Rahmat’s 143 Not Out Leads Afghanistan to Six-Wicket Victory Over Ireland

Afghanistan secured a decisive six-wicket win against Ireland, chasing down a target of 299 runs with 302 for 4 in the final ODI at Stormont. Rahmat Shah played a pivotal role, finishing with an unbeaten 143 runs, while Rahmat and Atal combined for a record-setting partnership of 201 runs for the third wicket, overcoming an early setback of 22 for 2.

After Ireland set a formidable target, bolstered by Curtis Campher’s 96 and Harry Tector’s 53, Afghanistan found themselves struggling early in the chase. Liam McCarthy dismissed both openers, prompting the team to regroup. Rahmat and Atal employed a steady approach to stabilize the innings, gradually increasing the scoring rate after reaching 49 for 2 in the 15th over.

Upon facing legspinner Gavin Hoey, Rahmat struck a massive six over midwicket on the very first ball, while Atal followed up with a boundary, signaling a shift in momentum. Maintaining a consistent barrage of boundaries, the pair effectively brought the required run rate down.

Crucially, they navigated the middle overs risk-free, compiling 201 runs off 210 balls while Ireland managed only 148 runs during this phase and lost three wickets. When Atal fell just two runs shy of a century, caught by Cade Carmichael, Azmatullah Omarzai stepped in to maintain the momentum, scoring 24 off 14 balls before falling to a catch by Moondra.

Rahmat reached his century—his first in ODIs since January 2021—off 109 balls and went on to set a personal best with his 143 off 133 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. He sealed the win with a boundary on the penultimate ball of the innings, spurring jubilant celebrations among Afghanistan’s supporters.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s bowlers thrived in cloudy conditions, putting Ireland under pressure early on. Despite aggressive starts from Paul Stirling and Campher, they faced setbacks as Afghanistan’s spinners tightened their grip during the middle overs. Ultimately, Campher’s late flurry of runs, including seven fours and four sixes, helped Ireland reach a total of 298 for 7.

This victory marked another chapter in Afghanistan’s dominance over Ireland, having previously won all three matches in the series leading up to this final ODI.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn