Afghanistan secured a three-wicket victory over Ireland in the third one-day international match at Stormont, extending their winning streak against the hosts to eight consecutive ODI victories. The result gives the visitors a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series, following their triumph in the second encounter earlier in the week.
Ireland posted a total of 206 all out in 46.3 overs after being sent into bat by Afghanistan. Cade Carmichael contributed 32 runs for the hosts, while Ben Calitz added 20. The Irish batting lineup struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling attack, with spinner Rashid Khan claiming three wickets while conceding 44 runs, and AM Ghazanfar taking three wickets for just 29 runs. Gavin Hoey was the standout bowler for Ireland, capturing four wickets despite his team’s ultimate defeat.
Chasing the target, Afghanistan reached 207 for seven in 44.5 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played the decisive innings with 71 runs off 77 deliveries, striking five sixes and two fours to guide the visitors to their target. Rashid Khan provided important support with 37 runs lower in the order. Hoey’s four-wicket haul for Ireland, taking the scalps of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah, Darwish, and others, kept the match competitive but ultimately proved insufficient.
Ireland showed improved performance compared to their previous encounter, though the deficit remained too great to overcome. The sides are scheduled to meet again at Stormont on Wednesday to continue the series.
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