Atal and Zadran Centuries Power Afghanistan to Series Victory

Afghanistan clinched an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series against Ireland after securing a 42-run victory in the fourth match at Belfast. Brilliant centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s formidable total of 343 for 9, which proved too steep for the hosts despite valiant tons and half-centuries in reply.

Dominant Batting Display Sets Huge Target

After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan suffered an early blow when opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for just 12. However, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran completely shifted the momentum with a massive 231-run partnership for the second wicket.

• Sediqullah Atal: Played a blazing, career-best knock of 143 off 120 deliveries, decorating his innings with 17 boundaries and 4 maximums. He reached his hundred off 98 balls.
• Ibrahim Zadran: Anchored the innings with a composed 107 off 118 balls, bringing up his milestone in 114 deliveries.

By the time the partnership was broken, Afghanistan had already surged past the 240-run mark. Late contributions from Darwish Rasooli (24) and Azmatullah Omarzai (15) helped stretch the final tally to 343/9.

Ireland’s bowling attack pulled things back slightly late in the innings, led by Byron McDonough (3/84), Mark Adair (2/60), and Gavin Hoey (2/71).

Ireland’s Spirited Fightback Falls Short

Chasing 344, Ireland started steadily as Paul Stirling (27) and Andy Balbirnie shared a 48-run opening stand. Allah Ghazanfar broke the partnership by dismissing Stirling lbw, and Yamin Ahmadzai soon removed Cade Carmichael for 5, leaving Ireland at 53/2.

Balbirnie held the innings together alongside Harry Tector, eventually completing a fine century (109 off 119 balls). Curtis Campher injected fresh life into the chase with a fiery 84 off just 46 deliveries, keeping Ireland in contention as the required run rate climbed.

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve under pressure:

• Yamin Ahmadzai: Emerged as the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 for 71.
• Rashid Khan: Applied crucial middle-to-late order pressure, capturing 3 for 49.

Once Campher was dismissed, Ireland’s chase lost steam, and they were ultimately bowled out for 301 in 48 overs.

Match Summary

• Afghanistan: 343/9 in 50 overs (Sediqullah Atal 143, Ibrahim Zadran 107; Byron McDonough 3-84, Mark Adair 2-60)
• Ireland: 301 all out in 48 overs (Andy Balbirnie 109, Curtis Campher 84; Yamin Ahmadzai 4-71, Rashid Khan 3-49)
• Result: Afghanistan won by 42 runs.