Afghanistan continued their dominant run in the ODI series against Ireland with a convincing 42-run victory in the fourth match at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont. After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable 343/9 in their 50 overs, with Sediqullah Atal producing a magnificent 143 and Ibrahim Zadran adding a composed century. Ireland fought hard in reply, but were bowled out for 301 in 48 overs, leaving Afghanistan to secure their third consecutive win in the series.
Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran’s tons power Afghanistan to formidable total
Afghanistan made a strong start after Ireland elected to bowl, although Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for 12 off 10 balls. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal then took control of the innings with an outstanding partnership. Ibrahim anchored the innings with 107 from 118 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six, while Atal played the more aggressive role.
Atal’s innings was the defining performance of the match. The left-hander smashed 143 runs from just 120 balls, with 17 fours and four sixes, keeping the pressure firmly on the Irish bowling attack. His attacking strokeplay provided Afghanistan with the platform to push beyond 340. Darwish Rasooli added a brisk 24 from 14 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 15 off 12. Rashid Khan also chipped in with 11 as Afghanistan finished on 343/9. Byron McDonough was Ireland’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Mark Adair and Gavin Hoey claimed two each.
Andy Balbirnie and Curtis Campher lead Ireland’s fightback but fell short
Ireland’s chase began positively with Paul Stirling making 27 from 25 balls, but wickets at regular intervals prevented the hosts from building a sustained partnership. Andy Balbirnie, however, kept Ireland’s hopes alive with a determined century. Balbirnie scored 109 from 119 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes. His innings provided stability at the top of the order and ensured that Ireland remained in the contest for a significant period.
The biggest acceleration came from Curtis Campher, who produced a sensational counter-attacking innings. Campher smashed 84 from only 46 balls, including eight fours and five sixes. His aggressive approach briefly shifted the momentum towards Ireland, but the required run rate continued to climb. Harry Tector made 34 from 50 balls, while the remaining batters struggled to make substantial contributions. Once Campher was dismissed, Ireland’s chase lost momentum and they were eventually bowled out for 301 after 48 overs.
Afghanistan tighten their grip series-clinching victory
Yamin Ahmadzai was Afghanistan’s standout bowler with four wickets for 71 runs from his 10 overs. Rashid also made a significant impact, taking three wickets for 49 runs, while Omarzai claimed two wickets. The 42-run victory means Afghanistan have now won three matches in the series after the opening game was abandoned due to rain. They had previously won the second match by 92 runs and the third by three wickets. Atal was named Player of the Match for his match-winning 143. The fifth and final match of the series is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the same venue.
Twin tons, absolute dominance! 💥
Sediqullah Atal (143 off 120) and Ibrahim Zadran (107 off 118) put on a masterclass at the top of the order against Ireland 🏏🔥#IREvAFG #AfghanistanCricket #SediqullahAtal #IbrahimZadran pic.twitter.com/DO7ydTJWS4
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 13, 2026
