BREDA, Ireland — Afghanistan moved ahead in the five-match ODI series after defeating Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI on Friday, August 8. Ibrahim Zadran’s 84 helped Afghanistan post 299 for 8 in a rain-shortened 47-over contest before Rashid Khan produced a six-wicket haul to bowl Ireland out for 207 in 33.4 overs.
- Afghanistan posted 299/8 in 47 overs after being sent in to bat.
- Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with an 84-run knock.
- Rashid Khan claimed 6/34 as Ireland were bowled out for 207.
- The result gave Afghanistan the lead in the five-match ODI series.
Afghanistan build strong total despite early movement
Ireland opted to bowl under overcast conditions after the match was reduced to 47 overs per side because of rain. The weather had already delayed the start, following the abandonment of the opening ODI without a toss.
Mark Adair began with a maiden, but Afghanistan soon found scoring opportunities at the other end. Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacked Jai Moondra, hitting a six and a four before attempting another aggressive shot and being caught.
Sediqullah Atal maintained the scoring momentum, while Moondra continued to struggle for control. Afghanistan reached 65 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay before the scoring rate settled.
Ibrahim Zadran then accelerated alongside Atal. The pair added 116 runs, with Ibrahim reaching his half-century from 52 balls in the 19th over. Harry Tector eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Atal in the 25th over.
Ibrahim and Rahmat keep Afghanistan on course
Ibrahim continued to control the innings after Atal’s departure and added 43 runs with captain Rahmat Shah. Both batsmen fell within two overs of each other, with Ibrahim attempting to attack Curtis Campher in the 34th over and Rahmat caught by Gavin Hoey in the 36th.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Darwish Rasooli responded with another 43-run partnership, keeping Afghanistan on track for a sizeable total despite Ireland tightening their bowling at the death.
Afghanistan lost three wickets for 21 runs late in the innings, but Hashmatullah Shahidi provided the final push. He struck 36 from only 21 balls, including four boundaries during the final two overs, helping Afghanistan finish on 299/8.
Ireland make a positive start in the chase
Ireland began the pursuit with intent despite the early loss of Paul Stirling. Andy Balbirnie looked comfortable against the Afghanistan attack and punished deliveries that offered width.
Cade Carmichael, playing only his fourth ODI, also attacked the bowling. He smashed Saleem Safi for 21 runs in the 14th over and reached his maiden ODI half-century from 44 balls.
However, Ireland struggled to sustain the momentum once Rashid Khan entered the attack. The Afghanistan spinner dismissed Balbirnie and Tector in quick succession, putting pressure back on the home side.
Rashid Khan triggers Ireland collapse
Lorcan Tucker and Carmichael attempted to rebuild the innings, but their partnership ended in unusual circumstances. Tucker was run out after losing track of the ball while an appeal for LBW was taking place.
Carmichael departed in the following over, leaving Ireland at 152 for 5. His 62 remained the highest score of the Ireland innings.
Ben Calitz and Curtis Campher briefly changed the momentum by scoring 41 runs across the next three overs. Their assault included five fours and two sixes, but Rashid ended the partnership by bowling Calitz.
The dismissal opened the door for a rapid collapse. Ireland lost their final four wickets for only nine runs across four overs, with Rashid claiming three of those wickets to complete outstanding figures of 6/34.
Second ODI: Match figures
| Team | Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 299/8 in 47 overs | Ibrahim Zadran 84, Sediqullah Atal 45 |
| Ireland | 207 all out in 33.4 overs | Cade Carmichael 62, Andy Balbirnie 36 |
For Ireland, Mark Adair returned figures of 2/40 while Jai Moondra finished with 2/78. Rashid’s six wickets proved decisive in preventing Ireland from mounting a sustained chase.
Rain continues to affect the ODI series
The opening ODI between the teams was abandoned without a toss because of rain. Further weather disruption delayed the start of the second match before the contest was reduced to 47 overs per side.
Afghanistan’s victory therefore gives them the advantage going into the next match, while Ireland will need a stronger response to level the series.
When is the next Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI?
The third ODI is scheduled for Monday, August 10, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. Afghanistan will look to strengthen its position in the series, while Ireland will be aiming to bounce back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who took six wickets for Afghanistan against Ireland?
Rashid Khan claimed six wickets for 34 runs in the second ODI, finishing with figures of 6/34.
Who was Afghanistan’s top scorer in the second ODI?
Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer with 84, helping the team establish a strong total in the shortened match.
What happens next?
The series moves to Belfast for the third ODI on August 10. Ireland will look to address the collapse that ended its chase, while Afghanistan will aim to build on the bowling performance that secured its series advantage.
Source: Supplied match report and brief scores.
