Belfast, August 12: Afghanistan faced Ireland in the fourth match of a five-match ODI series at the Civil Service Cricket Club. Batting first, Afghanistan scored a remarkable 343 runs, losing 9 wickets in the process. This total marks Afghanistan’s highest in ODI history, surpassing their previous record of 339 runs set against Sri Lanka in 2024.
After losing the toss, Afghanistan’s start was shaky. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored only 12 runs before being dismissed. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal took charge, forming a stunning partnership of 231 runs for the second wicket off 220 balls. This is now the largest second-wicket partnership for Afghanistan.
Zadran showcased excellent form, scoring 107 runs off 118 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Atal, on the other hand, played a brilliant innings of 143 runs off 120 balls, hitting 17 fours and 4 sixes. The Irish bowlers struggled to contain them, with Darwish Rasooli unable to capitalize on a good start, scoring 24 runs off 14 balls before getting out. Umarzai added 15 runs from 12 balls.
Rashid Khan contributed 11 runs off 10 balls, while Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten with 7 runs. Captain Rahmat Shah had a disappointing outing, scoring just 2 runs, and Gazanfar failed to open his account. On the bowling front, Ireland’s Byron McDonough claimed the most wickets with 3, while Mark Richard Adair and Gavin Hoey took 2 wickets each. Afghanistan lost 3 wickets in the final two overs, narrowly missing the chance to cross the 350-run mark.
Leave a Comment