Afghanistan clinch 4-0 ODI series win

Rahmat Shah's unbeaten 143 guided Afghanistan to a six-wicket victory over Ireland in the fifth and final One Day International on Saturday, August 15, in Belfast, securing a dominant 4-0 series sweep for the tourists. Chasing a target of 299 runs, Afghanistan reached 302 for four in 48.5 overs after a match-winning partnership between Shah and Sediqullah Atal.

Ireland, after winning the toss and batting first, posted 298 for seven in their 50 overs, largely thanks to allrounder Curtis Campher's rapid 96. Afghanistan's chase began poorly, losing both openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz inside the first six overs to Liam McCarthy, leaving them at 22 for two. This brought Rahmat Shah, the team's new ODI captain, together with Sediqullah Atal at the crease.

The pair staged a crucial recovery, building a formidable 201-run partnership for the third wicket off 210 balls. This stand set a new record for Afghanistan's highest third-wicket partnership in ODIs. Atal contributed a brisk 98 off 112 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, narrowly missing a second consecutive century after being caught on the boundary. He was dismissed in the 41st over, with Afghanistan...