IRE vs AFG 5th ODI Live: Campher’s 96 Powers Ireland to 298/7

Belfast: An inspired batting display from Curtis Campher propelled Ireland to a commanding total of 298 for 7 in the final Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI. 

Desperate to avoid a series whitewash against a dominant Afghan side, the hosts produced their best batting performance of the summer to set a formidable 299-run target for the visitors. 

After Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field, Ireland's top order initially found themselves in familiar trouble. Early breakthroughs by the Afghan seamers left the home side stuttering, but a magnificent rescue act transformed the innings into a high-scoring thriller. The turning point of the innings arrived when Curtis Campher strode to the crease. Playing with a perfect blend of caution and aggression, Campher dismantled the tourist's bowling attack. 

He anchored the innings with a brilliant, counter-attacking 96 off just 84 balls. Showcasing spectacular footwork and power, Campher smashed 7 boundaries and cleared the ropes 4 times. While he fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved century, his explosive knock injected immense momentum into the Irish camp. Campher found an able ally in the dependable Harry Tector. Tector played a classic anchor role, compiled a vital 53 off 80 balls, and steadied the ship during the crucial middle overs. The pair's partnership wore down the Afghan spinners, who had dictated terms throughout the tour. 

Late fireworks from veteran all-rounder George Dockrell, who chipped in with a brisk 31, ensured that Ireland scored 298 in 50 overs. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 74. The standout performer with the ball was the teenage spin prodigy AM Ghazanfar, who continued his sensational form this series by returning highly economical figures of 2 for 34 in his 8 overs.

With the first match of the series washed out by rain, Afghanistan had previously romped to victories in the second, third, and fourth ODIs through clinical all-round performances. Afghanistan’s batting lineup now faces a steep uphill task, needing scored 299 runs at a required run rate of roughly six runs per over to complete a historic 4-0 series victory on Irish soil. 

Watch IRE vs AFG 5th ODI live on tapmad.