Belfast: An inspired bowling performance from Azmatullah Omarzai and Allah Muhammad Ghazanfar left Ireland in a deep hole, restricting the hosts to a precarious 102 for 4 at the 20-over mark in the fifth and final ODI at Stormont.

<h2>Afghan Duo Rips Through Irish Top Order</h2>

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ireland-vs-afghanistan-5th-odi-live-toss/7553-5-0">Opting to field</a> first under heavy, overcast skies, Afghanistan&rsquo;s captain Rahmat Shah utilized the green-tinged surface flawlessly. Striking early, pace spearhead Omarzai generated sharp lateral movement to remove Irish captain Paul Stirling for a quickfire 20. Soon after, Omarzai bamboozled Andrew Balbirnie, crashing into his stumps for 13 to leave the home side struggling at 39 for 2.

Ireland&rsquo;s attempts to construct a middle-order recovery were repeatedly halted by a relentless Afghan attack. Cade Carmichael showed technical resolve for his 22 before becoming Ghanzanfar&#39;s victim. The slide quickly worsened when wicketkeeper-batsman Lorcan Tucker was dismissed cheaply for 7 runs off 12 balls, leaving the Irish scorecard reading a dismal 99 for 4 at the 18.4-over mark.

<h2>Tector Alone In Rebuilding Mission</h2>

Following the rapid collapse of the top order, middle-order general Harry Tector was left with a monumental salvage operation. Tector absorbed the immense pressure with superb application, finishing the 20th over unbeaten.

With Omarzai (2/26) and Ghazanfar (2/20) completely dictating the tempo, fans tracking the Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI live action are witnessing a gritty battle as the hosts fight to deny Afghanistan a flawless 4-0 series clean sweep.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-5th-odi-live/1157261">Watch IRE vs AFG 5th ODI</a> live on tapmad.

Follow Ireland vs Afghanistan live updates from the 5th ODI as Omarzai and Ghazanfar leave Ireland reeling at 102/4 after 20 overs at Stormont.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI Live: Afghan Attack Stuns Hosts

Belfast: Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah won the toss and elected to bowl first against Ireland in the fifth and final ODI. Seeking a historic clean sweep in the five-match series, the visitors opted to exploit early moisture and overhead conditions on a fresh Belfast surface.

Afghanistan currently holds an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, following a total washout in the opening fixture and three consecutive, dominant victories in the subsequent matches.&nbsp;

Despite having already sealed the series trophy, the Afghan team management opted against mass experimentation, fielding a robust bowling attack designed to put immediate pressure on the Irish top order.

Conversely, Ireland enters the final fixture searching for a much-needed consolation victory. Having struggled to find momentum after a 15-month hiatus from the 50-over format, Irish skipper Paul Stirling expressed that his side was keen to bat first and post a competitive total.&nbsp;

Stirling emphasized the necessity for a more disciplined batting display, particularly during the critical mandatory powerplay overs, where early wickets have plagued their previous outings.

The playing conditions at Stormont are expected to offer initial assistance to the seamers, with a slight tint of green on the pitch and typical overcast Irish skies. Afghanistan&rsquo;s decision to chase aligns with their tactical preference to control the game via their formidable spin and seam options before executing a measured pursuit under changing atmospheric elements.&nbsp;

Ireland&rsquo;s batting lineup faces a stern test to set a defendable target on a ground historically known to favor teams batting second when clouds linger.

<h2>Ireland Playing XI for 5th ODI&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling(c), Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Jordan Neill, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra

<h2>Afghanistan Playing XI for 5th ODI</h2>

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah(c), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-5th-odi-live/1157261">Watch IRE vs AFG 5th ODI</a> live on tapmad.

Follow Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI live update as Afghanistan win the IRE vs AFG live toss and elect to bowl first in Belfast, hunting a series sweep.

IRE vs AFG Live Toss: Afghanistan Opts to Bowl in 5th ODI

Afghanistan&rsquo;s latest win over Ireland has turned a five-match contest into a procession. They beat Ireland by 42 runs at Stormont on Wednesday, moving 3-0 ahead with one ODI still to play.

The first match of the tour was washed out by rain. Since then, Afghanistan have taken charge. Three completed games have produced three victories, and Ireland now have only one match left to avoid a clean sweep.

Sediqullah Atal set the tone with a career-best 143 from 120 balls, while Ibrahim Zadran added 107 from 118. Their 231-run stand for the second wicket gave Afghanistan the platform they needed after being sent in to bat.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/ire-vs-afg-4th-odi-live-afghanistan-scored-343-after-atal-143/7513-5-0">Afghanistan posted 343</a> for nine in 50 overs. It was a total that looked imposing, yet Ireland had enough batting power to make the chase interesting.

<h2>Ireland Fight Back, But Afghanistan Shut the Door</h2>

Andy Balbirnie answered with a superb 109 from 119 balls. Curtis Campher also attacked hard, striking 84 from only 46 deliveries. For a stretch, Ireland looked capable of dragging the game deep.

Yamin Ahmadzai sparked Afghanistan&rsquo;s bowling charge with four wickets, while Rashid Khan claimed three and Azmatullah Omarzai took two as Ireland were bowled out for 301 in 48 overs.

The 42-run margin tells the story, but the bigger issue for Ireland is the pattern. They have struggled to stop Afghanistan&rsquo;s top order and then found themselves under pressure against a varied bowling attack.

For Afghanistan vs Ireland, this has been a statement series. The visitors have controlled the key moments in all three completed matches and now have a chance to finish the tour with a 4-0 scoreline.

For Ireland, the final ODI carries a different weight. The series is already gone. The remaining game is about pride, combinations and avoiding an emphatic clean sweep.

Afghanistan ODI series dominance has also given their younger batters valuable time in the middle. Atal&rsquo;s hundred and Zadran&rsquo;s century will grab the headlines, but the bowling unit deserves plenty of credit for closing out a chase that briefly threatened to become uncomfortable.

The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/ireland-vs-afghanistan-4th-odi-highlights/13385070">fourth ODI</a> was not a last-over thriller. It did not need to be. Afghanistan built the advantage early, absorbed Ireland&rsquo;s best response and finished the job without panic.

The series now reaches its final stop with Ireland searching for answers and Afghanistan looking to put an emphatic stamp on the tour.

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 42 runs in Belfast to seal a 3-0 ODI series win, with Atal and Zadran hitting centuries in a dominant display at Stormont.

Atal, Zadran Hundreds Power Afghanistan to 3-0 ODI Series Win

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

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Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026

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