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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s second-highest scorer.

Yamin Ahmadzai led Afghanistan&rsquo;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.

Afghanistan defeated Ireland in the fourth ODI by 42 runs. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal remained the star performers, as both batters struck centuries to give Afghanistan a strong edge in the match.

Afghanistan Outclass Ireland in Fourth ODI to Take 3-0 Series Lead

BELFAST: Chasing a monumental target of 344 runs at the Stormont Cricket Ground, Ireland&rsquo;s response began with an explosive yet high-risk approach during the crucial initial segment of the Ire vs Afg <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-preview-and-predicted-xis/7498-2-0">4th ODI</a>.&nbsp;

Facing a disciplined visiting bowling attack under heavy skies, the Irish opening pair experienced contrasting fortunes in an action-packed first ten overs.

<h2>Stirling&rsquo;s Blistering Cameo Stunned the Visitors</h2>

Irish skipper Paul Stirling intended to maximize the field restrictions from the very first ball. He took the attack straight to the opposition, unfurling his signature lofted drives over the infield.&nbsp;

Stirling looked in sublime touch, striking three crisp boundaries and launching two massive sixes that cleared the ropes seamlessly. His rapid-fire cameo yielded 27 runs off just 25 deliveries, momentarily rattling the opening bowlers. However, his intent became his undoing when he mistimed an aggressive stroke off Ghazanfar, yielding a sharp catch that sent him back to the pavilion and halting Ireland&#39;s initial momentum.

<h2>Balbirnie Anchors Amidst Tight Powerplay Restrictions</h2>

Following Stirling&#39;s departure, opening partner Andrew Balbirnie adopted a far more methodical approach to weather the storm. With the ball moving slightly off the deck, Balbirnie focused on survival and rotating the strike, ensuring that the team didn&#39;t suffer a rapid batting collapse. He hit four well-timed boundaries over the course of the mandatory ten-over block, anchoring the innings tenaciously.

At the other end, incoming batsman Cade Carmichael struggled to break free against a suffocating line. Carmichael could only manage 5 runs off 5 balls.

<h2>Mandatory Powerplay Summary</h2>

By the conclusion of the tenth over, marking the end of the Ire vs Afg 4th ODI powerplay live segment, Ireland had reached 51/1. While the scoring rate remained reasonably close to 5 runs per over, the loss of two vital top-order wickets severely compromised Ireland&#39;s stability.

With a massive target still looming ahead, the responsibility now falls heavily on Balbirnie to construct a substantial partnership to keep the hosts alive in this high-scoring thriller.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-live/1157251">Watch IRE vs AFG 4th ODI</a> live on tapmad.&nbsp;

Follow Ire vs Afg 4th ODI live as Ireland reach 51/1 in the powerplay chasing 344, with Paul Stirling falling after a blistering cameo in Belfast.

IRE vs AFG 4th ODI Live Powerplay: Ireland 51-1

BELFAST: Opening batsman Sediqullah Atal smashed a breathtaking century to power Afghanistan to a mammoth total in the IRE vs AFG <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-preview-and-predicted-xis/7498-2-0">4th ODI</a> at the Civil Service Cricket Club.&nbsp;

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&#39;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&#39; favor right from the powerplay.

Atal found an equally determined ally in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-live-zadran-and-atal-put-afghans-in-command/7511-5-0">Ibrahim Zadran</a>. 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&#39; bowling plans, neutralizing the initial swing and orchestrating a massive partnership that laid a flawless foundation for a 340-plus total.

Ireland&#39;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.&nbsp;

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&#39;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.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-live/1157251">Watch IRE vs AFG 4th ODI</a> live on tapmad.

In the IRE vs AFG 4th ODI, Afghanistan scored 343 after Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran slammed centuries to set Ireland a monumental target.

IRE vs AFG 4th ODI Live: Afghanistan Scored 343 After Atal 143

BELFAST: Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal compiled a clinical, unbroken partnership to guide Afghanistan to a commanding position during the opening 20 overs of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-preview-and-predicted-xis/7498-2-0">4th ODI</a> at the Civil Service Cricket Club.&nbsp;

After being put into bat on a damp, overcast morning by Ireland skipper Paul Stirling, the visitors recovered gracefully from an early setback to reach 112 for the loss of just one wicket. The day began with ideal bowling conditions, prompting Ireland to elect to field first in hopes of exploiting atmospheric moisture. The decision paid immediate dividends in the third over.&nbsp;

New-ball bowler Byron McDonough extracted a dynamic bounce to secure the vital breakthrough, forcing the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz into a mistimed drive. Gurbaz was dismissed for a brisk 12 off 10 balls, caught cleanly inside the circle to give the home crowd an early reason to celebrate. However, the initial joy for the Irish contingent proved short-lived. Ibrahim Zadran joined Sediqullah Atal at the crease, and the duo systematically neutralized Ireland&#39;s seam attack. Zadran was particularly punishing on anything short or wide, cutting and driving with immaculate timing to notch an authoritative half-century off 62 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries.&nbsp;

At the opposite end, Atal matched his partner&#39;s composure, navigating early testing lines from Mark Adair before punishing spin introductions to accumulate a crucial 40 runs. Ireland&#39;s bowlers struggled to sustain consistent pressure after the initial breakthrough. While McDonough and spinner Gavin Hoey managed to keep their economy rates near five runs per over, a lack of lateral movement later in the session allowed the Afghan batters to rotate strike effortlessly.

With Afghanistan currently holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series, the stakes are incredibly high. A victory today will not only seal a comprehensive bilateral series win for the visitors but also reinforce their elite status following their official qualification for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup earlier this week.&nbsp;

For Ireland, a secondary breakthrough is urgently required if they are to salvage the series and avoid a definitive 3-0 deficit on home soil.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-live/1157251">Watch IRE vs AFG 4th ODI</a> live on tapmad.

Follow Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI live updates: Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal steady the innings as Afghanistan reach 112/1 after 20 overs at Belfast.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Live: Zadran & Atal Put Afghans in Command

The stage is set at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont as Ireland prepares to face a red-hot Afghanistan side in the crucial Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI. With the five-match series already decided in favor of the visitors, the Men in Green face a steep uphill battle to restore pride on home soil.&nbsp;

<h2>Ireland vs Afghanistan Series Recap</h2>

The series opener on August 5 was washed out without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Belfast. Afghanistan then took control in the second ODI, producing a dominant all-round performance to secure a convincing 92-run victory.

The third ODI on August 10 was a much tighter contest. Ireland fought hard throughout the match, but Afghanistan&rsquo;s composed middle order held its nerve to seal a three-wicket win.

The victory gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 series lead and also confirmed their direct qualification for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Ireland, meanwhile, will now have to go through the World Cup Qualifiers to secure their place in the tournament.

<h2>Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Predicted Playing XIs</h2>

<h3>Ireland Predicted XI&nbsp;</h3>

Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Theo van Woerkom

<h3>Afghanistan Predicted XI</h3>

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar

<h2>Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Key Player Battles</h2>

<h3>Paul Stirling vs Fazalhaq Farooqi</h3>

Stirling&rsquo;s aggressive approach in the powerplay will face a major test against Farooqi&rsquo;s left-arm swing and ability to strike early with the new ball.

<h3>Harry Tector vs Rashid Khan</h3>

Ireland will rely heavily on Tector in the middle order, but Rashid&rsquo;s variations could make scoring difficult during the middle overs. This battle could have a major impact on Ireland&rsquo;s innings.

<h3>Mark Adair vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz</h3>

Adair will look to exploit any early movement and remove Gurbaz before the Afghan opener can settle in and build another substantial innings.

<h2>Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Preview</h2>

The fourth ODI offers Ireland another opportunity to find answers after Afghanistan established a commanding position in the series.

Ireland&rsquo;s biggest concern remains their top-order batting. The hosts have struggled to consistently build the partnerships needed to post imposing totals, putting additional pressure on their middle and lower order. A stronger start will be crucial if Ireland are to challenge Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, enter the contest with the freedom of an already-decided series. Hashmatullah Shahidi&rsquo;s side could use the remaining matches to assess their squad depth, but their recent performances suggest they will remain highly competitive.

Conditions at Stormont could also influence the contest. The surface is expected to offer some early assistance to seamers, particularly if overcast conditions persist. As the match progresses, batting could become more straightforward, making the toss and powerplay spells potentially important factors.

<h2>Watch Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Live on tapmad</h2>

Catch every ball of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/afghanistan-tour-of-ireland-2026/761/1">IRE vs AFG 4th ODI live</a> on tapmad on August 12. Stream the match in real time and follow all the action as Ireland look to fight back while Afghanistan chase another dominant performance in Belfast.

Read our Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI preview as Ireland look to fight back in Stormont after Afghanistan secure an unassailable series lead.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Preview and Predicted XIs

Afghanistan took an unassailable lead in the ODI series against Ireland with another comfortable win, chasing down the target for the loss of seven wickets in the third game at Stormont on Monday.

The win was even more important as it booked Afghanistan a direct place in the 2027 ICC Men&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Despite a hiccup in the closing stages, Rashid Khan held his nerves to take the team over the line, scoring unbeaten 37 off 43 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Ireland struggled with the bat after being asked to go first, as Afghanistan bowled them out for 206 in 46.3 overs. The Afghan spinners kept the Irish batters under pressure throughout the innings.

AM Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each. Yamin Ahmadzai also made an impact with two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai took one each.

Gavin Hoey was Ireland&rsquo;s highest scorer, making 36 from 67 balls with two fours. Cade Carmichael scored 32 off 52 balls and hit four boundaries.

Jai Moondra showed some fight lower down the order, scoring 31 from 33 balls with five fours. Captain Paul Stirling made 23 off 31 balls, including three boundaries, while Ben Calitz added 20 from 29 deliveries.

Afghanistan made light work of the 207-run chase, getting over the line for the loss of three wickets in 44.5 overs. Their openers gave the team a strong platform at the start of the innings.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran added 50 runs for the first wicket before Ireland managed to break the stand.

Gurbaz led the chase with a superb 71 from 77 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes.

After a middle order collapse, Rashid Khan stayed unbeaten on 37 from 43 deliveries to take Afghanistan close to the finish. He struck four boundaries, while Sediqullah Atal chipped in with 27 off 25 balls, including five fours.

Hashmatullah Shahidi also made a useful contribution, scoring 22 from 24 balls with one four and a six. After this victory, Afghanistan will aim to win the fourth ODI at Belfast, which will be played at the same venue on August 12.

Afghanistan defeated Ireland in the third ODI to book a place in the 2027 ICC World Cup. They won the match by 3 wickets, courtesy of Rashid Khan’s all-round performance.

Afghanistan Secure 2027 ODI World Cup Spot After Beating Ireland in Third ODI

BELFAST: Afghanistan launched a blistering assault in powerplay to firmly seize control of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-preview-and-predicted-playing-xis/7440-2-0">3rd ODI</a> against Ireland at the Stormont Cricket Ground. Hunting down a modest <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-live-ireland-restricted-to-206/7474-5-0">target of 207</a> for victory, the visitors raced to a commanding 59/1 after 10 overs.

Chasing under the Belfast sun, Afghanistan&#39;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&rsquo;s opening over. Ireland&rsquo;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.&nbsp;

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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;

Zadran departed for a gritty 12 off 23 balls, momentarily halting the visitors&#39; momentum and injecting fresh energy into Paul Stirling&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-live/1157241">Watch IRE vs AFG 3rd ODI</a> live on tapmad.&nbsp;

Follow Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI live as Afghanistan scores 59/1 in powerplay, chasing 207 behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz's explosive hitting in Belfast.

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

Belfast: A relentless bowling performance from Afghanistan&rsquo;s spin and pace attack restricted Ireland to a modest 206 all out in 46.3 overs in 3rd ODI. Looking to bounce back and level the five-match series, the Irish batting lineup struggled heavily to break free from the stranglehold imposed by the Afghan bowlers.

After Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field under clear blue skies, their frontline bowlers immediately found joy on a disciplined pitch. Skipper Paul Stirling gave the hosts a brisk start with a 31-ball 23, but the top-order failed to convert their starts. Andrew Balbirnie fell early for 7 to Fazalhaq Farooqi in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-powerplay-hosts-reach-461/7467-5-0">powerplay</a>, and explosive middle-order batter Harry Tector was stifled, scratching his way to 14 off 27 deliveries before being dismissed.&nbsp;

Cade Carmichael looked composure personified, anchoring the middle order with a steady 32 off 52 balls, hitting four boundaries before a sudden batting collapse triggered panic in the Irish camp. The spin maestro Rashid Khan, fresh from a match-winning six-wicket haul in Bready, was once again the chief destructor. Operating with precision, Rashid dismantled Ireland&#39;s lower-middle order, registering impressive figures of 3 for 44 in his 10 overs.&nbsp;

He was brilliantly supported by the young off-spinner AM Ghazanfar, whose tight lines yielded a phenomenal 3 for 29 from nine overs. Together, the spin duo choked the run flow and left Ireland reeling at a precarious 128 for 8.

Just as a sub-150 total loomed, a spirited rearguard action from the tail gave the home fans something to cheer about. Gavin Hoey played an admirably gritty knock of 36 off 67 balls, anchoring an invaluable 50-run lower-order partnership. Alongside him, pace bowler Jai Moondra chipped in with a highly entertaining, counter-attacking 31 off 33 balls, smashing five boundaries to push the total past the 200-mark.

The resistance was finally broken in the 47th over when Azmatullah Omarzai castled Hoey to wrap up the innings at 206. While the late flourish provided some respectability to the scoreboard, Ireland&rsquo;s bowlers now face a monumental task on a flattening track.&nbsp;

Afghanistan requires 207 runs to win, a target that puts them firmly on the brink of locking in a commanding 2&ndash;0 series lead and wrapping up essential World Cup qualification points.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-live/1157241">Watch IRE vs AFG 3rd ODI</a> live on tapmad.

Ireland restricted to 206 in the Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI as Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar shine to set up a 207-run chase in Belfast.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Live: Ireland Restricted to 206

BELFAST: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to field first against Ireland in the crucial 3rd One-Day International at the Stormont Cricket Ground.

The visitors made one strategic adjustment to their bowling attack, bringing in paceman Yamin Ahmadzai to replace Mohammad Saleem Safi. Ireland, desperate to keep the five-match series alive, opted to stick with an unchanged playing XI.

<h2>Early Blow for the Hosts</h2>

Ireland&#39;s innings got off to a rocky start under the overcast Belfast skies. Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi struck an early blow for Afghanistan, removing the experienced Andrew Balbirnie for just 7 runs. Balbirnie fell in the early exchanges after mistiming a delivery to Sediqullah Atal. Despite the early setback, Irish captain Paul Stirling and the young Cade Carmichael initiated a steady rebuilding phase. By the conclusion of the first 10-over powerplay, the hosts managed to steady the ship to reach 46/1, scoring at a current run rate of 4.60 runs per over.&nbsp;

Both Stirling and Carmichael remained unbeaten on 16 runs each.

<h2>High Stakes in Belfast</h2>

Having seen the opening match at Bready completely <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-1st-odi-abandoned/7389-5-0">washed out</a> due to torrential rain, Afghanistan capitalised heavily in the second fixture, securing a dominant <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/afghanistan-defeat-ireland-in-second-odi-match/7435-5-0">92-run victory</a>. That win was orchestrated by a composed 84 from Ibrahim Zadran and an extraordinary, match-winning six-wicket haul (6/34) by star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

A victory today would guarantee Afghanistan an unassailable lead in the bilateral window. For Ireland, the remainder of the afternoon demands structural partnerships from their middle order to post a competitive total against a confident Afghan spin contingent.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-3rd-odi-live/1157241">Watch IRE vs AFG 3rd ODI</a> live on tapmad.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Powerplay sees Ireland reach 46/1 as Paul Stirling rebuilds following Fazalhaq Farooqi's early strike in Belfast.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Powerplay: Hosts Reach 46/1

Afghanistan Qualifies for ODI World Cup 2027 after defeating Ireland by 92 runs in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/afghanistan-defeat-ireland-in-second-odi-match/7435-5-0">2nd ODI</a> at Bready Cricket Club, sealing a direct place at the tournament and moving ahead in the five-match series. The result also ended Ireland&#39;s hopes of automatic qualification, leaving them to pursue a place through the qualifying pathway.

The victory makes Afghanistan the ninth team to secure direct entry into the 2027 tournament, joining India national cricket team, Australia national cricket team, South Africa national cricket team, West Indies national cricket team, Sri Lanka national cricket team, Zimbabwe, Kenya and the Netherlands. Under the ICC qualification system, the remaining World Cup places will be decided through the qualifying competition involving teams that miss out on direct qualification.

<h2>Afghanistan build competitive total</h2>

Batting first in a rain-affected 47-over contest, Afghanistan posted 299 for 8 after choosing to set a target. Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with 84, while Sediqullah Atal added 45. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi provided late momentum with an unbeaten 36 to push the visitors close to the 300-run mark.

Ireland made a positive start to the chase and remained in contention during the opening stages. A promising partnership gave the hosts early momentum before Afghanistan&#39;s bowlers gradually wrestled back control of the contest.

<h2>Rashid turns the match</h2>

The decisive spell came from Rashid Khan, whose introduction transformed the innings. The leg-spinner finished with 6 for 34 in 7.4 overs, claiming his third six-wicket haul in ODI cricket as Ireland were dismissed for 207.

Ireland&#39;s resistance was led by Cade Carmichael, while Andy Balbirnie contributed 36. However, a run-out of Lorcan Tucker during the middle overs shifted the momentum firmly in Afghanistan&#39;s favour before Rashid wrapped up the innings.

The result means AFG qualifies for the ODI World Cup after defeating IRE, while Ireland must now compete through the ICC Men&#39;s Cricket World Cup Qualifier for a chance to reach the 2027 tournament. Afghanistan also holds a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series after the opening fixture was abandoned because of rain.

Afghanistan qualifies for ODI World Cup 2027 after defeating Ireland by 92 runs. Rashid Khan's 6/34 seals direct entry, forcing Ireland into the qualifiers.

AFG Qualifies for ODI World Cup 2027 After Defeating Ireland in 2nd ODI

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Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026

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