI live on tapmad.