Afghanistan produced a historic batting performance in the fifth and final One Day International (ODI) against Ireland, pulling off their highest successful run chase in 50-over cricket history. Tasked with chasing a target of 299 runs, the Afghan side sealed a memorable six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare, completing the match in 48.5 overs. With this triumph, Afghanistan capped off a dominant bilateral campaign by clinching the series 4-0. The centerpiece of the successful pursuit was a masterclass century from Rahmat Shah, whose unbeaten 143 carried his team past Ireland's formidable total.
Ireland Builds Solid Total After Choosing to Bat
Earlier in the day, Ireland won the toss and opted to bat first. The Irish top order laid a decent foundation, though both openers departed relatively early. Andrew Balbirnie was the first to fall after making 13 runs, leaving the score at 34. Shortly after, captain Paul Stirling followed him back to the pavilion for 20, with Ireland adding just five more runs to reach 39 for two. Cade Carmichael then joined Harry Tector in the middle, building a steady 40-run partnership for the third wicket before Carmichael was dismissed for 22.
Harry Tector anchored the middle portion of the innings, scoring a patient 53 off 80 balls, accented by four boundaries. He combined with Curtis Campher to add 55 runs for the fifth wicket. Following Tector's departure, Campher launched an aggressive counter-attack. He joined forces with George Dockrell to stitch together an explosive 72-run sixth-wicket stand off only 57 deliveries. Dockrell contributed a crucial 31 runs to the cause. Campher continued his brilliant form, adding another 64 runs alongside George Neil for the seventh wicket. Campher fell just four runs short of a deserving century, departing for 96 off 84 balls, a knock that included seven fours and four sixes. Jordan added an unbeaten 23 runs late in the innings to push Ireland's total to 298 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.
Among the Afghan bowlers, Azmatullah Omarzai stood out as the most productive performer, finishing with figures of three wickets. AM Ghazanfar provided strong support with two wickets, while Mohammad Saleem and Nangeyalia Kharote took one wicket apiece to restrict the Irish scoring towards the end.
Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal Drive Record Chase
Afghanistan's chase got off to a disastrous start as both opening batters were removed early. Ibrahim Zadran managed just 5 runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 14, leaving Afghanistan in trouble at 22 for two. However, Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal completely transformed the complexion of the contest with a game-changing 201-run partnership for the third wicket. Atal played a brilliant supporting role, accumulating 98 runs from 112 deliveries, hitting seven fours and three sixes before narrowly missing his hundred.
After Atal's departure, Azmatullah Omarzai provided swift momentum with a brisk 24 off 14 balls, combining with Rahmat Shah for a 56-run fourth-wicket partnership. Rahmat Shah remained untamed until the very end, completing an unbroken 23-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Hashmatullah Shahidi to steer Afghanistan across the finish line. Rahmat Shah finished on a sensational unbeaten 143 off 133 balls, decorated with 13 fours and two sixes. For Ireland, bowler Liam McCarthy was the standout with three wickets, while Jay Moondra picked up one wicket. This 299-run chase stands as Afghanistan's largest in ODI cricket, though the global world record for the highest successful ODI chase remains with South Africa, who famously hunted down Australia's 438 in 2006.
