Afghanistan completed a dominant 4-0 series victory over Ireland with a six-wicket win in the fifth and final ODI at Stormont, Belfast. After Ireland posted a competitive 298/7, Afghanistan looked in trouble at 22/2 early in the chase. However, Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal produced a record-breaking third-wicket partnership to turn the game completely in Afghanistan’s favour.
Rahmat remained unbeaten on 143 from 133 balls, while Atal contributed 98 as the duo added 201 runs for the third wicket. Their partnership not only steadied Afghanistan’s chase but also helped the visitors complete their highest successful run chase in ODI cricket.
Curtis Campher’s brilliant 96 helps Ireland post competitive total
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first on a cold morning at Stormont, with the conditions offering some assistance to the seamers. Ireland initially struggled against the disciplined Afghanistan attack, losing Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling in quick succession to Azmatullah Omarzai.
Omarzai struck twice in the seventh over, removing both openers and putting Ireland under early pressure. AM Ghazanfar then added to Afghanistan’s dominance by dismissing Cade Carmichael, before Lorcan Tucker also departed as Ireland slipped into trouble. Harry Tector and Curtis Campher helped Ireland recover from the early setbacks, putting together a crucial partnership in the middle overs. While Tector provided stability, Campher gradually increased the scoring rate as the innings progressed.
Campher saved his best for the final stages, accelerating dramatically after reaching his half-century. The all-rounder smashed seven fours and four sixes in his 96 off 84 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. George Dockrell contributed 31 off 35 balls, while Jordan Neill added a useful 23 from 19 deliveries. Campher also featured in two important partnerships worth 72 and 64 runs, allowing Ireland to add 101 runs during the final 10 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the late assault, but Omarzai finished with impressive figures of 3/74 as Ireland reached 298/7 from their 50 overs.
Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal produce record partnership
Afghanistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Liam McCarthy removed both openers inside the first six overs. The visitors were reduced to 22/2 and suddenly faced a difficult chase on a surface that had already begun to slow down. However, Rahmat and Atal responded with patience and composure. The pair initially focused on rotating the strike and avoiding unnecessary risks before gradually taking control of the chase.
Afghanistan reached 49/2 in the 15th over, with the required run rate still hovering around seven-and-a-half. The introduction of leg-spinner Gavin Hoey provided the trigger for the Afghan batters to accelerate, with Rahmat launching a six over midwicket before Atal found the boundary later in the same over. Their calculated approach ensured Ireland were unable to create another breakthrough. Rahmat and Atal eventually added 201 runs from 210 balls, setting a new record for Afghanistan’s highest partnership for the third wicket.
Rahmat completes magnificent century as Afghanistan seal series
Atal came agonisingly close to his second consecutive century but was dismissed for 98 in the 41st over. Attempting to pull McCarthy over the boundary, he picked out Carmichael, who completed a sensational diving catch. With 76 runs still required from nearly nine overs, Omarzai was promoted up the order and immediately put Ireland under pressure. He smashed 24 from just 14 balls, including three fours and a six, before being caught off Jai Moondra.
Rahmat continued to anchor the chase at the other end and reached his century from 109 deliveries. It was his first ODI hundred since January 2021 and came against the same opposition. The Afghanistan captain continued until the end, eventually finishing unbeaten on 143 from 133 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes. He sealed the victory in style with a boundary in the 49th over, sparking celebrations among the travelling Afghanistan supporters.
Afghanistan reached 302/4 to complete a six-wicket victory and secure a 4-0 series triumph. The opening ODI had been abandoned due to rain, while Afghanistan won each of the remaining four matches to underline their dominance throughout the series.
Afghanistan cruise past Ireland’s 298/7 to seal a dominant 6-wicket victory🏏🔥#IREvAFG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/JKjE9cTZij
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 16, 2026
