Ireland vs Afghanistan , Full Score Card

Rashid hits the winning runs! A length delivery on the stumps, and the Afghanistan captain gets down on one knee before whipping it powerfully towards deep square leg. The fielder launches into a tumbling dive, but the batters have already completed two runs. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 3 WICKETS! Rashid holds his nerve under pressure and finishes the job in style. He has been a genuine match-winner and has proved himself once again through his allround contributions. Afghanistan have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series. It surely got tense in the end, but their all-round strength once again proved decisive.

Full and around off, spins in, swept away to backward square leg.

Full and middle, Rashid Khan comes down the track and swings it hard but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

FOUR! Innovative and mighty effective. Flat and full, outside off. Rashid Khan nails the reverse sweep, behind square on the off side and beats Jai Moondra to his left for a boundary at deep backward point. Afghanistan need only 2 runs. They are almost home now.

A big appeal for LBW, but not given. Inside edge, maybe? But that spun very sharply. Pitched outside off, full in length, Rashid Khan leans on to drive it to the cover region but gets a thick inside edge onto the front pad. The replay also confirms a big deviation off the bat.

Short in length, on top of the stumps. Rashid waits for the ball to arrive and swats it between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a single. Just 6 runs needed. Another expensive spell from Jai Moondra in this series. He finishes off with figures reading 10-0-67-0.

FOUR! That should be the game for Afghanistan. Bangs it on a length, on the stumps, at belly button height. Sits up nicely for the batter as Rashid gets into a good position before hammering it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 200 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Just 7 runs needed for the visitors now.

Oh, a loopy full toss, dipping significantly below waist height. In fact, it's around thigh height of the batter. Yamin Ahmadzai gets into an awkward position but manages to fend it to the cover region for a single.

A bit too full, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai drives it straight to Tector at short cover.

A wide first slip in place. Jai comes from around the stumps and lands it on a length, around off, Yamin rocks back and drops it down the pitch with soft hands.

Rashid is now showing full faith in Yamin as he takes a single off the first ball. Back of a length, outside off, angling away further. Rashid Khan hangs back and slashes it through cover-point for a single.

Jai Moondra is back on for his final over. 9-0-60-0 so far.

Similar line and length, on the leg stump. Yamin alertly blocks it out with soft hands.

From around the stump now. Full, outside leg. Yamin Ahmadzai shows good resilience and defends it out.

On the stumps, on a length, Yamin Ahmadzai hangs back and stabs it on the pitch.

Full on the stumps, holds on a touch, and this is chipped on the bounce, back to the bowler.

A slip in place, along with short leg and a leg slip, fielders who are under the lid with Yamin on strike. Rashid walks over for a quick word, seemingly reminding him not to get carried away by the emotion of the moment. Meanwhile, Stirling is making wholesale changes to the field, constantly rearranging his resources in search of a breakthrough.

The length is dragged back, spins in from off. Rashid backs away and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Pushed through, full on off, Rashid Khan caresses it back to the bowler.

Excellent spell of bowling from Adair. 2/36 in 10 overs, including a maiden! Afghanistan are 14 runs adrift now and can see the finish line. Would like to cross that without any adventures. Harry Tector returns. 3-0-12-0 so far.

Hammers it short and on middle, Rashid Khan crouches a bit and swats it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Full and nipping in, on middle and leg. Yamin Ahmadzai pushes at the delivery, but gets a fat inside edge. The ball beats the short fine leg fielder to his left and rolls behind for a single.

Short of a length, on off. A genuine lifter from Adair. Yamin hops on the toes and fences it to the point region with soft hands. He has been an unbreakable wall of defence at one end.

A touch fuller, on off, Rashid Khan drills it to the long off region for a single.

The length is pulled back, on the stumps, Rashid forces it to mid on.

FOUR! Brave shot from Rashid! Short of a good length, on top of middle, arriving at chest height. Rashid hangs back and pulls it to the left of deep square leg. The fielder comes hunting across, dives but cannot quite haul it back in. A four after ages for Afghanistan. They need 17 runs now.

Mark Adair returns to complete his spell. 9-1-29-2 so far are his bowling figures. Would definitely like to get rid of Rashid here.

Bangs it short and on top of off, Yamin arches back and lets it through.

Short of a length, slanted across, Rashid tries to flay that over point, but gets a thick outside edge to deep third for a single. 21 runs needed now from 55 balls.

Well-directed short ball, at shoulder height. Rashid ducks under it by just dropping his left shoulder to make the leave.

Short of a length, on middle, Rashid Khan pulls it to Adair at mid-wicket.

An attempted yorker, angling in from around the stumps. Yamin Ahmadzai flicks it to mid-wicket, where Mark Adair misfields and the ball seeps through to the deep for a single.

Full and straight, on off, Yamin pushes it to mid on.

POWERPLAY 3! Just 9 runs in the last 5 overs for Afghanistan as they still require 23 runs from 60 balls. But this has been a remarkable comeback from Ireland in the last few overs. They can now have a maximum of five fielders outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. Jai Moondra will continue...

A maiden from Byron McDonough. Full and outside off, Rashid Khan digs it to point.

Much fuller, on leg, Rashid Khan flicks it to mid-wicket.

Make it four dots. Short, on off, Rashid Khan moves forward and swings hard but misses.

Three dots now. Short, on off, Rashid Khan sways away from it at the last moment.

Back of a length, on leg, Rashid Khan blocks it to backward point.

Nice and full, on off, Rashid Khan pushes it to mid on.

Bangs it short, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai ducks under it.

Length and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai leaves it alone.

Too full, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it to cover.

Much fuller, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, on off, Rashid Khan drives it to extra cover for a single.

Beaten! A tad fuller, outside off, Rashid Khan swings hard but misses.

Full and straight, Yamin Ahmadzai stabs it back to the bowler.

Wide! Down the leg side, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to flick it but misses. An appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. The replay later showed that the ball had clearly missed the bat.

A tad fuller, on off, Yamin Ahmadzai pushes it to cover.

A low full toss, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai tucks it to mid-wicket.

Short, on leg, Rashid Khan pulls it through backward square leg for a single. Good work in the deep again.

Back of a length, outside off, Rashid Khan punches it through backward point for a brace. The fielder slides to his right in the deep and makes a good stop.

Nagging length, on middle and leg. Yamin Ahmadzai gets across and tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

Nip-backer on a short length, Yamin Ahmadzai rises with the bounce and tries to keep it out, but gets an inside edge with the ball cannoning onto the back thigh.

Straightens up from the surface, on a good length, on top of off. Yamin Ahmadzai gets a bit squared up and stabs it down the pitch.

Bangs it short on middle, Rashid Khan swivels and controls his pull shot through square leg. One more run chopped off.

Full and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai chips it through the cover and point gap for a single. Knocks another run off the target, but he wasn't entirely in control of his shot.

Byron McDonough returns into the attack. Back of a length, outside off, Rashid uses the pace and guides it to deep third for a single. 30 runs needed now!

Oh, this one zips and nips away with extra bounce. Yamin Ahmadzai drops the wrists and sways away from the line.

Holds on the surface, on a length. Yamin Ahmadzai blocks it off the back foot.

This game refuses to ebb and flow in Belfast. Yamin Ahmadzai is in at number 9, with Afghanistan needing 31 runs.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Once again, Adair makes an impact upon his return to the attack. On a back of a length, around the off stump, and it springs from the surface. Azmatullah Omarzai looks to pump it down the ground, lofting it on the rise, but gets more height than distance as the ball sails over mid off. Harry Tector backtracks over his right shoulder, and keeps his eyes locked on the ball and takes a fine, fine running catch around his chest. Ireland still very much alive in this one. Afghanistan slip down to 176/7 after 35.4 overs.

Bangs it short and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stands tall and pulls it to Andy Balbirnie at mid-wicket.

Pitched fuller, outside off, Rashid Khan swipes across and drags it to deep square leg for a single.

Full and straight, on off, Rashid drives it to the left of the bowler. Adair stops it with his left hand on the follow-through.

Mark Adair (7-1-24-1) is brought back on. He replaces Jai Moondra.

Outside off, on a length, powerfully cut away through point for a single.

FOUR! Great awareness of field placement there from Rashid. On a fuller length, outside off, Rashid Khan knows the fielder is inside the ring there, so he just shimmies down the track and swings it hard to loft the ball over cover, and picks up a boundary. 33 needed now for the Afghans.

Quicker and fuller, on off, spinning in. Khan tries to slog it over mid-wicket, but it squirts off the inside edge and rolls back to Harry.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai hangs back and punches it through backward point for a single.

Wide outside off, spinning very sharply into the batter, Omarzai lets it be.

Full and pushed through, on middle, clipped off the pads and on the bounce to mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop.

That was a very profitable over for Afghanistan. Rashid hit a couple of risky shots, but was lucky not to have hit them to the fielders. Afghanistan need 38 runs from 96 balls and here comes Harry Tector back into the attack.

On a length, angled across, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it to deep third for a single.

A smidge shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai lofts it over the cover fielder. It goes off the toe end but clears Tector there for a couple of runs.

Back of a length, outside off, Omarzai gets behind the line and blocks it out.

WIDE! Pushed down leg, on a length. Omarzai misses to tuck it around the corner. Wide called.

FOUR! Just over the fielder! Fullish and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai hacks it over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. Not at all convincing but he manages to clear the inner ring.

Once again, it lands in the safe zone! A fullish delivery outside off, pushed across the batter. Rashid clears his front leg and opens the face of the bat to thump it over cover, but ends up slicing it down to the deep third fielder for a single.

In the air... lands safely! Rashid is in no mood to hang around! He plants his front foot and swipes at a fullish delivery, sending it towards cow corner. The fielder runs back and does well to get behind the ball, collecting it safely on the bounce. Just a single.

Jai Moondra replaces Byron McDonough. 6-0-46-0 so far are his bowling figures.

Outstanding spell from Gavin Hoey! In front of the stumps, full in length. Rashid Khan lunges forward and smothers the spin alertly. 10-0-34-4 for Hoey today.

Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Rashid cuts it to cover-point for a single.

Sharp turn, outside off, on a length, Rashid hangs back and chops it to the point region.

Jaffa! Full and around off, turning away, Khan tries to steer it to backward point but misses out.

And again! Full ball outside off. It grips and turns away a lot. Rashid looks to pump that over long off but gets beaten and the ball goes straight into the hands of the first slip fielder.

BEATEN! On middle, full in length, Khan goes down for a slog sweep, but the ball spins a mile and beats the outside edge.

Afghanistan need exactly 50 runs from 18 overs. Gavin Hoey will bowl out. 9-0-33-4 so far. Can he pick another wicket or two here?

Straightens from the pitch, on a length, kept out to point.

On top of off, on a good length, Azmatullah Omarzai stabs it off the back foot to cover.

Full and straight, forced across to mid-wicket.

Good length, outside off, Rashid taps it to the left of backward point. Curtis Campher dives and makes a sharp stop, keeping the batters to a single only. Rashid gets off the mark!

WIDE! Way too short and too high. Khan ducks under it as the ball flies back to the keeper, who has to leap a bit to gather.

On a back of a length, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it all along the carpet to deep cover for a single.

Nagging length, on the leg stump, Omarzai mistimes the pull shot to short fine leg.

Full on leg, Khan leans forward and taps it to short cover. 9-0-33-4 so far for Hoey.

Afghanistan are in some pressure now as Ireland sniff a real chance here. Still 53 runs are required for the tourists, and another quick wicket here and they will be under the pump. You just can't take your eyes off this contest. Rashid Khan, the skipper, walks in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another Afghan batter who just throws his wicket away. A shot that could have been easily avoided from Rasooli, but he just couldn't control his temptation to go big. A short ball from Hoey, spinning and bouncing off the pitch, around middle. Darwish Rasooli hangs back and looks to pump it over mid-wicket, but gets a fat top edge. It flies up the chimney and goes down the throat of Curtis Campher at mid-wicket. A straightforward catch for him and he makes no mistake. Gavin continues to make an impact in this game, and has his fourth wicket. This is very much alive now for Ireland. Afghanistan have slipped from 132/3 to 154/6.

A touch short, outside off, cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

THAT TURNED A MILE! Full and around off, prodigiously spinning away from the batter. Omarzai is drawn forward to block but the ball turns past the outside edge and goes into the hands of the first slip fielder.

Floated, full on off, Omarzai lunges and caresses it to mid off.

Short and outside off, Rasooli steers it to deep point for a single.

End of the 30th over. Afghanistan are 152/5, needing 55 runs from 120 balls. They have scored 50/2 in this 21-30 over phase. Gavin Hoey continues...

A maiden from Byron McDonough. Length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to point. MAIDEN OVER FROM BYRON!

Make it five dots! Full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to mid off. Darwish Rasooli wanted a single, but Azmatullah Omarzai sends him back. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Four dots in a row. Slightly shorter, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it to backward point.

Angling in, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to cover.

Slightly fuller, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it to point.

Full and straight, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it to mid off for a single.

Turning away, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone.

150 comes up for Afghanistan! Flatter, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it through cover for a brace.

Another one turning away, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to punch it but misses again.

Beaten! Turn and bounce, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to drive it but misses.

Gavin Hoey gets his third wicket. Azmatullah Omarzai walks in to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Rahmanullah Gurbaz throws his wicket away and falls for 71. Gives it air, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and looks to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards deep extra cover. Mark Adair runs forward and takes a good catch. Afghanistan are 149/5 after 28.1 overs. They still need 58 runs to win. This is getting a bit interesting now. Gurbaz throws his head back in disappointment as he trudges off.

Short, on leg, Darwish Rasooli pulls it to mid-wicket for a brace.

Good length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Nice and full, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket.

Bangs it short, on leg, Darwish Rasooli tugs it to square leg for a single.

Shaping away, outside off, Darwish Rasooli punches it to point.

Back of a length, outside off, Darwish Rasooli slaps it through covers for a brace.

Much fuller, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it to cover.

Flatter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz eases it back to the bowler.

Shortish, outside off, Darwish Rasooli taps it to point for a single.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Darwish Rasooli looks to punch it but misses.

Fullish, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz chips it over mid off for a single.

Flatter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it to deep backward point for a brace.

Beaten! Length and outside off, it keeps a tad low, Darwish Rasooli looks to drive it but misses.

Good length, on off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it to mid off.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Back of a length, outside off, Darwish Rasooli guides it to third man for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played by Darwish Rasooli! Full and straight, Darwish Rasooli leans on and times it perfectly through mid off for a boundary. Perfect weight transfer on the front foot, lovely extension of arms, and right off the meaty part. Textbook shot.

Much fuller, on off, Darwish Rasooli pushes it to mid off.

Halfway reached in the chase. Afghanistan are 133/4 after 25 overs. Still in a very comfortable position with Gurbaz responsibly anchoring the innings. They need 74 runs from the remaining 25 overs now. Jai Moondra continues...

Full and on off, Darwish Rasooli flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi falls for 22. Darwish Rasooli is the new batter.

OUT! TAKEN! Gavin Hoey gets the much-needed wicket for Ireland. Drops it short, on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi swivels and looks to pull it but doesn't get the elevation on it as the ball stays low and goes off the toe end. It carries towards deep backward square leg, where Jai Moondra bends low and takes a sharp catch. That brings an end to the 35-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Afghanistan are 132/4, needing 75 runs from 151 balls.

Nice and full, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

Drops it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to cover for a single.

Short, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls it to backward square leg for a single.

SIX! Well, well, what did the physio get? A bit short from Gavin Hoey, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi swivels and pulls it powerfully over backward square leg for a biggie. The ball seems to have lost and cannot be retrieved. So another replacement ball has been tossed up to the bowler.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is getting some attention on his left thumb. The physio comes out with the magic spray. All fine now and we are good to go. Also, Gavin Hoey returns into the attack. 5-0-15-1 so far and he replaces Harry Tector.

There was a broadcast issue for this ball, and all we know is that it was a single.

Bangs it short, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks under it.

Good length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! That's a quality shot from Hashmatullah Shahidi! Short and wide, Hashmatullah Shahidi latches onto it and plays the square cut over backward. Mark Adair covers a lot of ground to his left from deep third and even dives to flick the ball back in but couldn't get the job done cleanly and the ball ends up dribbling beside him, beyond the ropes. It looks like Adair has landed hard on the ground and is seen limping off the field for now. Probably to get some treatment.

Shaping away, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover for a single.

Hard length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tugs it to fine leg for a single.

Goes full again, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket again. Another tidy over from Harry Tector.

Flatter, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it to square leg for one more.

Short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. It was going down leg.

Full and straight, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to mid off for a single.

SIX! That has gone a long way! Bangs it short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels and pulls it powerfully over backward square leg for a huge six.

Bangs it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.

Angling in, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

A tad fuller, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it through covers for a single.

Beaten! Slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to punch it but gets beaten.

Good length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to slap it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They cross.

Jai Moondra (3-0-24-0) is back on.

Good start from Harry Tector. Just 3 runs coming off it. Full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid on.

Short, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz slaps it to cover.

Fullish, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it through cover-point for one again.

Nice and full, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it to square leg for a single.

A bit short, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks it to mid-wicket.

The last few overs have been really disciplined from Ireland, with just 9 runs coming off the last 3 overs, while Gurbaz has also slowed down considerably, taking on the job of anchoring the innings. It is still not enough to make Afghanistan feel genuinely threatened, but a string of dot balls can gradually build pressure and sow doubt in the batters’ minds. There is also some cloud cover over the ground, and the ball has begun to move just enough to keep the Afghan batters on their toes. Afghanistan need 105 runs from 180 balls, and with a fair bit of batting still left to come, it shouldn't concern them at all. Ireland, on the other hand, will have to keep picking up wickets regularly to really make a match out of this. Now then, Harry Tector is brought into the attack, replacing Gavin Hoey.

Aims the stumps, full in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it across to mid-wicket.

Sharp bouncer, over the stumps. Gurbaz ducks under it and lets it be.

Slightly outside leg, on a good length. Hashmatullah Shahidi hangs back and nudges it to deep square leg for an easy single.

On a back of a length, tailing in a touch. Shahidi hops on the toes and knocks it out to cover.

Full and straight, around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it to the off side with soft hands.

Loose from Shahidi! Angled across off, on a length. Shahidi fiddles at it without moving his feet and the ball whistles past the outside edge.

Massive turn, short and outside off, Gurbaz backs away and slaps it to cover.

Lands in front of the stumps and gets a good bit of turn and bounce. Gurbaz gets a leading edge and the ball rolls back to the bowler.

Excellent piece of running! 100 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Dropped short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it with soft hands through square leg for a couple of quick runs.

Too full, around off, hammered to the left of mid off. The fielder makes a good diving stop and keeps the batters to one.

Nice and full, around off, driven off the front foot to cover.

A slip and leg slip in place to tap Shahidi. Length ball outside off stump, Hashmatullah looks to cut the ball but gets beaten on the outside edge by the extra bounce.

Full and wide outside off, Shahidi creams it through covers for a single to get off the mark.

84/1 becomes 97/3 for the tourists. Hashmatullah Shahidi is in at number 5.

OUT! BOWLED! A ripper from Adair as he strikes big upon his return. A good-length delivery, just outside off, nips back sharply off the seam. Rahmat is drawn into playing a punch through the off side, but the movement opens up a gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaks through and crashes into the top of off stump. A superb delivery and a well-deserved wicket for Adair. Ireland are gradually creeping back in the game. Afghanistan need 110 runs.

Back of a length, outside off, Gurbaz waits on and punches it through cover for an easy single.

The leg cutter, on a good length, around leg. Gurbaz gently taps it through square leg. The call is for two and they hustle back by pushing hard. That's because the throw from Cade Carmichael to the keeper is a wayward one.

Pops up from the pitch, on a length, on middle. Rahmat Shah steers it off the higher portion of the bat, towards widish mid-wicket for a single.

Full and nipping away, on middle, Rahmat Shah looks to flick but closes the bat face early and the ball rolls off the leading edge to cover.

Mark Adair returns into the attack, replacing Byron McDonough. 0/18 in 5 overs so far.

A dot to end the over. Another tidy one from Gavin. 1/12 in 4 overs so far for Hoey.

No run.

Full ball on the off stump, Gurbaz eases it towards short extra cover with soft hands.

Full on the stumps, blocked off the front foot.

Landed fuller, on off, Shah drives that along the ground and with the spin to long off for a single.

Full and on middle, spinning away. Rahmat leans on and blocks it watchfully.

DRINKS BREAK. Afghanistan are in the ascendancy as they need 115 runs from 34 overs.​ Rahmanullah Gurbaz is looking ominous, though he has been taken aback by a few bumpers that have kicked off. For Ireland, the only realistic route to defending this total is to take all ten Afghan wickets, and so far Gavin Hoey has looked the bowler most likely to trouble the batters on this pitch. Ireland will be desperate to dismiss Gurbaz quickly and put the visitors under pressure. There has been turn and bounce from Hoey’s end, and they may look to operate with two spinners in tandem after the break. Realistically, though, Ireland may simply not have enough runs on the board. Two slips are in place for Hoey, who will resume the attack as play gets underway again.

SIX! FIFTY FOR RAHMANULLAH GURBAZ! And that has come at a hypersonic pace, off 45 balls, including 4 sixes. That's his 8th ODI half century! On a back of a length, around the off stump line. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stands tall and mows it over deep mid-wicket, sending it flat into the crowd.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets behind the line and drops it down the pitch with soft hands.

Swing and a miss! Short of a length outside off. Byron generates extra lift because of his height and that beats Gurbaz who attempts for a pull shot.

Banged short and on the leg stump. Gurbaz ducks under it.

Back of a length, outside off, Gurbaz hops off and taps it to cover-point.

Full and around middle, Rahmat Shah tries to block but gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for a single.

Another one that turns away, short and outside off, Gurbaz rocks back and slashes it to point, where Tector makes a good diving stop to his left. Gavin Hoey has looked Ireland’s most threatening bowler on this surface, consistently asking questions of the Afghan batters. That was another probing over from the all-rounder, who kept the pressure on with a disciplined line and length.

And again! Spins away after landing around off, full in length. Gurbaz looks to defend, but gets beaten all ends up. Good dip and turn for Hoey so far.

BEATEN! An absolute jaffa from Hoey once again. Lands it full and around off, and generates prodigious turn away from the batter.Gurbaz is forced to get on the front foot and tries to push it to the off side, but the ball just zips past his outside edge. Lorcan Tucker collects the ball to his right, and dislodges the bails in a flash. The on-field umpires want a second opinion on the stumping chance, and the replay shows that Gurbaz's back leg momentarily gets dragged out of the crease, but he slides it back in just before the stumps are broken.

Huge amount of turn, from middle to off, on a length. Shah presses back and cuts it wide of point for a single.

Full on the stumps, Shah leans on and smothers the spin.

Rahmat Shah, the captain, walks in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT SPECTACULARLY! Oh, my days! That's an absolute stunner from Adair. Tossed up and fullish outside off, Atal skips down the track and looks to launch it over long on. However, the ball arrives a fraction late, causing him to get it off the toe end. It airs towards long on's right, where Mark Adair swoops across and dives, and takes a sharp, low catch. Sediqullah Atal is standing shellshocked but has to walk off. Afghanistan are 84/2, needing 123 runs.

Byron McDonough has struggled with his lines and lengths so far. 1/32 in 4 overs for him. Maybe there will be a change in the next over from this end.

Full and wide on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it off the front foot towards deep point for an easy run.

Oh, this one just didn't rise up! A smidge shorter and around off, Sediqullah Atal hops a bit to work it across the line but the ball shoots low and beats the inside edge, almost grazing the top of off on its way.

In-between length, around off, kicking up a bit. Atal camps back and bunts it to the cover region.

FOUR! Rocketed off the blade! On a back of a length, angled in from around the stump. Sediqullah Atal picks the length early, gets the ball at a comfortable height and hammers it through deep square leg for a boundary. Good use of the wrists there to control the shot along the ground.

Pitched fuller and outside off. Atal drives it crisply to the cover fielder.

Sharp short ball, on top of middle and leg. Gurbaz backs away, stands up on the toes and dabs it along the ground to deep backward point for an easy single.

FOUR! Confident hit from Atal! He has played some really delightful shots already. He moves to 22 (19). Nicely tossed up, full and around the leg stump. Sediqullah Atal gets low on his knee and sweeps it behind square on the leg side, and beats deep square leg to his left for a boundary.

Nice and full, laced inside out to cover.

Another appeal for LBW, but the impact on this one might have been outside off. The umpire shakes his head. Slides outside off, on a fuller length, and turns in sharply. Atal leans to defend, but gets beaten on the inside edge and is hit on the front pad.

Landed outside, full, driven away to extra cover.

FOUR! High quality from Atal! Serves it on the platter, does Hoey, around off. Sediqullah Atal plants the front foot to the pitch of the ball and hammers it down the ground, to the left of mid off, for a boundary.

Big appeal for LBW, not given though! Spins in almost square into the batter, full on the leg stump. Atal is sucked on the front foot to flick but misses and is struck on the front pad. Perhaps going down leg with the spin.

Good work in the deep! Good running as well. Good cricket overall. Full and outside off, Sediqullah Atal creams it through the right of the cover fielder. Cade Carmichael runs a mile to his left from deep backward point and dives to haul the ball in to save a run for his team. The batters huslte through for the third run.

A well-directed bumper by McDonough, on top of off. Atal arches back and drops his wrists to make the leave.

Back of a length, outside off, angled away. Atal punches it off the back foot to cover, but cannot get it past the fielder, who makes a diving stop to his right.

Hits the length hard, angled in on the pads. Gurbaz waits for the ball and steers it behind square on the leg side for an easy single. Afghanistan need 140 runs!

On middle and leg, on a good length. Atal hangs back and nudges it to deep fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Laced away! A juicy half-volley, around the off stump line, Sediqullah Atal gets on the front foot, lets his hands through the shot and marvelously drives it through the cover gap for a boundary.

Short and around off, Sediqullah Atal hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket, where Harry Tector, dives over the ball and it seeps through to the deep. Mid off sprints across to his left and mops it up. One run taken. Tector is not having a great time in the field today. 2 runs from Gavin's first over.

No run.

No run.

Fuller one, sliding outside off, Atal again leans on to defend, but the ball beats his outside edge this time around.

Half an appeal for LBW, turned down! Impact looked to be outside off here. Full and outside off, spinning sharply back into the batter. Atal is drawn forward to defend, but the ball beats the inside edge before ramming the front pad.

Starts with a loopy leg break, full and around off, Gurbaz lunges forward and eases it to the point region for a quick single.

Powerplay 2! A maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the inner ring now till the 40th over. Afghanistan have done well so far and are 59/1 after 10 overs. Also, it is time for some spin now. Gavin Hoey comes into the attack.

Full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but miscues it to backward point for a single.

Shaping away, on off, Sediqullah Atal guides it to short third for a single.

Full and straight, Sediqullah Atal blocks it to the right of the bowler.

FOUR! Sediqullah Atal gets off the mark with a boundary. Full and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal picks it well and flicks it in the gap through square leg for a boundary.

Sediqullah Atal walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! There's the first breakthrough for Ireland. A very special moment for Byron as this is his first international wicket. He bangs it short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran swivels and looks to pull it but the extra bounce does him in and hurries him up. Gets a top edge as the ball goes high up in the air towards short covers. Andy Balbirnie moves forward, keeps his eyes on the ball, calls for his catch loudly, and takes a well-judged catch. 84 in the previous ODI, Ibrahim departs cheaply this time around. Afghanistan are 53/1, chasing 207 runs.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags it to mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to backward square leg for a single.

Bangs it short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.

50 comes up for Afghanistan! Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to mid off. Tector runs and dives to his right and makes a good stop. Keeps it to two runs.

PUT DOWN! Short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs in the air towards cover. Harry Tector is a bit late to track the ball, starts running forward and dives to take the catch but just manages to get his fingertips to it. Dot. Gurbaz, on the other hand, was also searching for where the ball actually went and stayed unmoved in his crease. Looks like Tector has grazed his elbows as he lands hard on the practice pitches in thereabouts of mid off. But eventually gets up on his feet, visibly disappointed.

Length and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of his bat. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket as the batters collect two runs.

Shaping in, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Slightly shorter, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it back to the bowler.

SIX! Connects it well this time! Angling in, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes room and slams it over long on for a biggie. A third six for Gurbaz. Ireland, in total, hit only one in their entire innings.

FOUR! Streaky from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Slightly shorter, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings hard but misses as the ball springs up from the pitch and flies back to the keeper.

Goes short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it back to the bowler.

Byron McDonough comes into the attack now, replacing Jai Moondra.

Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes over mid-wicket for a brace.

Short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it to cover.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover for a single.

Change of bat for Ibrahim Zadran. He doesn't seem to be happy with the old one.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it to the off side for a single.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it. Wide called.

Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover.

In the air, safe! Full and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs and lands safely at mid off. They collect two runs.

Nice and full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to short cover.

Slower one, on off, Ibrahim Zadran stabs it back to the bowler.

Good length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls towards fine leg for a single.

Beaten! Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swings hard but misses. The ball just goes over the off pole.

Afghanistan are 29 for no loss after 5 overs. Jai Moondra continues...

Hard length, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

A bit short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid off.

A tad fuller, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fends it to backward point for a single.

The ball hits the right hand of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He looks in some pain as his fingers get jammed between the handle and the ball. The physio is out in the middle to have a check. All fine now as the magic spray, as always, works like a charm, and we are good to continue...

Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but the ball kicks up and hits his gloves, and rolls towards backward point. Dot.

Hard length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to square leg.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran has a waft at it but misses.

Edgy! Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third. The fielder dives to his left near the fence and cuts off the boundary. Just a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

SIX! That goes the distance! Full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks the length early and powers it over long off for a biggie. It just pinged off his blade. Right from the middle.

Length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it through covers for one more.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to cover for a single.

A maiden from Mark Adair. Short, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to pull it but misses.

Five dots from Mark Adair now. Full and straight, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to short cover.

Slower one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms at it again.

Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran shoulders arms at it.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover.

Slower one, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to short cover.

Full and straight, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid off for a single.

Shaping in, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Ibrahim Zadran gets off the mark in style! Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to mid off for a single.

Back of a length, angling in, on leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to block it but misses. The ball just misses the leg pole.

SIX! That's a huge one from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! Jai Moondra bangs it short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and pulls it powerfully over deep square leg for a biggie.

A tidy start from Mark Adair, barring the boundary. Jai Moondra to share the attack.

Angling in, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it to the off side for a quick single.

Past the edge! Back of a length, just outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets off the mark with a streaky boundary! Full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away through short third for a boundary.

Beaten! Hard length, just outside off, with a hint of movement. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a wild swing at it but misses.

A bit short, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves again.

Mark Adair starts with a slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

OUT! TIMBER! Azmatullah Omarzai finishes things off. Full and straight, on middle and leg, Gavin Hoey goes deep in his crease and looks to loft it but gets beaten completely as the ball rattles over the middle and the leg pole. Gavin Hoey falls after a fine knock. Ireland have been bowled out for 206 runs!

Full and down leg, Byron McDonough looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards short third. An appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. It was going down leg. The batters collect a leg bye.

Angling in, on off, Gavin Hoey guides it to backward point for a single.

A tad fuller, on off, Byron McDonough blocks it back to the bowler.

End of a very resilient partnership, worth 76 runs. But that has surely brought some hope in that Irish camp. Byron McDonough is the last man in for the hosts. Meanwhile, Hoey helps himself with some fluids as McDonough prepares to face his first ball. Good to continue. Can he survive his first and the over's last ball?

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! There's the wicket at last. Yamin Ahmadzai breaks the gritty stand. Full and way outside off, Jai Moondra reaches out to it and looks to slap it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball carries towards the keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who dives low to his left and takes a sharp catch. Moondra has played a crucial hand, adding some precious runs for his side. Ireland are 204/9, with 4.1 overs left in the first innings.

Nice and full, on off, Gavin Hoey digs it to mid off for a run.

Slower one, outside off, Gavin Hoey drives it through covers for a brace.

Wide! Down the leg side, Gavin Hoey looks to flick it but misses.

Down the leg side, Jai Moondra looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards square leg. They collect a leg bye. Also, 200 COMES UP FOR IRELAND with that.

Much fuller, on off, Gavin Hoey pushes it to mid off for a single.

A very profitable over for the hosts as 12 runs come off that. And with the last 5 overs to go, 220 looks well within reach for the Irish men, which, at one stage, looked absolutely impossible. Yamin Ahmadzai is brought back on. 1/31 in 8 overs so far are his bowling figures. He replaces Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Tap and run! Hits the deck hard, does Omarzai, outside off. Gavin backs away and dabs it with soft hands to the point region for a quick single.

Short of a length, around off, Gavin Hoey stays leg side and crunches it away, but straight to Rasooli stationed at cover-point.

Length-delivery, slanting in. Moondra tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Over-the-head bumper from Omarzai, and that is let through by Moondra.

FOUR! Hits it through the gap! Three boundaries in four balls for Ireland. Moondra is playing a gem of a knock, and so is Hoey from the other end. Slams it hard into the pitch, around middle, Jai Moondra swivels and pulls it hard towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg has a lot of ground to cover to his right and the ball beats his chase.

On a back of a length, around off, Hoey hangs back and glides it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Onto it in a flash and runs are coming at a good clip for Ireland now! Short of a land, hammered into the body from over the stumps. Gavin Hoey picks the length in a trice and nails the pull shot through deep mid-wicket and deep square leg for a cracking boundary.

FOUR! What a glorious shot! A little too full from Fazalhaq, around the off stump. Jai Moondra presents full face of the blade and spanks it through the gap at mid off and cover for a cracking boundary. The partnership is now worth 58 runs between these two!

Attacks the stumps, full in length with a little bit of outswing. Jai Moondra watchfully defends it back to the bowler.

Overpitched on the leg stump, Gavin Hoey comfortably clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Fires it full and around off, Gavin Hoey exposes the stumps to create room and smash it past cover, but the ball squirts off the inside edge and rolls back to the bowler.

Brings the angle back into the batter, full in length, Gavin Hoey defends it down the pitch.

Skiddy delivery, on a length, nipping in. Jai Moondra drags the bat in front to block, but gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

This partnership just might be frustrating the Afghans now. From 128/8 in 29.4 overs, these two have come a long way. Fazalhaq Farooqi (7-0-30-1) returns.

Hard length, on leg, Gavin Hoey stabs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Jai Moondra looks to block it but edges it to third man for a single.

Back of a length, on off, Jai Moondra punches it to point.

A tad fuller, on off, Gavin Hoey knocks it to mid off for a single.

Back of a length, on leg, Gavin Hoey fends it to point.

Angling in, on off, Gavin Hoey pushes it to short cover.

Tossed up, full and on middle, inviting the drive, Jai carves it back to the bowler.

On a fuller length, on middle, spinning in, Gavin Hoey clips it through mid-wicket for a single. 50-RUN PARTNERSHIP COMES UP BETWEEN GAVIN AND MOONDRA! On a pitch where all the mainstay batters of Ireland struggled to put the ball away, these two have shown the way, looking progressively comfortable.

On a fuller length, drifting in. Moondra works it through mid on for a single.

Quicker and fuller, on middle, solidly blocked by Moondra.

FOUR! Beautifully played by Moondra! He is growing in confidence now. Too full and around the off stump. Jai Moondra gets the bat under the ball and pumps it over the bowler's head for a cracking boundary.

Tossed up, full on the leg stump. Gavin Hoey gently clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

AM Ghazanfar has one more over left. Will he get back on? Not yet. Hashmatullah Shahidi (1-0-3-0) to continue.

A touch full, on off, Gavin Hoey exposes the stumps and dangles the bat to block awkwardly. Gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

Slants it into the batter, full in length. Hoey pushes it back to the bowler.

Hits the hard length, on top of off. Gavin Hoey hangs back and punches it to backward point. The fielder makes a sharp stop to his left.

Angles it in from off, on a good length. Hoey stays leg side and tries to cut it away, but the ball nips in, takes the inside edge and thuds the thigh pad.

Short and outside off, Jai backs away and square cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Gavin hangs back and stabs it in front of point for a quick single. Good, proactive running!

Powerplay 3! Afghanistan can now have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. But something positive to look at for Ireland as they have negotiated the 31-40 over phase without losing a single wicket. The partnership between Hoey and Moondra is now worth 40 runs. They have displayed excellent resilience so far and will look to bat through. Fazalhaq Farooqi will bowl his seventh over now.

Beaten! A bit short, outside off, Jai Moondra looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Fired in, on leg, Jai Moondra flicks it to mid-wicket.

Too full, on off, Gavin Hoey digs it to mid on for one.

Much fuller, on middle, Gavin Hoey eases it back to the bowler.

Flatter, outside off, Jai Moondra punches it through cover for a single.

Time for Hashmatullah Shahidi to roll his arm over now. Not a bad move from Afghanistan to bring another spinner on. A bit short, on off, Gavin Hoey knocks it to mid on for a single.

FOUR! That's flayed through the gap by Moondra! Back of a length, outside off, Jai Moondra latches onto it and slashes it through backward point for a boundary.

Angling in, on off, Jai Moondra stabs it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, outside off, left alone by Jai Moondra.

Full and straight, Gavin Hoey pushes it to point for a single.

A dot ball.

Slower one, outside off, Jai Moondra punches it to cover for a single.

No run.

Wide! Just when the ball was delivered, the broadcast issue popped up once again. Hopefully, it gets resolved soon.

Too full, on off, Gavin Hoey digs it back to the bowler.

Good length, outside off, Gavin Hoey cuts it to point.

Back of a length, on off, Gavin Hoey punches it to cover.

FOUR! That's a good shot! Back of a length, on leg, Gavin Hoey swivels and pulls it magnificently over backward square leg for a boundary.

Hard length, on off, Gavin Hoey punches it to cover.

ABSOLUTE RIPPER! Misses the off pole by a few centimeters. A flat googly, just outside off, spinning away after landing. Jai Moondra looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up on the outside edge. That just trims the top of the off pole before nestling into the keeper's glove. Another frugal spell of bowling from Rashid as he finishes with figures reading 3/44 in 10 overs.

Gives it air, on leg, Gavin Hoey flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Slowish, on off, Gavin Hoey punches it to cover.

Too full, on middle, Gavin Hoey flicks it to mid-wicket.

Wide! Down the leg side, Gavin Hoey looks to flick it but misses.

Too full, on off, Gavin Hoey pushes it back to the bowler.

Beaten! Turning away, outside off, Gavin Hoey has a waft at it but misses.

Short again, on off, Gavin Hoey fends it to backward point for a single.

A sharp bouncer, outside off, Gavin Hoey swings hard but misses. Five dots from Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Short again, on leg, Gavin Hoey ducks under it.

Bangs it short, outside off, Gavin Hoey tries to pull it but misses.

Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Gavin Hoey feels for it, tries to punch it past covers, but misses out by a whisker.

Full and straight, Gavin Hoey pushes it to cover.

Ireland are 151/8 after 35 overs. It has been a good little partnership from Jai Moondra and Gavin Hoey at the lower order, and they will be hoping to push this total further. Also, Fazalhaq Farooqi comes into the attack now. He replaces AM Ghazanfar.

Fullish, outside off, Gavin Hoey knocks it to mid off for a single.

Fired in, on leg, Jai Moondra knocks it to mid on for a single. 150 comes up for Ireland.

Gives it air, on leg, Gavin Hoey flicks it to square leg for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Gavin Hoey eases it to cover.

Fullish, on off, Gavin Hoey blocks it to mid on.

Flatter, down the leg side, spinning in sharply. Gavin Hoey looked to flick it but wears it on his pads. Rashid lets out a bellows of an appeal! It appeared to be passing over the top of the stumps and may also have been drifting down the leg side. The umpire remained unmoved.

Short and wide, left alone by Jai Moondra.

Wide! Down the leg side, Jai Moondra leaves it alone. Wided.

Flatter, outside off, Gavin Hoey slashes it through covers for a single.

Gives it air, outside off, Gavin Hoey drives it through covers for a brace.

Short, on off, Gavin Hoey blocks it back to the bowler.

Fullish, outside off, Gavin Hoey blocks it to point.

Fired in, on off, Gavin Hoey eases it to mid on.

Beaten! Turning in, just outside off, Jai Moondra looks to block it but gets beaten. The ball just misses the off pole.

Drops it short, on off, Gavin Hoey punches it to point for a single.

Flatter, outside off, Jai Moondra drives it to cover for a single.

A bit short, just outside off, Jai Moondra looks to block it but misses again.

Beaten! Flatter and outside off, Jai Moondra looks to punch it but misses.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Jai Moondra leaves it alone.

On the stumps, a tad fuller, Gavin Hoey eases it back to the bowler again.

Drops it short, on off, Gavin Hoey blocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Jai Moondra knocks it to mid on for a single.

A bit short, on off, Gavin Hoey tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker, outside off, Gavin Hoey blocks it to point.

Fullish, on leg, Gavin Hoey stabs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Gavin Hoey pushes it to cover for a single.

Too full, on middle, Gavin Hoey digs it back to the bowler.

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Ireland! Quicker, down the leg side, Gavin Hoey looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball races away to the fence at fine leg.

A googly, on off, Gavin Hoey blocks it to mid on.

Beaten! Quicker, outside off, Gavin Hoey looks to block it but misses.

Fired in, on off, Jai Moondra punches it to cover for a single.

Quicker, on leg, Gavin Hoey flicks it to square leg for a single.

30 overs done. The Afghan spin duo is wreaking havoc in Belfast. Ireland, on the other hand, have had absolutely no answers to spin. Rashid Khan will continue.

Full on middle, drifting in. Jai lunges and pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! A freebie and Moondra is off the mark! A shin high full toss, sliding in. Jai Moondra flicks it hard and through mid-wicket and square leg gap for a boundary to get off the mark.

The nosedive continues for Ireland. There are still 20 overs to spare, but Afghanistan will look to bundle them out as quickly as possible. Jai Moondra is in at number 10.

OUT! CAUGHT! A very soft dismissal for Calitz and there goes the last recognized batter for Ireland. The in-drifter on a fuller length, around the pads, on a fuller length. Ben Calitz looks to flick but fails to hit it along the ground and chips it flatly towards Rashid Khan at mid-wicket. The Afghan captain is not dropping those, but that's a fine catch as it came at a decent speed towards him. 63/1 becomes 128/8 for Ireland.

Reload! AM Ghazanfar aborts delivering the ball. Maybe, he couldn't release the ball in time. That happens when you hold the ball really tightly. Walks back to his bowling mark.

Short from around the stump, and outside off. Ben hangs back and chops it to the left of the first slip fielder.

Loops above the eyeline, around off, Gavin Hoey waits for the ball to arrive and creams it to deep cover for a single.

Serves it full and on the stumps. Ben Calitz lofts it over mid on. Darwish Rasooli runs in off the long on ropes and collects it on the bounce. One run taken.

WIDE! Miles down leg, full in length. Calitz tries to flick but misses. Good grab by Gurbaz behind the stumps.

A nothing shot from Adair, really. A rush of blood maybe. Gavin Hoey is in at number 9.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Wicket number 3 for Rashid and his ninth overall in this ODI series. Another googly dished out by Rashid. Lands it full and around the off stump. Mark Adair does read the variation and gets low on a knee to sweep it, but plays the shot before the ball dips on him. Hence, it goes below the inside edge and crashes into the stumps behind. Ireland are 125/7 in 29 overs.

WIDE! Slides one down leg, short in length. Mark Adair misses to tuck it across.

Dropped short, outside off, Ben Calitz flays it through point for a single.

Bowls a googly, on a length, spinning in. Mark Adair nudges it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a single.

Short and spinning in on the pads. Ben Calitz rocks back and whips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

The length is dragged back, outside off, Mark hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Nice and full, clipped off the pads to mid-wicket.

Turns in from outside off, full in length. Ben smothers the spin.

FOUR BYES! That has beaten everyone! Good length, in the off-stump channel and spinning in. Calitz is beaten by the sharp leg-break, and Gurbaz is deceived to his right as well. The ball races away for four byes towards fine leg.

Flights it up, full and outside off, Mark Adair smashes it over the inner ring, and one the bounce to Darwish Rasooli at long off. Just a single.

Dishes out a full ball, around off, Adair lunges and taps it to point with soft hands.

Serves it full on the leg stump, Mark clips it to mid-wicket.

Drops it full in front of middle, coming into the batter. Ben Calitz flicks it off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

Bowls from the wider angle, full on off, angling in. Ben Calitz drives it inside out through covers for a single. 9 runs and Tector's wicket ​​​​​​from this over.

SIX! OH, HELLO? Where did that come from? Rashid bowls it full and on the off stump, Ben Calitz lets the ball dip and turn before clobbering it over the wide long off fence for a flat six. This is the first six of the match!

Full on middle, from around the stumps. Ben Calitz carves it towards mid off.

Leg break, full on leg, Mark Adair watches the ball closely and nurdles it to deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Once again, the spinners are ruling the roost. Four out of six wickets so far have fallen to the spin duo of Afghanistan. Mark Adair walks in at number 8.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Exceptional display of spin bowling from the wizard, Rashid Khan. The Irish batters have looked all at sea once again while dealing with the spin. Dishes out the deceptive googly, and lands it full around off. Harry Tector is drawn forward and looks to drive it straight back but the ball barges through the yawning gap between the bat and pad and rattles the stumps behind. A massive wicket for Afghanistan as Tector perishes. Ireland are 106/6 in 26.2 overs.

Bowls from around the stump, does Rashid. On a fuller length, around leg, Ben clips it along the ground through mid on for a single.

Change? Nope. Rashid Khan (1/15 in 4 overs) will continue. A slip in place.

Dropped short, outside off, Calitz backs away and scythes it to deep point for a single.

Tossed up, very full on middle, Harry Tector crunches it to deep extra cover for a run.

Goes deep in the crease and tucks this short ball to the mid-wicket fielder.

Short and on the pads, Calitz tucks it to backward square leg for a single.

Pushed fuller, sliding in with the arm. Ben defends forward.

A big appeal for caught behind, but turned down. Full and on middle and leg, the carrom ball that goes the other way. Ben lunges to defend, but the ball lobs off the front pad and Gurbaz runs to his right to gobble it up.

Halfway mark reached. In 25 overs, Ireland are 102/5, progressing at a snail's pace right now. They have lost too many wickets than they would have liked and need a stable partnership to post a challenging score on this track. The Afghans will look to wrap this up as quickly as possible.

Pitched full and on off, Ben Calitz drives it to the cover-point region for a single.

From around the stump, this is the googly, full and outside off. Ben is sucked on the front foot, looks to drive away, but the ball spins and beats the outside edge.

Pushed through, full around off, Ben Calitz caresses it to extra cover.

Short on leg, spinning in, defended off the back foot to the leg side.

Hashmatullah Shahidi might have hurt himself while trying to dive and stop the ball on the previous delivery. He is down on the ground and Rashid Khan and Adrian Holdstock, the on-field umpire check up on him. Shahidi gets up eventually and is good to continue.

Drags it down, short on middle, a bit quicker. Harry Tector rocks back and punches it to the left of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.

Conventional leg break, full on off, Tector lunges and blocks it to mid off.

100 UP FOR IRELAND! Full and outside off, Harry drives it along the ground to the cover-point region for a single.

Full on off, drifting in, Ben caresses it to cover. He hesitates but then starts sprinting through to the other end, and gets home safely, completing the single.

Dropped fuller, spinning away, outside off. Calitz tries to drive inside out to cover but gets an outside edge to the left of the first slip fielder. The deep third fielder mops it up to his right. Two runs taken.

From around the wickets. This is full and drifting in, Ben Calitz pushes at it and gets an inside edge. The ball gets squeezed out to the mid-wicket region.

Pitched full and outside off, Harry Tector shovels it to deep backward point for a single.

Loops it full on the pads, and this is flicked to short mid-wicket.

Spins in from middle, on a length. Calitz tucks it to backward square leg.

Full again, outside off, Ben Calitz carves it to deep extra cover. The fielder there slides across and saves a couple of runs for his side, just before the ropes.

Dishes out the googly, full and outside off, Ben plays at it and looks to drive but misses out.

Flatter and fuller, on off, Tector leans on and taps it to the point region for a single.

Slides it onto the pads, Harry Tector flicks it to the square leg region and they hustle back for the second run.

Nice and full, on leg, Harry clips it to the right of the bowler.

Drifts in from middle, full in length, Ben Calitz taps it across to the leg side.

WIDE! Sprays it far down leg. Let through by Calitz.

On off and full, blocked out.

Nice and full, around off, Calitz defends it out safely.

Half of the Irish side is back in the hut. Campher is not happy with the decision but has to walk back. Ben Calitz is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Looped above the eyeline, full on middle, Campher get on the front foot to drive it straight but seems to have hit it straight and on the bounce to the bowler. Ghazanfar snaffles it on the follow-through to his right. Bump ball? The Afghan players are already celebrating but the decision is sent upstairs to check the legality of the catch. The replay shows that the ball might have gone straight to the bowler without making contact with the ground. 63/1 becomes 89/5 for Ireland after 21/3 overs.

Bump ball? It certainly looks that way. The on-field umpires have sent the decision upstairs for a closer look. The third umpire must determine whether the ball bounced off the pitch before reaching the bowler, or whether Campher chipped it cleanly back for a straightforward return catch. Oh, he has been ruled out after checking the side on replay.

Quicker, on off, Curtis Campher blocks it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Curtis Campher digs it to cover.

Full and on off, Curtis Campher knocks it to mid on for a single.

Full and outside off. Campher pushes it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Full in front of the sticks, Curtis leans on a defends this out.

Full on the pads, clipped to the leg side.

On a length, a leg break. Campher, on the back foot, is beaten on the outside edge. There's half an appeal for LBW, but it has been turned down.

Short and around off, Curtis hangs back and angles it to backward point.

40/3 in the 11-20 over phase for Ireland. The spinners have put on a choke once again, exposing the vulnerabilities of the Irish batters.

Too full, on off, Harry Tector digs it back to the bowler.

Fired in, on off, Harry Tector flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fullish, on off, Harry Tector taps it to point.

A bit short, on off, Curtis Campher tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker, on off, Curtis Campher eases it to mid off.

Another one falls. Curtis Campher walks in to bat now.

OUT! LBW! AM Ghazanfar strikes. A bit short, on top of off, Lorcan Tucker rocks back and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits him on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. The height seemed to be an issue, but because Lorcan Tucker was deep in his crease, it would have hit the stumps. Also, there is no DRS for this series, so Lorcan Tucker has to walk back.

A googly, on middle, Harry Tector looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards backward square leg. They collect two runs as the throw is a wide one towards the bowling end.

Fullish, on leg, Lorcan Tucker taps it to square leg for a single.

Cade Carmichael falls. Lorcan Tucker walks in to bat now.

OUT! LBW! Immediate impact from Rashid Khan. Fired in, full and on off, with a hint of turn. Cade Carmichael leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball hits his pads. A loud celebrappeal from Rashid and the finger goes up straightaway. That looked dead straight in real time. Carmichael couldn't extend his start and walks back. Ireland are 82/3 after 18.4 overs now.

Too full, on off, Harry Tector digs it to cover for a single.

Flatter, on off, Cade Carmichael knocks it down to long on for a single.

Quicker, on middle, Cade Carmichael blocks it to mid on.

A big cheer from the crowd as Rashid Khan comes into the attack.

Tossed up, outside off, Harry Tector drives it through mid off for a brace. With that, Tector gets to 2000 ODI runs, and also becomes the fastest Irish batter to achieve this feat.

Full, just outside off, Cade Carmichael taps it to cover for a single.

A bit short, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it to short cover.

Nice and full, on middle, Cade Carmichael stabs it to point.

Fired in, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it back to the bowler.

Quicker, on leg, Cade Carmichael tucks it to mid-wicket.

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Cade Carmichael leaves it alone. Wided.

First look at spin. AM Ghazanfar comes into the attack now, replacing Azmatullah Omarzai.

Slightly shorter, outside off, left alone by Harry Tector.

Fullish, on leg, Cade Carmichael flicks it through square leg for a single.

Good length, on off, Cade Carmichael fends it back to the bowler.

Shaping in, outside off, Cade Carmichael stabs it to short cover.

FOUR! That's a top shot from Cade Carmichael! Yamin Ahmadzai goes full and on off, Cade Carmichael picks it well and knocks it magnificently through mid on for a boundary.

Angling in, on off, Cade Carmichael punches it to the bowler.

A tad fuller, on off, Harry Tector pushes it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, Cade Carmichael slaps it through backward point for a single.

Bangs it short, on off, Cade Carmichael fends it to mid on.

Back of a length, on leg, Harry Tector tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Down the leg side, Cade Carmichael looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Much fuller, outside off, Cade Carmichael blocks it to point.

Good length and outside off, Harry Tector shoulders arms at it.

Slightly shorter, on off, Harry Tector looks to block it but wears it high on his pads. An appeal but turned down. Perhaps the height.

Fullish, outside off, Cade Carmichael drives it through covers for a single.

Past the edge! Shaping away, just outside off, Cade Carmichael swings hard but misses.

A tad fuller, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it to short cover.

Beaten! Hits the deck hard, outside off, Cade Carmichael looks to block it but gets beaten.

Shaping in, on off, Cade Carmichael eases it to point for a single.

Short and wide, Cade Carmichael shoulders arms at it.

Fullish, on off, Harry Tector pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Shaping away, outside off, Harry Tector shoulders arms at it.

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Harry Tector looks to flick it but misses.

1 run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

Harry Tector walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! Yamin Ahmadzai gets the big wicket of Paul Stirling. Ireland are 63/2 after 12.3 overs now.

FOUR! A boundary after a long time for Ireland.

1 run.

A single. Ireland are 58/1 after 12 overs.

No run.

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Ireland.

1 run.

No run.

1 run.

50 comes up for Ireland with this single now.

Two runs! Ireland are 49/1 after 11 overs now.

No run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

1 run.

Powerplay 2 is underway! Ireland are 46/1 after 10 overs of play. Up to four fielders can now be placed outside the ring through to the 40th over. Meanwhile, we sincerely apologize for the intermittent broadcast disruptions. Let's hope it gets resolved soon.

FOUR! A positive way to end the Powerplay. Ireland are 46/1 and the stand is worth 27 runs between Stirling and Carmichael.

No run.

1 run.

No run.

No run.

Swings away a bit, on a length, on off, Paul Stirling presses back and taps it to cover-point.

On a hard length, outside off, Stirling taps it through short third and backward point for a single.

Nips away from off, on a good length, this is blocked straight back at the bowler.

On a length, around off, Paul eases it to the off side.

A massive appeal for caught behind, but turned down. Gurbaz was celebrating already, but had to tone it down. Looks like there are no reviews available. Back of a length, around off, swinging away. Stirling hangs back and pokes at it, but the ball zips past the outside edge before nestling into the keeper's gloves.

No run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

3 runs.

1 run.

No run.

No run.

Azmatullah Omarzai is introduced into the attack now, replacing Yamin Ahmadzai. If you're wondering where the commentary went, it is because of the broadcast issue. Sincere apologies for the inconvenience. We are also waiting for the issue to be resolved soon...

FOUR! The captain moves to 11 (14) with that shot and the partnership is now worth 17 between these two.

No run.

Wide!

No run.

No run.

1 run.

No run.

1 run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

No run.

FOUR! That's the second boundary for Carmichael. He moves to 9 and looks very confident out there.

A dot ball to end the over. 6 runs and a wicket from Farooqi's third over. 1/15 in 3 overs for him so far.

No run.

Ugh! The broadcast issue again. Let's hope it gets resolved soon.

Full and swinging in, this is flicked off the pads to deep square leg for a single.

Full and around off, Cade Carmichael leans on and blocks it solidly.

FOUR! What a gorgeous-looking stroke to get off the mark! Full in length, shaping in, from off to middle. Cade Carmichael presents straight bat face. And with lovely extension of arms, he creams it gun-barrel straight down the ground, bisecting long on and long off for a boundary.

WIDE! Swings down leg, on a fuller length, Cade Carmichael gets outside the line to flick but misses out. There's a muted appeal for a caught behind, but it is not entertained by the umpire.

Andy Balbirnie falls. Cade Carmichael walks in to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT AT FIRST SLIP! Fazalhaq Farooqi draws first blood for the Afghans. Superb catch by Atal. He angles the ball across the right hander, bowling it full and outside the off stump, inviting the drive. Balbirnie falls in the trap as he is drawn forward and pushes at it with hard hands. Ends up getting a big outside edge and the ball goes low to the left of Sediqullah Atal at first slip. He dives and scoops the ball inches above the turf. Ireland are 19/1 after 4.1 overs.

Ireland are 19 for no loss after 4 overs. Also, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks in some pain. The physio is out in the middle to have a check. Perhaps it was because of the dropped catch. His left thumb is getting strapped. All fine now and we are good to go...

Hits the hard length, just outside off. Andy Balbirnie stands tall and dabs it through backward point for an easy single.

Attacks the stumps, angling into the batter. Andy Balbirnie looks to push it straight, but gets a fat inside edge onto the front pad before the ball rolls towards square leg.

Straightening up from a length, around off, Stirling glides it towards deep third for a single.

FOUR! Up and over! Full and wide outside off, Stirling throws his bat at it and slices it over point for a boundary, beating deep third to his left.

Was there an edge? Yes, looks like it. GURBAZ DROPS A CHANCE! On a length, tailing into the batter, on middle. Paul Stirling leans half-forward to defend, but gets a faint inside edge through to the keeper's left. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives and tries to catch that one-handed but shells it as the ball pops out of his mitts. He may have had a better chance had he gone with both hands. A costly miss for Afghanistan.

Slams it on a length and it straightens up after pitching, Paul Stirling gets squared up while trying to defend, and the ball rolls off the leading edge towards point.

Tighter line, full and on off, Andy Balbirnie lets the ball shape in and then blocks it down the pitch.

Slightly fuller and on off. Andy Balbirnie plays off the back foot and knocks it straight back at the bowler.

Hits the back of a length, across the batter. Balbirnie square cuts it but cannot get it through the gap at backward point.

On a good length, on middle, Paul Stirling rocks back and steers it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Beauty! Good comeback by the bowler! Full and around off, nipping away. Paul is squared up and is beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

FIVE WIDES! That has gone all wrong for Farooqi. A big inswinger and it just keeps going down leg, full in length. Paul Stirling misses the flick and the ball stays out of reach of Gurbaz, who puts in a full length dive to his left. The ball runs through to the deep fine leg fence.

Good length, around the off stump with some bounce. Stirling hangs back and bunts it into the off side.

Oh, this one zips and nips back in from a fuller length, around the off stump. Andy is drawn forward to drive but the ball beats the inside edge and goes through to the keeper.

Back of a length, on middle and leg. Balbirnie blocks it off the inner half to the square leg region.

FOUR! Through the gap! Full and swinging into the batter, Andy flicks it through square leg. The ball loses its steam as it approaches the ropes, but it has enough wheels to beat the chase of the fielder from the ring.

No run.

No run.

No run.

Yamin Ahmadzai will share the attack.

A single taken.

No run.

Another dot.

A dot ball.

Well, it looks like there's a broadcasting issue from the stadium, with no live feed currently. Let's hope the issue gets resolved soon.

Another single and Paul Stirling is off the mark as well.

Ireland are underway as Balbirnie opens his account with a single.

Unpacking the toss - There is no real surprise in Ireland naming an unchanged XI, which suggests there is no panic in their camp with three matches still to play. But surely, they will be aiming to put on a complete performance this time around. Their bowlers leaked quite a lot of runs in the second ODI. While their middle order appeared to be pretty vulnerable against spin, especially while facing Rashid Khan, who picked a six-wicket haul. Afghanistan, too, have resisted making wholesale changes, with just one alteration to their bowling attack. One seamer coming in for another, pretty much like-for-like. Their batting looked more organised and would be looking to put on a similar showing. But they are chasing today, so firstly, they would like to restrict the hosts to a modest score, and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the conditions in Belfast. Okay then, the players are out in the middle. Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling are out to open for Ireland. Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (C), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai (In for Mohammad Saleem) and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Ireland (Unchanged Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Andy Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra and Byron McDonough.

TOSS - Both captains are out in the middle and the coin flip has gone in favor of Rahmat Shah. Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.

WEATHER - It is going to be a chilly day in Belfast with a high of 19 degrees Celsius and temperatures will drop down to as low as 14 degrees as the evening approaches. Thankfully, largely clear conditions are forecast for the day. Although there is always a concern that rain could make an appearance, as the weather can change in a blink in this part of the world. One moment it can be bright and sunny. The next, the clouds can burst open. Let’s hope the weather stays kind for this crucial fixture, one that could determine the direction of the series.

A happy hunting ground? Ireland, meanwhile, return to the venue where they recently registered a historic series win over reigning T20 World champions India in the shortest format. However, with 50-over cricket having been far and few in between for the hosts, this will be their first ODI in Belfast in five years. Their record at the venue is fairly even, with 13 wins and 14 defeats. Now 1-0 down, Ireland face a steep climb and need to overcome their vulnerabilities against spin. They must win all four remaining ODIs to claim the series, beginning with a victory that would end their seven-match losing streak against Afghanistan and give them their first ODI win over the visitors since May 2019. But the task won't be straightforward at all. Can the hosts finally loosen Afghanistan’s grip, or will the tourists move one step closer to sealing the series? Toss and team news coming up next. Stay tuned.

One ticket, one detour - The road to the 2027 ODI World Cup has already forked, with just a year and a couple of months left. And Afghanistan’s emphatic victory in the second ODI sealed their direct passage to the global event, while two-time champions West Indies were left taking the scenic route through the qualification process. Afghanistan now head to Belfast with confidence high and momentum firmly on their side after a near-flawless display in the previous game. Their return to Stormont will be their first ODI appearance there since 2019, and their record at the venue offers a little of everything. So far, they have had five wins and four defeats in eight completed matches here.

Chapter 3 of 5 - From the rain-lashed Bready, this five-match ODI series packs its bags and trundles off to a chillier Belfast, a couple of hours up the road, where the next three fixtures will play out. Hello and welcome to the third ODI between Ireland and Afghanistan. The tourists hold a 1-0 lead, and a win here will at least ensure they don't lose the series, with a series draw the worst possible result for them. For the hosts, it's about collecting the pieces once again and solving the puzzle this time around to keep their hopes alive. The first match was a complete washout, and the second got trimmed for its troubles too, so here's hoping the weather finally plays ball and we get a full 100 overs in at the Civil Service Cricket Club. On that note, hello and welcome to our coverage. It's going to be an exciting ride, so hop along with us.

... MATCH DAY ...

A new chapter in Belfast - Ireland and Afghanistan move to Stormont in Belfast for the third ODI, with the series now taking on a very different complexion after Afghanistan's emphatic victory in the second game. The opening match was washed out at Bready before Afghanistan dominated the rain-shortened second contest, winning by 92 runs after posting 299/8 in a game reduced to 47 overs per side. With the last three matches all taking place in Belfast, Ireland will be looking to make home conditions count and find a response, while Afghanistan can now play with the confidence of having already secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ireland searching for a response - Ireland's challenge goes beyond this series, with the side already knowing that they will have to navigate the Qualifiers for a place at the 2027 ODI World Cup. The long gap between ODI assignments has made this an unusual series for the hosts, with Ireland returning to the format after around 18 months without an ODI. That lack of regular 50-over cricket inevitably takes time to overcome, particularly against an Afghanistan side that has been playing consistently across formats. With three matches now to come at Stormont, Ireland have an opportunity to regain their rhythm, build confidence and give themselves a positive platform heading into the next phase of their qualification journey. There are encouraging pieces within the batting group, with Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker providing experience around a group that also includes younger players looking to establish themselves. Cade Carmichael's 62 in the second ODI offered another glimpse of the potential within the newer generation, but Ireland will need greater consistency across the order. The move to Stormont also gives them familiar home surroundings, and they will hope that can help bring the best out of a batting unit that has the ability to be much more competitive than the results so far have suggested. Bowlers must step up - Ireland's bowling unit has plenty of variety and experience, with Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Andy McBrine providing established options across different phases, while Jai Moondra has also impressed with the ball and offers another useful seam-bowling option. The newer faces have added further encouragement, with Byron McDonald and Gavin Hoey both making promising ODI debuts, Hoey also making an immediate impact by picking up a wicket. The conditions at Stormont could further suit their seamers if the overcast skies bring movement, while their spin options give them a way to control the middle overs. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Ireland have the resources to challenge Afghanistan's batting if they can find consistency in their execution. Afghanistan can play with freedom - Afghanistan can now approach the remainder of the series with considerably less pressure after securing their direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup with their emphatic win in the second ODI. Their batting continues to show plenty of depth, with Ibrahim Zadran leading the way at the top and the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi capable of building substantial partnerships. One area they will want to improve, however, is converting those starts into bigger scores. Five batters scored 30 or more in the second ODI, yet only Zadran went on to make a substantial contribution, highlighting a potential area for improvement despite the strength of their batting unit. The series also marks the beginning of a new leadership era, with Rahmat Shah taking over the ODI captaincy from Shahidi. His vast experience gives Afghanistan a steady hand at the top, while the presence of Azmatullah Omarzai and a deep middle order ensures they have plenty of firepower to complement their world-class bowling attack. With the pressure of qualification now removed, Afghanistan can focus on building combinations and continuing the progress that has made them one of the stronger sides in ODI cricket. Rashid remains the ultimate difference-maker - And then there is Rashid Khan, who once again demonstrated why he can change a match almost single-handedly. After arriving in Ireland fresh from a five-wicket haul in The Hundred, Rashid produced another spectacular performance with 6/34, showing that he is already well accustomed to the conditions after spending recent weeks playing in England. But Afghanistan's bowling strength extends well beyond their star spinner. AM Ghazanfar offers the mystery-spin element and can be particularly difficult to line up in the middle overs, while the likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi give them a blend of pace, experience and control. Mohammad Saleem had a quieter outing with the ball in the second ODI after a difficult first game, but Afghanistan have enough depth for different bowlers to step up depending on the conditions. Weather remains an unwanted storyline - For the third consecutive match, however, the weather could have a say. The first ODI never got underway because of persistent rain, while the second was reduced to 47 overs per side. Forecasts again point towards overcast conditions in Belfast, leaving both teams hoping the rain stays away long enough for the series to finally get a sustained run of cricket. The conditions could also make the toss and early use of the seamers particularly important, with Stormont potentially offering a very different challenge from Bready. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - IRE - LLWLW | AFG - WLLLW. A chance to shift momentum - For Ireland, this is about finding a response and showing the resilience that has made them competitive against Afghanistan in the past. For Afghanistan, it is an opportunity to continue building under new leadership and prove that their qualification achievement can be followed by sustained excellence. Both sides have plenty of quality, but the question is who can impose their strengths for longer when the pressure moments arrive. With the series still to be shaped, the third ODI promises another intriguing battle between two sides with plenty left to prove.