Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Live as Afghanistan Hits 59/1

BELFAST: Afghanistan launched a blistering assault in powerplay to firmly seize control of the 3rd ODI against Ireland at the Stormont Cricket Ground. Hunting down a modest target of 207 for victory, the visitors raced to a commanding 59/1 after 10 overs.

Chasing under the Belfast sun, Afghanistan's top-order emerged with structural intent, immediately putting the Irish seam attack under immense pressure. Wicketkeeper-batsman Gurbaz spearheaded the early assault, ruthlessly punishing any errors in length from the Irish opening bowlers. The dynamic right-hander raced to an unbeaten 41* off just 34 deliveries, putting on a clinic of clean hitting. His aggressive exhibition was punctuated by two boundaries and three sixes that repeatedly cleared the infield.

At the other end, Ibrahim Zadran provided steady support, allowing Gurbaz to dominate the strike. The opening pair appeared entirely untroubled, finding their rhythm effortlessly as they milked 12 runs off Jai Moondra’s opening over. Ireland’s fielders did little to help their cause, missing a crucial early run-out opportunity in the second over when a diving Harry Tector failed to cleanly execute a return throw. 

The lapse allowed the openers to kick on, comfortably maintaining a run-rate well above six per over. However, just as Afghanistan threatened to completely run away with the chase, Ireland’s bowling changes yielded a vital breakthrough. Young paceman Byron McDonough struck the much-needed blow for the Men in Green, extracting an edge from Ibrahim Zadran to dismantle the ominous opening partnership. 

Zadran departed for a gritty 12 off 23 balls, momentarily halting the visitors' momentum and injecting fresh energy into Paul Stirling’s side. Sediqullah Atal joined the firing Gurbaz out in the middle, successfully negotiating the remaining deliveries of the mandatory powerplay to finish on 5* with a solitary boundary.

Despite the singular breakthrough, Afghanistan remains firmly in the driver’s seat. Requiring just 148 runs from the remaining 40 overs at an incredibly comfortable required run-rate of 3.70 per over, the visitors have successfully laid a rock-solid foundation in this series. 

Watch IRE vs AFG 3rd ODI live on tapmad.