Ireland vs Afghanistan , Full Score Card

OUT! CAUGHT SPECTACULARLY! Sediqullah Atal snaps a stunning catch to cap off his birthday in style. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 42 RUNS! And with that, they win the 5-match ODI series, leading by 3-0. Full and angling into the batter around off. McDonough goes right back in his crease, clearing that front leg out of the way, and swings hard trying to muscle it away into the leg side. The elevation just isn't there though. Deep mid-wicket springs into action, as Sediqullah Atal times his leap to perfection and clutches the catch, somehow staying balletically balanced with both feet inside the rope. The third umpire is called upon for a closer look, though there isn't much in the way of angles to work with. One replay is enough to confirm that Atal's feet stayed well clear of the ropes throughout. A day to remember for Ahmadzai too, who rounds it off with a stunning four-wicket haul.

300 UP FOR IRELAND! On the fuller length, and around off. McDonough clears the front leg away and whips it to the widish deep square leg region for a couple of runs. Both sides have piled on the runs here, on a surface that's been an absolute belter to bat on all day.

Too full and outside off, Liam carves it to extra cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowling end, but misses.

FOUR! Gets it away! Back of a length, just outside off. McCarthy opens up his stance pulls it away to the right of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary. 46 needed off 15 balls.

Fullish and angling into the batter, this is flicked off the pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Too wide outside off, Byron lets it be.

Byron McDonough is the last man in.

OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND CAUGHT! That should be the game for Afghanistan. But full credit to Campher, who conjured a fightback out of thin air, dragging this contest back from the dead when nobody gave it a chance. Full and wide outside off, deliberately kept away from the hitting arc. Campher goes down low and throws everything into it, with no option left but to keep swinging for the fences. But his bottom hand comes off the bat at the crucial moment, and the mistimed shot balloons up towards extra cover, where Rahmat settles under it for an easy catch. Ireland are 292 for 9, needing 52 more runs.

Yamin Ahmadzai comes back into the attack.

Back of a length, on top of off, Liam McCarthy hops off and tucks it to mid-wicket. 52 runs needed from 18 balls.

Full and wide, this is squeezed out to extra cover for a single.

FOUR! Goodness me! That's a schoolboy error in the deep! Full and outside off, Curtis Campher gets on the front foot and slaps it through cover-point. Yamin Ahmadzai moves to his left but does not bend low enough as the ball seeps through his legs for a boundary. Rahmat Shah will not be pleased with that sloppy effort one bit.

Around off, on a good length, Liam McCarthy slices it through backward point for a single. Campher is on strike now with 57 needed from 21 balls.

It has started to look a lot gloomier here now.

WIDE! Way too short from around the stumps again, angled down the leg stump. Liam again swings to pull but misses out to connect. And this time, it is called a wide for height.

Swing and a miss! Bangs in a short ball, angled down leg, at shoulder height. Liam McCarthy stays put and looks to hook it over square leg, but the ball flies over the bat and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gathers it safely behind the stumps. He appeals but it is toned down as soon as the umpire shakes his head.

Wide full toss, Curtis Campher swings hard at it and slices it over point, and it goes on the bounce to the sweeper for a single.

Ziaur Rahman is back on.

A big appeal for LBW, but turned down! Omarzai comes from aound the wicket now. Bowls it fuller and outside off, McCarthy walks across his stumps and tries to defend but misses it completely. The ball raps him on the front pad. The impact looked to be outside off here.

Far outside off, on a length, looks to be the slower one from Omarzai. Curtis throws his bat and slaps it through point for a single.

FOUR! Pumped into the vacant area! He is playing a blinder here in Stormont! Tails in on a fuller length, Curtis Campher picks the length early and whips it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 60 runs needed from 26 balls.

WIDE! Campher shuffles outside off to play the scoop shot, and seeing that Omarzai fires it miles outside off, on a good length. It goes beyond the cut-strip and is called a wide.

Excellent running! Full and outside off stump, Campher reaches out and drills it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.

FOUR! What a shot! Slower bumper, outside off. Curtis Campher generates the power and hammers it over cover-point, finding the gap perfectly for a boundary. 68 needed from 28 balls.

Short of a length, around off, Liam McCarthy hangs back and guides it to the right of the backward point fielder. Hashmatullah Shahidi dives and makes a half-stop, parrying the ball to the deep for a single.

5 overs to go, Ireland still need 73 runs to win. Campher is fighting a lone battle here and is keeping the dreams of an Ireland win alive. Azmatullah Omarzai will bowl out. 9-2-44-2 so far.

FOUR! 15 runs off the over! A slower bumper, on off, Curtis Campher waits for it and pulls it away wide of deep square leg. Rashid Khan runs to his right and slides but fails to stop the boundary.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Fuller once more, on middle, in the slot as well. Curtis Campher clears his front leg away and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

FOUR! Not sure how to describe that shot! Pitched up and around off, takes pace off. Curtis Campher changes his stance early to play the reverse scoop, but he gets it from the outer half of the bat as the ball flies over short fine for a boundary.

Fuller and on middle, Liam McCarthy drills it past the bowler for a single. He opens his account in ODI cricket.

Back of a length and around off, holds its line, Liam McCarthy tries to guide it away but misses.

Afghanistan can see the finish line as they are just 2 wickets away from securing the series. Liam McCarthy is the next batter in at number 10.

OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Yamin Ahmadzai gets his second. He hits the deck hard, on off, and shoots up a bit. Gavin Hoey backs and tries to slap it away but gets it high on the bat. It goes straight up in the air towards cover, where Rahmat Shah settles under the high ball and takes a good catch. Ireland are 256/8, needing 88 runs.

Ireland need 88 runs from 36 balls now. Campher will be looking to farm as much of the strike as possible if his side are to get anywhere near this target. Yamin Ahmadzai (8-0-47-1) is back on.

Pitched up and around off, Curtis Campher lofts it towards sweeper cover for a brace.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR CAMPHER! Off just 35 balls. Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in. Curtis Campher whips it away towards deep square leg, where the fielder makes a meal of it and lets it through for a boundary. This has been a quickfire knock from him, but Ireland needed a lot more from the others.

Put down! Azmatullah Omarzai bangs this into the pitch, outside off, gives no pace. Curtis Campher backs away and tries to reach out for it but gets a top edge. The fielder from deep third runs forward and dives but fails to hold on to it. Two taken.

Fuller and angling in on leg, Gavin Hoey backs away and tries to play at it but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives to his left but only makes a half-stop and the batters set off for the bye. Gurbaz picks up and has a shy at the batter's end but misses. Campher would have been a goner if that had hit.

Good length and on off, Gavin Hoey stabs it out to short cover.

You just cannot keep Rashid out of action. Adair falls, and Gavin Hoey comes in at number 9. FYI, he was Ireland's top scorer in the third ODI and rescued them from a very precarious position.

OUT! ABSOLUTE SCREAMER! Rashid Khan, you beauty! Azmatullah Omarzai lands this back of a length and around off, Mark Adair backs away and tries to punch it over extra cover but ends up slicing it. It flies towards extra cover, where Rashid sticks out his left hand and plucks the ball out of thin air. He is off and running in celebration. Ireland slip further, still needing 97 runs in 41 balls.

29 runs have come off the last two overs for Ireland, and Campher clearly isn't in the mood to concede. The hosts need 97 from 42 balls now, still hanging on by little more than a thread of hope. Azmatullah Omarzai comes back into the attack now.

Floated, full and on off, Mark Adair drives it to sweeper cover for one. Rashid Khan finishes a fine spell of bowling, with figures of 10-1-49-3.

Flatter, shortish and on middle, Mark Adair blocks it out.

SIX! Mark Adair joins the fun! A googly, full and on middle, turns in. Mark Adair clears his front leg away and smokes it with spin over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Dragged back, on off, Mark Adair pats it back to the bowler.

Floated, full and on off, Curtis Campher pushes it through covers for a run.

Goes short and around leg, Mark Adair flicks it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Powered away! Slower one, hard length and just outside off. Curtis Campher backs away, extends his arms and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary. 20 runs off the over.

NEW BALL AGAIN! Another one dumped out of the park by Campher. The fourth umpire is out once again to hand over the replacement ball to the on-field umpire, who in turn, tosses it to Rahman.

SIX MORE! Ziaur Rahman bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Curtis Campher picks the length early and pulls it away. It sails massively over the deep square leg fielder for half a dozen more.

Looks like the ball is not retrievable, as it probably has disappeared into the trees. A replacement has been handed over to Ziaur.

SIX! Excellent shot! A low full toss, on middle. Curtis Campher stays deep inside his crease and clobbers it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Slower one, full and around off. Mark Adair throws his hands at it but slices it in the air. It drops safely between the sweeper cover and extra cover for another run.

Goes fuller and on off, Curtis Campher bunts it past the bowler, to the right of long off for a run.

WIDE! Short of a length, outside off, takes pace off. Curtis Campher goes for the reverse ramp but does not connect. Called a wide.

Back of a length and around off, Mark Adair slaps it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Ireland need 126 runs from 54 balls. Ziaur Rahman continues. 7-0-44-0 so far.

Drops it short and on middle and leg, Mark Adair tucks it towards mid-wicket for one more.

Slows it up, full and on off, Mark Adair lunges out and blocks it out.

Flighted, full and on off, Curtis Campher goes down and drags it wide of long on for a run.

No hat-trick! A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Mark Adair clips it through square leg for a single.

Rashid Khan, an absolute genius at work. Just when Ireland were beginning to find their groove and shift through the gears, he strolls in and rips out two massive wickets in a heartbeat. Mark Adair is in at number 8 and will face the Hat Trick ball, with a slip in place.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Two in two for Rashid Khan. This is a flatter, leg-break, full and on middle, turns in sharply. Ben Calitz backs away to punch it but gets cramped for room. He plays all over it as the ball goes through and rattles the leg pole. Rashid will be on a hat-trick now. 216/4 becomes 216/6 for Ireland.

A gutted Balbirnie goes, and with that, probably the hopes for Ireland as well. Ben Calitz is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT! Is that the final nail in the coffin for Ireland? Rashid Khan gets his second here. He tosses it up, full and around middle. Andy Balbirnie gets down for the slog sweep but fails to get the elevation or the placement. It flies straight towards deep square leg, where Darwish Rasooli gets behind it well and takes a fine catch. End of an excellent knock from Balbirnie.

Powerplay 3! Now, five fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the final over. Ireland need 129 runs in 60 balls. Here is Rashid Khan to bowl.

Full and wide outside off, Curtis Campher throws the bat at it and hammers it to the left of deep cover and they hare back for the second run.

Very full, around off, Curtis Campher drills it straight back at the bowler. Ziaur bends low to his left on the follow-through and stop with his left hand.

Another attempted yorker, on off, Andy Balbirnie exposes the stumps, converts it into a full toss and squeezes it to Rashid at extra cover for a single.

Wide yorker, outside off, carved through cover for a single.

Short and slow, wide outside off, on a length. Curtis Campher throws his bat at it and chops it to the point region.

Low full toss, on off, Curtis Campher goes for a premediated scoop shot by shuffling across, but makes a last second adjustment and opens the bat face to ease it to backward point.

Andy Balbirnie is receiving some treatment from the physio on his hand. Also, Ziaur Rahman is back on.

FOUR! Threads it through neatly! Runs are now coming at a good pace for the hosts. Dropped short by Rashid, outside off. Andy Balbirnie hangs deep in the crease and slaps it past cover-point for a cracking boundary. 14 runs off the over. 137 runs needed from 66 balls for Ireland.

Full and around off, driven through covers for a single.

SIX! Dumped into the crowd! Googly, full on middle, Curtis Campher picks the length early and slog sweeps it powerfully behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Fires it full and on the leg stump, Curtis gets low for a sweep, but misses.

OVERTHROWS! A bit untidy from the visitors in the field. Tossed up, very full and outside off, Andy Balbirnie drills it to deep cover for a couple of runs. The throw from the sweeper is a wild one towards the bowling end, and wide of the bowler. It rolls to the leg side and allows the batters the third run. 200 UP FOR IRELAND!

The leg break, full on middle, Balbirnie creates room by moving leg side and tries to loft it inside out over cover, but gets a fat inside edge towards mid on.

Around off, heaved off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fullish and fired in outside off, Campher shuffles across, looking for the paddle but completely misses it. The ball raps him high on the front pad, and rolls away to the left of short fine leg for a leg bye.

Length ball, drifting on the pads, Campher skips down the track and flicks the ball to the right of short midwicket.

SIX! That's a good strike! A half-volley on the stumps, Curtis shimmies down a bit and launches it handsomely over long on for a biggie!

Flat and full, around off, smashed to the cover fielder.

CENTURY FOR ANDY BALBIRNIE! From 113 balls and he gets to his 10th ODI ton! Gets a warm ovation from each and every one in the crowd and a warm hug from his partner. A knock of real class from the Irish opener. He works the fuller delivery away towards deep backward square leg for a single to get there. Started watchfully, but has shifted through the gears seamlessly over the last few overs. The job now is to bat deep and drag his side as close as possible to an improbable finish.

On a length, outside off, slashed away to deep cover for a single. Balbirnie moves to 99!

Skids through from a length, outside off, Curtis Campher tries to cut it away, but gets a bottom edge and it rolls to deep third for a single.

Nervy! Ahmadzai takes the pace off it, length ball outside off. Andy Balbirnie stays tall and taps it towards short third, setting off for a single, but seeing the fielder swoop in and fire a throw, he changes his mind, turns back and slides his bat in just as the ball crashes into the stumps. It then cannons away to the leg side, and the batters scamper through for a single anyway. Replays confirm Balbirnie's bat was in just in time before the bails were disturbed.

Low full toss at shin height, Curtis Campher whips it on the bounce to Ibrahim Zadran at deep backward square leg for a single.

Beaten! A smidge fuller and in line of the stumps. Curtis Campher charges down the track to give it a mighty whack over mid-wicket, but the ball nips in with bounce, beats the inside edge and passes over the sticks on its way to the keeper.

Back of a length, wide outside off, Andy slashes it to deep backward point for a single.

Landed full and around off, driven off the front foot to long off for a single.

Quick and full, on middle, Andy Balbirnie slogs it over mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg comes dashing across to his left and makes a fantastic sliding stop. Two runs taken.

Short outside off, Curtis slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.

Nicely tossed up, short and outside off. Curtis Campher gives himself room by backing away. Tries the cut shot but gets beaten.

Dips on the batter, full on off, Andy Balbirnie slices it wide of backward point for a quick single.

Floated up, on the stumps. Campher hangs back and chop-cuts it to point for a single.

Sharp response from Yamin. He bends his back and bangs in a short ball, on top of off. Andy Balbirnie sways out of the firing line, drops his wrists and leaves it alone. 28 runs from the last 3 overs for Ireland.

SIX! Gets on away this time around and Balbirnie moves into his 90s! Full from Ahmadzai, around off, Andy Balbirnie moves across the stumps, gets the bat underneath the ball and plays the scoop shot, managing to sail it over deep fine leg for half a dozen runs. 167 runs needed off 91 balls.

Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, nipping away with bounce. Andy Balbirnie stays put and tries to cut it square on the off side, but the ball zings over his angled bat.

How has that missed the stumps? Andy shows his cards early as he shuffles outside off to play the scoop shot and seeing that, Yamin spears on a length, aimed at the leg pole. Balbirnie misses to lay bat on the ball and the ball scarily flies over the leg stump.

Full and straight on the stumps, Balbirnie stays rooted in the crease and stabs it to cover.

Angles it on the pads, Andy Balbirnie chips it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

DRINKS! Ireland have started to be a bit more proactive in the last few overs, which has cost them a couple of wickets, but that is the way to go. Andy Balbirnie has changed gears nicely and is nearing a ton and so far the hosts have handled Rashid Khan much better. However, Afghanistan are still way ahead in this game, and they will want to just keep chipping away with wickets at one end, and maybe even look to wrap things up early. As 34 overs have been bowled, Afghanistan will choose one of the two balls to use for the rest of the innings. Also, Yamin Ahmadzai will bowl after the break.

Overpitched and on the stumps, Curtis Campher carves it straight back at the bowler. AM Ghazanfar can't hide his frustration after leaking 13 runs on his return to the attack. He gathers the ball in his follow through and fires it back to the keeper, with Campher swaying out of the firing line just in time.

In front of the stumps, Andy Balbirnie clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Swept in the gap! Tossed up, full and on middle, Andy Balbirnie is not in control of the sweep shot. It goes in the air off the top edge, but into the deep square leg and deep mid-wicket gap. And trickles to the ropes for a four.

Pitched full and around off, Curtis drills it to long off for a single.

Short around off, Andy stabs it to deep cover for a single. 181 needed from 100 balls.

SIX! Welcomes Ghazanfar with a quality shot! Landed full and outside off. Andy Balbirnie gets down on a knee and unleashes the slog sweep, clearing the deep mid-wicket fence for a cracking six.

Rashid replies with a quick leg break, full outside off, Curtis Campher keeps it out to the off side. 7-1-23-1 so far for Khan.

FOUR! Pinned through the gap! Loopy googly from Rashid, full and around off. Curtis Campher reads the variation, gets on the front foot and creams it through extra cover for a boundary.

Drifts on the pads, full in length, Andy Balbirnie brooms it to deep backward square leg for a single.

On the stumps, full in length, knocked straight back to Rashid.

Bowls a full ball, around off, Curtis Campher sits on a knee and slogs it to deep square leg for a single.

Slides it on leg, full in length, drilled away to long on for a single. 150 COMES UP FOR IRELAND! It is met with a ripple of cheers from the Irish faithful. Still, a long, long way to go.

Nip-backer on a length, Curtis Campher rides the bounce and chops it onto the pitch.

Tries the yorker but slips in a low full toss. Andy Balbirnie backs away to carve it through cover, but gets a thick inside edge through square leg for a run.

SIX! Goes the distance! Short from Omarzai, angled into the body line with extra bounce. Andy is hurried on the pull shot and hooks it off the top edge and it clears the long leg fence for a six.

Another sharp bouncer, outside off, Andy Balbirnie takes his eyes off the ball and sways from the line to leave.

Bangs it short, on top of off, Andy Balbirnie swings across to pull, only to miss.

Full on middle and leg, Andy Balbirnie punches it on the rise to mid on. The fielder picks and scores a direct hit at the bowling end. The replay shows that Campher just planted his bat inside the crease before the stumps are hit.

Tempting flight from Rashid. Another googly, full on the stumps. Curtis Campher lunges and blocks it out. WICKET MAIDEN FROM RASHID! Simply outstanding from the wizard.

On a length, around middle, Curtis whips it to mid-wicket.

Out goes Lorcan Tucker, in comes Curtis Campher.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! It was inevitable at some point, as they needed to get a move on. Rashid opens his account with the ball. He bowls from well behind the popping crease and dishes out a googly, on a length, on the stumps. The ball lands and just refuses to rise up. Lorcan Tucker rocks back and goes for the pull shot, but the ball beats the inside edge, shoots low and rattles the timber. Tucker is dejected as he walks off and Ireland are 142/3, needing 202 runs.

Drops it full and around off, Lorcan Tucker drives it to the cover fielder.

Short on middle, the googly, Tucker punches it back to the bowler.

Full and quick, on the stumps, clipped to mid-wicket.

Change? Nope. Rashid Khan to continue. Ireland need 202 runs from 120 balls.

Another bouncer, on middle and leg, Andy Balbirnie ducks under it.

Pitched up and around leg, Lorcan Tucker tucks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Fuller and on middle, Andy Balbirnie drills it to the left of mid off for a single.

Lorcan Tucker goes through a mandatory concussion test as the physio rushes out to tend to him. After a few sips of water, he looks alright to continue.

A slower bumper, on middle, Lorcan Tucker goes through his pull early and misses. It hits the grill of the helmet and deflects to the right of the keeper. Leg bye taken.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Lorcan Tucker blocks it out.

SIX! Goes all the way! Short of a length and around leg. Lorcan Tucker looks to hook it away but it flies off the top edge and sails over fine leg for a biggie.

Short again, on off, Lorcan Tucker guides it away towards point for a run.

Goes short and on off, Lorcan Tucker punches it towards cover.

Flatter, full and around off, Lorcan Tucker drills it away, but Rahmat Shah at short cover makes a fine diving stop to his left.

A googly, full and on off, turns in, Lorcan Tucker defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and around off, Lorcan Tucker miscues his drive off the bottom edge to short cover.

Short and on middle, Andy Balbirnie flicks it off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

Back of a length and on leg, Andy Balbirnie clips it through square leg for one more.

Close! Hits the deck hard, on middle, angling in a bit. Andy Balbirnie uses his feet and has a heave across the line but misses. The ball just goes over the stumps.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Lorcan Tucker rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Short of a length and on off, Lorcan Tucker dabs it to point.

The bowling change works like a charm for Afghanistan as Omarzai breaks the 76-run stand. In walks Lorcan Tucker at number 5.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Azmatullah Omarzai strikes on his return to the attack. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling into the batter. Harry Tector looks to pull it away but gets cramped up to free his arms. He does not get the elevation and hits it much flatter towards deep square leg, where Yamin Ahmadzai does not have to move an inch and takes a good catch. Ireland are 129/3, chasing 344 runs.

Good length and around leg, Andy Balbirnie glanes it towards short fine for a single.

Change of bat for Andy Balbirnie. The reserve player jogs out with three options for him to choose from. He picks one of them and is good to resume. Azmatullah Omarzai (5-2-18-0) is back into the attack, replacing Ziaur Rahman.

Another short delivery, on leg, Andy Balbirnie nudges it through square leg one.

Dragged back, outside off, Andy Balbirnie cuts it to point.

Flatter, full and on leg, Harry Tector flicks it to deep square leg for another run.

Drops it short and around off, Andy Balbirnie punches it through cover-point for a un.

Floated, full and on off, Harry Tector drills it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Harry Tector defends it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Connects well this time! Ziaur Rahman goes short again and well outside off. Andy Balbirnie does not miss out this time and spanks it over point for a cracking boundary.

Dug into the surface, outside off again. Andy Balbirnie slashes hard but misses due to the extra bounce.

Short of a length and outside off, Harry Tector cuts it away to deep point for a run.

Fuller one and on middle, Andy Balbirnie backs away and lofts it over extra cover for a single.

Back of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR BALBIRNIE! A gritty knock as he gets to his 18th half-century in ODIs. However, he will know they need a lot more. Hard length and on middle, nips back in. Andy Balbirnie looks to push it away but gets an inside edge as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Halfway mark reached. Ireland are 114/2, with this partnership worth 61 runs. At the same stage, Afghanistan were 144/1. The required rate for the hosts has swelled over 9 runs per over now, so there has to be a change of gears from one of these two.

Wrong'un, full and on middle, turns in, Andy Balbirnie clips it through square leg for one.

Dragged back, on off, turns away, Andy Balbirnie punches it to the right of the bowler. Rashid Khan quickly moves to his right to make a fine diving stop.

Goes short again, on off, Andy Balbirnie steers it away towards point.

Drops it short, on middle, Harry Tector punches it down to long on for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Harry Tector knocks it back to the bowler. Rashid Khan picks up and fires in a throw at the batter's end.

Tossed up, full and on off, Harry Tector pushes it back to the bowler.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in and keeping low. Andy Balbirnie does well to gets his bat down to keep it out.

Touch fuller and on off, Harry Tector knocks it towards mid off for a quick single.

Hard length and on off, Harry Tector punches it towards extra cover. Still Nelson on the board.

Short of a length and on off, Harry Tector dabs it down to point.

Back of a length and on off, Harry Tector stabs it out towards short cover.

Fuller and on middle, Harry Tector uses his feet and drives it to mid off.

Rashid is taken off the attack as Ziaur Rahman replaces him. 4-0-28-0 so far.

Goes back to the shorter length, on leg, Harry Tector works it through mid-wicket for one more.

Tossed up, full and on off, Harry Tector defends it on the front foot.

Another short delivery, on middle, Andy Balbirnie punches it down to long on for one.

Shorter once more, on middle, Harry Tector flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket for another run.

Flatter, short and on off, Andy Balbirnie opens the bat face and steers it towards short third for a quick run.

Shorter in length, on middle, Harry Tector swipes it away to deep square leg for a single.

Interesting move from Rahmat. He brings on the birthday boy, Sediqullah Atal into the attack. He replaces Ziaur Rahman.

Flatter, full and on middle, Harry Tector clips it through square leg for one.

Dragged back, around off, Harry Tector stabs it out to short cover.

Slows it up, full and on off, Harry Tector prods forward and blocks it out.

Drops it short and on off, Andy Balbirnie punches it through covers for a run.

Floated, full and on off, Andy Balbirnie knocks it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Harry Tector eases it down to long on for a single.

Just back of a length and around off, Harry Tector cuts it late through backward point for a run.

FOUR! Classy shot! Fuller delivery, on middle. Harry Tector presents the full face of the bat and plays a textbook straight drive back past the bowler for a boundary. Stylish way to bring up the 100 for Ireland.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Harry Tector dabs it down to backward point.

Short of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie runs it down to deep third for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Andy Balbirnie punches it wide of point, where the fielder dives to his right to make a fine stop.

Buzzers! Fuller and on middle, Andy Balbirnie works it towards wide mid on for a single. Rashid Khan has an unnecessary throw at the bowler's end, hitting the stumps but allowing an extra run.

48/2 for Ireland in this 11-20 over phase. They still need 249 runs from 180 balls. Change? Yes. Ziaur Rahman (3-0-20-0) is back on, replacing AM Ghazanfar.

Another googly, short on the pads. Harry Tector goes back and across and whips it to the fielder at mid-wicket. Just 5 singles off Rashid's first.

Aims the stumps with a googly, Andy Balbirnie knocks it to long on and they jog through for a single.

The length is pulled back by a yard or so, on middle. Harry Tector rocks back and taps it through mid on for a single.

Full and on middle, Andy Balbirnie plays the on drive to long on for a single.

Pitched full around off, eased down to long off for a single.

Starts with a short ball, outside off, Andy Balbirnie scythes it to deep point for a single.

It's Rashid Khan time now.

A massive appeal for LBW, but not given by the umpire. Height? Looks like it. Or maybe, the impact could have been outside off on this one. Ghazanfar bowls a length ball, just around the off stump. Harry Tector goes deep inside the crease and whip it across the line but misses and is hit on the back thigh pad.

Gives the ball a lot more flight, landing it it full and outside off, Harry Tector drives it crisply, but straight to the cover fielder.

Carrom ball, spinning from leg to middle, Harry Tector smothers the spin.

Again, a full ball, and this is clipped in front of square on the leg side for a single.

In front of the stumps, full in length. Harry gets on the front foot, tries to defend, but the ball rolls off the inside edge to square leg for a single.

Landed short on the stumps, nudged wide of mid-wicket for a single.

In-between length, outside off, steered through cover and point for a single. 11 runs from this over. Ireland require 257 runs.

FOUR! Not convincing but still gets a good piece of it! On a good length, outside off, Andy Balbirnie mistimes the pull shot as the ball hits the upper portion of the bat. He still manages to slam it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Tighter line, short on middle, Andy Balbirnie defends it off the back foot to cover.

Full outside off, Harry advances down the pitch and slices it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Hammered away! On a back of a length, around off, sits up nicely at a good height. Harry Tector pulls it off the back foot and it blazes through the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Excellent weight transfer on the back foot from Tector.

Hits the hard length, on middle, Andy Balbirnie shimmies down the track and knocks it to extra cover for a single.

Drifts it on the leg stump, Andy Balbirnie tickles the full ball to deep fine leg for a single. 1/15 for Ghazanfar so far in 4 overs​​​​​​.

Very full and on off, Harry Tector leans on and creams it to deep cover-point for another run.

Pitched shorter, turning away, Andy Balbirnie punches the carrom ball through mid on for a run.

In-drifter, on a length, Harry Tector gets across and nudges it to backward square leg for a single.

Pushed through, on a fuller length, and it is the carrom ball that spins away. Harry Tector fends it to the off side with soft hands.

Short outside off, dabbed off the back foot to the right of backward point for a single.

DRINKS! Ireland have lost only 2 wickets, but they are not scoring at the rate that is required to chase this big total down. Andy Balbirnie has eaten up a lot of balls and needs to get going now, or at least one of the batters needs to up the ante. Afghanistan will be happy, as they know that the onus is not on them and wicket-taking opportunities will arrive. They just have to be ready to take them. More importantly, Rashid Khan is yet to be introduced, who has been a nightmare for the Irish.

Wide outside off, on a length, Andy hangs back and cuts it through backward point for a single.

Hard length, outside off, skidding through the deck. Harry Tector tries to punch it to the off side, but gets a bit of a bottom edge and it rolls through short third for a run.

Hammers it on a length, on off, Andy Balbirnie swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for an easy single.

Full and around off, Andy Balbirnie lunges forward and eases it to backward point.

Full and around off, swinging in a bit. Harry Tector goes for the cover drive, but inside edges through square leg for a single.

Slants it onto the leg stump, Harry Tector forces the drive to the mid on region.

Beautiful piece of spin bowling! Dishes out a carrom ball, on off, full in length. This lands and turns away. Andy Balbirnie looks to drive it straight back but gets a faint outside edge, but luckily for him, the ball clips Gurbaz's right leg and rolls wide of the first slip fielder.

Keeps the stumps in play, and tosses it full on the stumps, Harry Tector clips it along the ground to long on for an easy single.

The carrom ball from Ghazanfar, full on middle, Harry Tector alertly flicks it to mid-wicket.

Quick on the stumps, on a length, Andy runs it to long on for a single.

FOUR! Off the top edge! Drags the length back, does Ghazanfar, around off. Andy Balbirnie collapses the back knee into the pitch to play the sweep-pull, but gets a thick top edge and the ball flies over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Dishes out a full ball, outside off, Andy drives it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Through the gap! A bit too straightish, on the pads, Harry Tector steps across and flicks it through the square leg and deep fine leg gap for a boundary. Wonderful shot from Harry.

On a length, around middle and leg, Balbirnie steers it through square leg for a single.

BEATEN! The Afghan seamers are getting more bounce than the Irish pacers. Short of a length, on top of off, just nipping away a shy bit. Andy Balbirnie is squared up on the back foot. He looks to block it in front but the ball zips past his outside edge.

Slams it on a fuller length, around off, Andy Balbirnie presses forward and blocks it solidly.

Extracts some bounce from a hard length, angling into the body. Andy Balbirnie gets squared up and fends it towards square leg.

Starts off with an absolute ripper! Hits the length hard, in the corridor of uncertainty. The ball lands and straightens up just enough to beat Balbirnie's attempted back foot defence.

Ziaur Rahman comes into the attack.

Loops it up, full on middle, Harry Tector gets on the front foot and drills it back to the bowler.

Quicker and flatter, full and outside off. Harry Tector tries to drive that away to covers, but the ball spins away to beat the outside edge.

Tossed up, full outside off, carved away to the backward point fielder.

Short on middle, gently nudged to the right of square leg for a quick single.

On a lower trajectory, flat and short, on middle and leg. Harry Tector hangs back and nudges it wide of the mid-wicket fielder for a single.

Full and drifting in, Harry pushes it back to Ghazanfar.

Full and outside off again, Harry drives it towards Rashid at cover, but the Afghan captain fumbles and the ball trickles to the deep for a single. A very successful over from Yamin. A wicket and 5 runs from it.

Fullish length, outside off, Tector leans across and blocks it to cover.

On a good length, around off, Harry tucks that away to mid-wicket.

Two wickets in quick succession. Harry Tector comes out to the middle now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! A seamer's dream ball, this one. Hit the top of off, they say and Ahmadzai does exactly that. On a length, straightening up from the pitch. Cade Carmichael plays from out of the crease and looks to block it in front but the ball almost trims the outside edge and clips the bails on the off stump. Absolutely cleaned him up through a ripper. Ireland slip from 48/0 to 53/2.

FOUR! Accurate timing and placement! 50 UP FOR IRELAND! Full and on the stumps, Cade Carmichael gets a bit across and nails the flick shot through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Nice and full, tailing in a touch. Cade plays with a straight bat and knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Spin from both ends? Nope, not yet.

A floater from Ghazanfar, full and outside off. Cade Carmichael leans forward and taps it to the cover region for a quick single to open his account.

Full and quick on the stumps, flicked away to mid-wicket.

A touch full, spinning down leg. Cade misses the flick and the ball clips the front pad, before Gurbaz grabs it to his left.

Spin has done the trick for Afghanistan. Cade Carmichael walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! LBW! Immediate impact from Ghazanfar as he breaks the opening partnership. He dishes out a full ball, on the stumps, Paul Stirling is drawn forward to play at it, but the ball turns in sharply and beats the inside edge to strike on the back pad. A confident appeal goes up in unison from the Afghans and up goes the finger. It is as plumb as it can get and Stirling is trapped in front, the first ball of spin he faces. Ireland are 48/1, needing 296 runs.

Dropped short, outside off, Andy backs away and cuts it wide of point for a single.

Starts with a flatter one, full outside off, carved to short third.

Ireland pass the first major hurdle. Going unblemished in the Powerplay and with 22 runs coming in the last 2 overs, the hosts won't be too dissatisfied with their efforts after a sluggish start. The real challenge, though, starts now as spin is introduced in the form of AM Ghazanfar. He replaces Azmatullah Omarzai. Time for Powerplay 2! Afghanistan will be allowed to have a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over.

SIX! That is a shot and a half! Yamin Ahmadzai bangs this into the pitch, just outside off. Paul Stirling backs away, extends his arms and slaps it over deep extra cover for a biggie.

Short of a length and outside off, moving away Paul Stirling steps across and has a swipe across the line but gets nowhere near the ball.

FOUR! Streaky, but they all count! Yamin Ahmadzai sticks to the fuller length and on off, shaping away. Paul Stirling throws his hands at it and gets an outside edge that flies between the keeper and gully for a boundary.

Full again and around off, Andy Balbirnie tries to drive but gets a thick outside edge through backward point for a run.

WIDE! Fuller one but down the leg side, Andy Balbirnie gets no bat on the ball. Wided.

Beaten! Good length and on the fifth stump line, angles in but then straightens off the deck. Andy Balbirnie stays back to play at it, but the ball zips past he outisde edge.

Back of a length and well outside off, Andy Balbirnie leaves it alone.

Pitched up and on middle, Paul Stirling drills it firmly down the pitch, where it hits Azmatullah Omarzai's left foot and deflects towards extra cover.

A bit fuller and around off, shaping away, Paul Stirling goes for the drive on the up but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Good length and on middle and off, Paul Stirling pats it towards cover-point.

SIX! That is outta here! Short of a length and on middle, it sits up nicely for the batter. Paul Stirling picks up the length early and whacks it from the middle of the bat, over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Hard length and around off, does not bounce that much. Paul Stirling backs away and throws his hands at it but misses.

FOUR! Nice shot! Back of a length and around off, Paul Stirling gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through covers for a boundary.

Beauty! Yamin Ahmadzai bowls this on a hard length, on middle, jags back in sharply. Andy Balbirnie gets cut in half as the ball goes past the inside edge. Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes another flying stop to his left.

Back of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Pulls his length back, on middle, Andy Balbirnie fends it away.

Uppish but safe! Goes fuller and just around off, shaping away. Paul Stirling throws his bat at it but slices it in the air. The fielder from deep third runs forward but the ball drops in front of him. They cross.

Swing and a miss again! Dug into the surface, on midde. Paul Stirling skips down the track, stays leg side of the ball and tries to thump it down the ground but misses.

On a length and around off, keeps a bit low. Paul Stirling moves across to slog it over mid-wicket but fails to connect.

Back of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie punches it to cover-point.

Touch fuller and on middle, Andy Balbirnie keeps it out to the off side.

Good length and outside off, Andy Balbirnie steers it away towards point.

Bangs this into the pitch, around off, Andy Balbirnie goes for the pull but misses.

FOUR! Good shot! Short of a length and outside off. Andy Balbirnie uses the width on offer and cuts it away through point for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Andy Balbirnie blocks it out.

Appeal for LBW, but turned down! Full again and on on middle, angling in, Paul Stirling steps across and tries to whip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Looks clsoe but not enough for the umpire.

Just wide! Yamin Ahmadzai goes fuller and around off, Andy Balbirnie looks to drive but gets an outside edge just past the diving gully fielder. They cross.

Hard length and outside off, Andy Balbirnie tries to reach out but stabs it out off the bottom half of the bat to cover.

Back of a length and on off, nips back in, Paul Stirling steps across to play but gets an inside edge towards short fine for a single.

FOUR! Connects well this time! Just back of a length and around off. Paul Stirling moves across again and heaves it away over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fuller one and around off, Paul Stirling steps across and tries to swipe it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg. AM Ghazanfar makes a good stop.

Back-to-back maidens from Azmatullah Omarzai! He bowls this on a nagging length, just around off. Andy Balbirnie leaves it alone.

Short of a length and just outside off, Andy Balbirnie chops it down towards point.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Andy Balbirnie looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Full again and on middle, Andy Balbirnie tucks it away towards short mid-wicket. Paul Stirling sets off for the run but is sent back. Rashid Khan scores a direct hit by flicking the ball between his legs at the bowler's end, but Stirling has made his ground.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling in, Andy Balbirnie knocks it to mid on. Not much intent from the Irish batters so far.

Back of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie stays back and punches it to short cover.

Hard length and around off, Andy Balbirnie stabs it out through backward point for one.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and well outside off. Andy Balbirnie gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Good length and just around off, moves away again. Andy Balbirnie pushes at it with hard hands but gets beaten on the outside edge. Rahmanullah Gurbaz grabs it behind the stumps and starts running forward, throwing the ball in the air. He thinks there is an edge but does not get much support.

Hits the deck hard and in the channel outside off, shaping away, Andy Balbirnie offers no shot at it.

WIDE! Errs in line and serves this full, angling down the leg side, Andy Balbirnie tries to flick but misses. Given a wide.

No runs in the last 11 balls! Back of a length and just outside off, Andy Balbirnie lifts his arms and lets it go to the keeper.

Fuller one and on middle, Andy Balbirnie blocks it out with a straight bat.

Maiden over! Hard length and on off, Paul Stirling keeps it out to the off side.

Just short of a length and on middle, straightens a bit. Paul Stirling gets squared up but manages to pat i down to short cover.

Ball change already? Yes, it looks like it has gone a bit out of shape and it doesn't pass the ball gauge as well. Pretty unusual for that to happen this early in the innings. The fourth umpire brings the box of replacement balls with him. The on-field umpire picks one and hands it over to Omarzai.

Fuller delivery, on middle, Paul Stirling knocks it to mid on. Four dots on the trot now!

Back of a length and on middle and leg, angling in. Paul Stirling misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. It rolls to the leg side, and Andy Balbirnie wants the run but is sent back.

A bit fuller and around off, Paul Stirling uses his feet but stabs it off the bottom edge towards mid off.

Lands this on a good length and on off, holds its line, Paul Stirling gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

On a length and on middle, Andy Balbirnie tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and just outside off, Andy Balbirnie steps across and tries to cut but gets a bottom edge onto the ground as the ball rolls past the stumps.

Hard length and on middle, angling in, Andy Balbirnie blocks it out.

Pulls his length back, on middle, and straightens off the deck. Andy Balbirnie looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge towards cover, where Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it through and allows a couple of runs.

Pitched up and on off, shaping away, Paul Stirling looks to push it but gets an outside edge along the ground towards deep third for a single.

Absolute jaffa! Just a bit full and around off, jags back in a long way. Paul Stirling looks to drive but gets cut in half as the ball zips past the inside edge. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flings to his left to make a fine grab.

WIDE! Yamin Ahmadzai begins with a good-length delivery, angling down the leg side. Paul Stirling fails to glance it away. Wided.

Yamin Ahmadzai will share the attack from the opposite end. Two slips in place.

Short of a length and on off, Andy Balbirnie stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

Fuller once more, on off, Andy Balbirnie blocks it out from his crease.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Pitched up and on middle, angling into the pads. Andy Balbirnie brings his wrists into play and flicks it with excellent timing through mid-wicket for the first boundary of the chase. Ireland are up and running.

Beauty! Azmatullah Omarzai goes a bit fuller and in the channel outside off, shaping it away. Andy Balbirnie has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Good-length delivery, around off, Andy Balbirnie pushes it away to cover.

Azmatullah Omarzai starts with a fuller delivery, on off, Andy Balbirnie knocks it with a straight bat to mid off.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mark Adair wraps things up with a wicket. Afghanistan finish on 343/9! This is banged into the pitch, on middle and leg. Yamin Ahmadzai goes for the pull but only manages to get an outside edge behind, where Lorcan Tucker takes a simple catch. A much better end for Ireland, but the target is still a daunting one.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai misses out on the pull. He blindly sets off for the run but is sent back. Lorcan Tucker misses his shy at the batter's end. Two dots in a row!

Back of a length and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai swats it away but straight to short mid-wicket.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Hashmatullah Shahidi shanks it off the inside half of the bat towards mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Fuller and way outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go. Wided.

This is turning out to be a big collapse for Afghanistan now. Yamin Ahmadzai is in at number 10.

OUT! GHAZANFAR IS RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust. Mark Adair goes fuller and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi drills it wide of long on and calls for the second run. AM Ghazanfar responds but Curtis Campher is much quicker to the ball and fires in a throw at the bowler's end, where Adair breaks the stumps, with the batter well short of his crease.

Low full toss, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. A better throw was needed there. This is now Afghanistan's highest ODI team score!

Excellent last couple of overs for the hosts. Just 6 runs and 2 wickets from the last two overs for Afghanistan. Mark Adair (9-0-55-1) will bowl the final over of the innings. Will Afghanistan get to 350?

Hard length and just outside of, AM Ghazanfar throws his bat at it but misses.

Short again and on middle, AM Ghazanfar swings across the line but misses.

Captain caught by the opposite captain. Ireland continue to make late inroads. AM Ghazanfar is in at number 9.

OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Liam McCarthy gets among the wickets. This is dug into the surface, just outside off, and gets some steep bounce. Rahmat Shah backs away and looks to slap it but has to reach out for it and gets it high on the bat. It lobs up in the air only as far as Paul Stirling at cover, who makes no mistake. Afghanistan are 338/7 now, 8 balls left.

Bangs in a good bouncer, on middle, Rahmat Shah goes for the pull but misses.

On a length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it through point for a run.

A loopy full toss, on off, dips in late, Rahmat Shah backs away late and steers it through point for a single.

Good length and on middle, Rahmat Shah nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

A flurry of wickets for Ireland towards the backend, but there is hardly any celebration from them. In walks captain Rahmat Shah at number 8.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Mark Adair strikes now. He sticks to the fuller length, and pushes this outside off, keeping it inside the tramline this time. Rashid Khan tries to reach out for it by throwing everything at it, but loses his balance and gets a thin outside edge, behind, where Lorcan Tucker makes no mistake. Afghanistan slip from 310/3 to 335/6, with 13 balls left in the first innings.

This is turning out to be a decent over from Adair. Just 3 runs so far and he will look to finish out well.

WIDE! Goes fuller but a bit too outside off as well. Rashid Khan offers no shot at it. Called a wide.

Short of a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Misses out! Mark Adair bowls a high full toss, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi is not expecting it and swings all over it. He has a look at the square leg umpire but gets nothing.

Low full toss, on leg, Rashid Khan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nails the yorker, on middle, Rashid Khan gets his bat down just in time to dig it out.

Rashid isn't interested in singles or doubles now. 18 balls left, he will try to dump a few out of the park by himself. Mark Adair to bowl his 9th. 0/51 in 8 overs so far.

On a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi taps it towards cover but Rashid does not want the run.

A low full toss, on middle, tailing in, Rashid Khan jams it out off the bottom half of his bat towards square leg for one.

SIX! Rashid Khan's turn now! Byron McDonough bangs this into the pitch, on middle, but not short enough for a quality batter like Rashid. He picks the bones out of this one and smashes it over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

Back of a length and on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks it to the leg side for a single.

310/3 becomes 324/5 for the Afghans. They are within touching distance of recording their highest ODI score with 3.4 overs left. Their current highest is 339 and they have all the time to breeze past that figure. That brings Hashmatullah Shahidi to the crease, at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN! Byron McDonough has three to his name now. He hits the deck hard and just outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai extends his arms and looks to go big down the ground, but his bat turns in his hands. He ends up slicing it towards wide long off, where Mark Adair runs forward a bit and takes a good catch. He was pushed back just before this ball, so good planning from Ireland. Afghanistan are 324/5 now.

A quick and sharp bouncer now, on middle, shoots up as well. Azmatullah Omarzai backs away to play the upper cut but fails to connect.

WIDE! Errs in line and bowls this on good length but down the leg side, Azmatullah Omarzai swings at it but misses. Wided.

Much fuller and angling into the pads, Azmatullah Omarzai clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai gets into the act now! Pace off again from Mark Adair, hard length and on middle. Omarzai picks up the length early, gets on top of it and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

A slower bumper, on middle, Rashid Khan waits for it a bit and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another run.

WIDE! On a length but over the tramline, outside off, Rashid Khan leaves it alone. Another wide.

Fuller one and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drills it hard and a bit uppishly towards the bowler. Mark Adair almost tries to take his left hand out of the way as the ball goes off his fingertips towards long off. They cross.

Short of a length and on middle, Rashid Khan uses his feet and swats it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Tries the wide yorker, but spills it a bit too outside off, Rashid Khan leaves it alone. Wided.

Big swing and a miss! Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off, Rashid Khan has a big heave across the line but goes through it early and misses.

On a back of a length, outside the off stump line. Rashid Khan backs away to create room and slashes hard at it, only to get a thick outside edge towards deep third for a single.

Touch short and it zips in on Rashid around middle and leg. He looks to work it away into the leg side but loses the line completely, beaten all ends up by the sheer pace of that delivery.

Rashid Khan comes out to the middle now.

OUT! HIGH UP AND CAUGHT! A bit of revenge from McDonough after being taken to the cleaners. Fuller delivery, outside the off stump line, seemingly another pace-off ball. Darwish Rasooli gets crouched and looks to air it behind deep cover, but gets more height than distance. The ball swirls up and over extra cover, going off the toe end of the bat. Paul Stirling lurks under it, watches the ball till the last moment and takes a good catch. A breezy knock from Rasooli. Afghanistan are 310/4.

WIDE! Oh dear! Byron is really struggling now. Tries the slower one, but bowls it miles outside off. Left alone by Darwish.

FOUR! Playing with absolute freedom! Full and straight, on middle. Darwish Rasooli picks it up and over the bowler, and beats the long on fielder to his left for a boundary. One bounce and into the ropes.

WIDE! Dug in short and it keeps taking off from the runway, going above head height. Rasooli looks to pull it again to the leg side, but fails to connect.

SIX MORE! Rasooli is having some fun out there now! On a back of a length, angling across. Darwish Rasooli pulls it aerially and clears the deep square leg boundary for another biggie. 300 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! 5.4 overs left in the innings.

SIX! He has picked the bones out of it! Into the slot, full on the leg stump. Darwish Rasooli clears the front leg, sets himself up with a strong base and winds it up and over deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Clean strike!

Byron McDonough replaces Gavin Hoey.

Spears in a bumper, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai leans back to ramp it over the keeper, but gets beaten.

SIX! Helped on its way! Angled in at the ribs, on a shorter length, Azmatullah Omarzai picks it up nicely and dumps it behind the ropes at long leg. The umpires want to look to see if the ball cleared the ropes or landed inside. One replay angle confirms that it has comfortably sailed over the ropes. So six it is!

Mixes his length nicely, does Liam. Now bowls a length ball, on top of off. Azmatullah Omarzai arches back to play the uppercut, but cannot put his bat on the ball. Four dots in a row!

Beaten! Another one wide outside off, a touch fuller this time, nipping away. Azmatullah Omarzai reaches out to access the off side, only to miss out on connecting.

Swing and a miss! Outside off, on a length, Azmatullah Omarzai attempts to flay that over point, but the ball pops up and passes above his angled bat. A bit of a spongy bounce on this one.

Full and straight, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai presents full face of the bat and drives it straight to Stirling at cover.

A touch shorter, on leg, Omarzai nudges it through square leg for a single to open his account.

That's the end of yet another incredible knock, with Sediqullah Atal making the highest-ever score by an Afghan against Ireland ​​​​​in this format. Azmatullah Omarzai is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Atal departs 7 short of his 150. Tossed up wide outside off, on a fuller length. Sediqullah Atal collapses his back knee into the pitch to slog it over long on, but cannot get underneath the ball and gets no timing on it and airs it straight into the hands of Mark Adair at long on. A very impressive knock from Atal nonetheless. Hoey picks up his second wicket as Afghanistan are 285/3, with 7.1 overs left.

Fuller on middle and leg, Atal clips it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

SIX! STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW! Serves it on a platter, does Hoey. This is full on middle, there to be put away. Sediqullah Atal dances down the track and with no intension of keeping it down, launches it over the sightscreen for a mammoth six.

Floated on a length, around off, spinning away. Darwish Rasooli backs away and slaps it to deep point for another single.

Slides one outside off, on a length, Sediqullah Atal cuts it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Tries the yorker, on off. Sediqullah Atal squeezes it through cover-point for an easy single.

WIDE! Too short and flying over the head of the batter. Let through by Atal. Wide given.

Short of a good length, on the bodyline, Darwish Rasooli swats it towards long on for a single.

In the air... lands safely! Fuller one, and highly likely, with pace taken off, on off. Sediqullah Atal badly miscues the lofted shot off the toe end. However, the ball lands well short of the long on fielder who charges in off the ropes. One run taken. Perhaps the first mistimed shot from Sediqullah so far.

Spots the batter walking out of the crease and Liam bangs in a sharp bumper, on top of off. Atal sways away from the line by arching back and makes the leave.

FOUR! Even better! A long half-volley from Liam, on middle, Sediqullah Atal gets the bat under the ball and pumps it over the bowler's head, beating long on's chase to his right, for another cracking boundary. Atal moves to 132 (113).

FOUR! Played with ease and at will! Short of a length, outside leg. Atal swivels and pulls it hard along the ground. He manages to bisect the deep mid-wicket and deep square leg fielders to perfection for a boundary.

Liam McCarthy returns to the attack.

Slows it up, full on the pads. Darwish lunges and taps it back to the bowler.

Shortish, on off, Atal covers the line and taps it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Another short delivery, outside off, Sediqullah Atal punches it hard towards Cade Carmichael who makes a meal of that stop, and lets it through to the deep for the second run.

Dropped short again, outside off, Rasooli cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Drag-downer, outside off, Atal clubs it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Darted fuller, on middle, Rasooli chips it over mid on for a single.

POWERPLAY 3! Ireland can now have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the rest of the innings. Afghanistan have added 84/1 in this 31-40 over phase and still, 350 looks very much on for them. Gavin Hoey to continue...

Another good bumper, on middle, angling in. Darwish Rasooli takes his eyes off the ball and awkwardly heaves it through square leg for one more.

Dug into the surface, on midle, Sediqullah Atal plays a much more controlled pull through square leg for one.

FOUR! Not where he intended it to go, but gets the desired result! Byron McDonough bangs this into the pitch, on off, gets some steep bounce. Sediqullah Atal gets rushed on the pull shot. It flies off the top edge over the keeper's head for a boudnary at third man.

Short of a length and on off, Darwish Rasooli pats it towards cover for a run.

A bouncer, on middle, Darwish Rasooli ducks under it.

On a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal clips it towards mid-wicket for a single. 250 up for Afghanistan!

Slows it up, full and on middle, Darwish Rasooli blocks it out.

Drops it short and around off, Darwish Rasooli punches it past short cover for a brace.

At long last, a wicket for the hosts. A serene knock from Ibrahim comes to an end as Hoey answers the call for his team. Darwish Rasooli is in at number 4, with 11.2 overs left in the first innings.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Finally, at last, Ireland break the massive 231-run stand. Gavin Hoey is the one who picks up the wicket. He bowls this a bit flatter, shortish and on middle, drifts in. Ibrahim Zadran moves back to clip it away but misses. The ball clips the front pad before going off his back pad and onto the stumps. Unusual way to go, but Zadran has played a fantastic knock here. Afghanistan are 247/2 now.

Fighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal gets down and across for the sweep but gets another inside edge as the ball rolls to short fine. They cross.

Sees the batter advance and floats it up, full and outside off. Sediqullah Atal tries to force it through covers but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

FOUR! The runs are coming thick and fast now! Shorter in length and around middle, Sediqullah Atal rocks back quickly and swats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Ireland are still searching for a breakthrough and Stirling brings back Gavin Hoey into the attack. 0/47 in 7 overs so far. He replaces Curtis Campher.

Good length and on off, Sediqullah Atal taps it in front of cover for a quick one.

FOUR! Top shot! Pitched up and just around off. Sediqullah Atal extends his arms to get under it and carves it over extra covers for another boundary.

A bit fuller and around off, Sediqullah Atal backs away and drills it but fails to beat mid off. The intention is pretty clear from Atal now.

FOUR! Powered away! Hard length and on off, Sediqullah Atal stays leg side off the ball and flat-bats it over the umpire, to the long off fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and around leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it uppishly over mid-wicket for a single.

Byron McDonough comes back into the attack! He lands this on a good length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pats it towards short cover.

Hard length and on middle, takes off a bit, Sediqullah Atal looks to nudge it away but misses and takes a blow on his back thigh.

In the blockhole, on middle, Sediqullah Atal digs it back to the bowler.

Slower one, full and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran clips it to deep square leg for another run.

HUNDRED FOR SEDIQULLAH ATAL! He gets to it in just 96 balls. More joy for the Afghan fans. Now, that is some way to mark your 25th birthday, as Sediqullah Atal gets to his 2nd ODI century. On a length and on middle, Atal works it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side for a run. He jumps and punches the air in celebration. These two have put on a show here in Belfast.

Full again and around off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller one and angling into the pads, Ibrahim Zadran chips it over mid-wicket and collects two runs.

A bumper, on middle, Sediqullah Atal plays a controlled pull wide of deep square leg for a brace. Just one run away from his milestone now.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Not that full for a drive, just on off. Sediqullah Atal plays it on the up, right under his eyes, creaming it through extra covers for a boundary. He moves to 97 now.

WIDE! Bangs this into the pitch, just down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal tries to hook it away but misses. Wided.

Back of a length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran stabs it out towards extra cover for a single.

Pulls his length back a bit, around off, Ibrahim Zadran flat-bats it hard but on the bounce to mid off.

A bit fuller and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it down the pitch.

Short of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran dabs it down to point.

Dug into the surface, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran tries to cut but slices it on the bounce to deep third for one more.

Short of a length and down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal hooks it away wide of deep fine. Liam McCarthy quickly moves to his left to grab it on the bounce, saving three runs for his side. They cross.

Full again and on leg, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to short mid-wicket.

HUNDRED FOR IBRAHIM ZADRAN! Off 107 balls. Big cheers from the Afghan fans as Ibrahim Zadran brings up his 7th ODI century, his first against Ireland and he has been classy throughout his knock. Fuller one and on off, Zadran drives it through covers for a run. He raises his bat and gets a hug from his partner. This will go down as one of the most flawless innings of his ODI career.

Back of a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran gets on his toes to ride the bounce and punches it through covers for a brace. That brings up the 200-RUN STAND off 195 balls between these two batters.

Lands this on a good length and on leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through square leg for a single.

34 overs have been bowled. Still no respite for Ireland as these two keep churning runs with absolute ease. The hosts will have to choose one ball from the two in operation for the rest of the innings. The needful has been done. Curtis Campher will continue with his spell. 6-0-34-0 so far.

Another good bouncer, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran tries to take it on with a pull shot but fails to connect.

Bangs in a well-directed bumper, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran ducks under it.

Good length and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal works it through square leg for a run.

Just back of a length and around off, angling away, Sediqullah Atal tries to cut it away but misses.

On a length and on the pads, Ibrahim Zadran clips it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Edgy! Full again and just outside off now, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the big booming drive. Gets a thick outside edge that races to the third man fence for a boundary. He moves to 96 now.

WIDE! Fuller but going down the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran fails to glance it away. Called a wide.

On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drops it in front of cover for a quick one.

Good length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran steers it away wide of deep point for a couple of runs. Both the batters are in the 90s now!

Fuller one and on leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through square leg for a run.

FOUR! 200 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Curtis Campher digs it into the surface, but down the leg side, there to be put away. Sediqullah Atal does not miss out and hooks it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Short of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran rides the bounce and dabs it through point for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it towards cover-point. A slight mix-up but no harm done.

Good comeback! Touch fuller and around off, angles in and then straightens off the deck. Sediqullah Atal goes for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

DRINKS BREAK! Nothing much has changed since the last hydration break. In fact, it's been all Afghanistan since the second over of the match when Gurbaz was dismissed. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal have parked themselves at the crease and have hardly been troubled by any of these Irish bowlers. After getting to their respective fifties and with the ball softening up and the pitch flattening out as well, there's a clear shift of gears from both these batters. The last two overs have gone for 24 runs. Their run rate is just a tick above run-a-ball, and they will aim to post around 350 with plenty of batting still left to come. Ireland will believe that a couple of wickets in quick intervals can slow down the progress.

11 runs off the over with a ball to go...

FOUR! Nicely done! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in. Sediqullah Atal gets inside the line and just helps it to the deep backward square leg fence for four more runs.

Hits the deck hard and down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal glances it away wide of deep fine for a couple of runs.

Good length and just around off, holds its line, Sediqullah Atal looks to push it away but misses.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Fuller delivery, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal throws his hands at it but slices it in the air towards deep third. Cade Carmichael charges for the catch but the ball drops in front of him and spins away to the fence for a boundary.

Liam McCarthy is back on! Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran runs it down to deep third for a single.

Looped up, full and around off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it to sweeper cover for one more.

Dragged back, on middle, Sediqullah Atal punches it down to long on for one.

WIDE! Big turn, and Rashid Khan will be licking his lips seeing this. Gavin Hoey bowls this flatter, short and well outside off, it grips and turns a long way down the leg side. Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone. Called a wide.

Slows it up, full and on off, turns in, Sediqullah Atal gets across to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. Slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

Comes around the wicket, does Gavin Hoey. Floated, short and on off, turns in a bit, Sediqullah Atal moves back to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

A long chat between Tector, Tucker and Gavin at the bowling end regarding the field placements. Good to resume.

FOUR! 10 runs off the first 2 balls! Floated full and on middle and off. Sediqullah Atal comes down the track to get to the pitch of it and lofts it cleanly over mid off for a one-bounce four.

SIX! Clean strike! Tossed up, full and on off. Sediqullah Atal uses his feet, hits through the line, tonking it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Bowls another fuller one, Zadran pushes it to mid on. 60/0 in this 21-30 over phase for Afghanistan.

A well-disguised off cutter from Adair. Full on middle, Ibrahim Zadran leans on and defends it watchfully.

Nips away off the surface, full in length, in the channel. Sediqullah Atal pushes at it to access the off side, but the ball deflects off the outside edge to deep third. One run taken.

In-between length, around off, tapped off the back foot towards point for a quick single.

Straighter on the pads, Zadran flicks the full ball between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a couple of more runs.

Angles in a bit, full on middle. Zadran defends off the inner half and the ball rolls to mid on.

Looped above the eyeline, full on the leg stump. Sediqullah Atal gets down on his knee and sweeps it straight to Andy Balbirnie stationed at short fine leg. Atal will surely feel that he missed out on finding the gap there. Still, 9 runs from this over.

Quicker and shorter, outside off, punched straight back to the bowler.

A smidge shorter, spinning in on leg. Atal hangs back and steers it to the right of deep square leg for two more.

Slows it up and lands it full around off, Sediqullah Atal defends it off the outer portion of the bat as the ball rolls to Stirling at point.

SIX! Danger signs for Ireland! Offers it on a platter. A juicy half-volley, on off, Atal jumps out of the crease and thumps it marvelously over long off for a biggie. This also brings up the 150-run partnership between Atal and Zadran!

Serves it full, and slides it outside leg. Nicely clipped off the pads to deep square leg for a single.

Paul Stirling has made changes from both ends in a bid to break this partnership, which is now worth 144. It's getting into desperate territory now for the Irish.

Slanted into the batter, full in length, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it gently to the left of mid on and they cruise through for a quick single.

Back of a length, around off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it off the back foot to backward point.

Nagging length, on middle, angling in. Zadran rocks back and stabs it to mid-wicket.

On a length, outside off, magnificently punched through covers. Ben Calitz runs to his right from deep point and fumbles to pick the ball up cleanly. This allows the batters to hustle back for the second.

Very full on middle, Ibrahim Zadran comfortably flicks it wide of deep mid-wicket and they return back for the second run.

Mark Adair (0/30 in 5 overs) returns into the attack! Bowls a length ball, in the channel. Ibrahim Zadran taps the front foot forward and clips it to short mid-wicket.

Flatter leg break, on a length, fairly outside off. Sediqullah Atal misses the reverse sweep as the ball pops over the outside edge.

Flatter and shorter, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran flays it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! It's looking all so easy at the moment! A half volley on off, Ibrahim Zadran gets down on a knee and plays the slog sweep, clearing mid-wicket for a boundary. Zadran moves to 76 (82).

On a length, around off, Ibrahim punches it to short cover.

Short and outside off, spinning away. Ibrahim Zadran slaps it wide of deep point for a couple of runs. 150 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! A big total looks in the offing for Ireland.

A slip in place. Short and sliding down leg, Ibrahim Zadran hangs back to whip it across to the leg side, but misses and is hit on the back thigh pad. There's a slight appeal for LBW, but immediately turned down by the umpire.

A bit fuller, on the leg stump. Atal waits back and tugs it to square leg.

Length ball outside off, Zadran stands tall and works the ball with soft hands to the right of backward point for a quick single.

Width on offer, short and outside off. Sediqullah Atal square cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

WIDE! Way too short and over the head height. Atal arches back to leave.

Sloppy from Hoey! Full and angled at the pads. Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to mid on where Gavin Hoey fails to collect the ball cleanly and it seeps through to the deep. The batters look for the second run, but Gavin is quick to recover.

Back of a length, and this is solidly blocked off the back foot.

Fuller than a length, nipping back in. Ibrahim Zadran blocks it right back to the bowler.

Shortens the length, outside off, Ibrahim camps back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

On a fuller length at the pads, Atal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Full around off, defended off the front foot.

On the stumps, full, blocked out.

Teasingly outside off, on a fuller length, spinning away. Left alone by Atal. The keeper, Tucker, fumbles to collect as the ball deflects off his gloves and drops behind him.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR SEDIQULLAH ATAL! From 63 balls. Full and around off, Sediqullah Atal gets on the front foot and carves it beautifully through the cover and point gap for a boundary. On his 25th birthday, he gets to his 3rd ODI half-century, making the day even more special for him! He has taken his sweet time, growing progressively confident to get to his milestone and hasn't looked uncomfortable for one bit.

WIDE! Far down leg and it keeps drifting, full in length. Atal misses the flick.

On the stumps, fuller than a length. Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket. An expensive return for McDonough, as 13 runs come from it.

Digs in a bumper that does not rise much, on off. Sediqullah Atal swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for one more.

Outside off and Zadran drives the full ball on the rise, and through covers for a single.

SIX! Magnificent hitting! Short by McDonough now, at chest height. Ibrahim Zadran picks the length in a trice and hammers it into the crowd, behind deep square leg for a biggie.

FOUR! Fluency at its best! Not an ideal length from Byron with mid off in the ring. He goes full and around off. Ibrahim Zadran gets on top of it and pumps it over the fielder at mid off to pick up his ninth boundary.

Low full toss, on middle, Atal drills it down the ground, where Gavin Hoey dives to his left from mid off and keeps them to a single.

Byron McDonough is back on. 4-0-21-1 so far for him.

Dropped a bit short, drifting on the pads, Sediqullah Atal comfortably steers it through square leg for a single.

WIDE! From around the stump, this is darted down leg, on a fuller length. Atal swings and misses. Sharp take behind the stumps by Lorcan Tucker, who drags his hands to his right to nestle it in his gloves.

Spins in on a length, around off. Zadran camps back and punches it through cover for another run.

Fired on a fuller length, outside off, Atal lunges and creams it to deep cover-point for a single.

The in-dipper, short and on off, from around the stumps. Atal stands tall and fences it to short third.

Short and wide, Ibrahim Zadran hangs back and cuts it to deep point for an easy single.

Tossed up, full on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it back to the bowler.

The physio is in to check in on Ibrahim Zadran. He is applying the magic spray to his right hand, and it looks like it has worked. Here is Harry Tector to bowl now.

Ouch! That is got to sting! Full and swinging away just a touch from the batter, Sediqullah Atal times the straight drive beautifully, only for the ball to come screaming back at the non-striker's end. Zadran cops it flush on the right wrist, and he will be feeling that one as he drops his bat down and gets rid of his gloves instantly to get some medical help.

Hits the length hard, on off, Sediqullah Atal waits back and guides it to point.

Slightly fuller, on leg, Sediqullah Atal hops on the toes and tucks it to Stirling at mid-wicket.

WIDE! Half an appeal for caught behind, but the umpire stretches his arms wide. Short and down leg, Sediqullah Atal looks to hook it over square leg, but misses.

Back of a length, on top of off. Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and looks to flash it over covers, but gets a thick outside edge instead. The ball flies on the bounce towards short third for a single.

Just outside leg, on a length. Atal tries to nudge it around the corner, but misses and the ball rolls off the thigh pad towards backward square leg. They rush through for a leg bye.

Short on top of middle. Sediqullah Atal hangs back and drops it down the pitch.

Pitched fuller, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran slices it to short third.

Full, spinning away, on off, Zadran gets on the front foot and eases it to cover.

Conventional leg break, short on off. Sediqullah Atal goes deep inside the crease and taps it with soft hands to the cover-point region for an easy single. This brings up the 100-run partnership between Ibrahim and Atal.

Slides it into the batter, full in length, Ibrahim Zadran slogs it off the inner half to deep square leg for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal carves it to the mid off fielder and sets off for the run. The mid off fielder picks and throws in a motion but misses his shy at the bowling end, allowing Atal to scoot through.

Short and spinning in, on off. Atal hangs back and taps it to the bowler.

A very productive phase for Afghanistan as they have added 55/0 in this 11-20 over period. The partnership is worth 97 runs between these two as they keep humming along with ease.

Hits the deck hard and around off, Sediqullah Atal punches it through cover-point for one more.

Slightly fuller in length and on the sixth stump line, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

Hard length and around leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it with soft hands through square leg and comes back for the second run.

Good length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran swats it off the toe-end towards wide mid on for a single.

Back of a length and on off, nips back in, Ibrahim Zadran looks to push it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

Flighted, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for one.

Drops it short and on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to short cover.

Fires in a yorker, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran jams it out to mid on.

Flatter, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Just over! Tossed up, full and around middle, Sediqullah Atal skips down the track and launches it high in the air. He gets more height on this one and Mark Adair at long on thinks he is in the game. However, the ball just goes over his grasp for a biggie.

Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the pitch.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out solidly.

Pitched up and on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it towards mid off for a run.

Fuller delivery, on middle and off, Sediqullah Atal drills it back to the bowler.

Hits the deck hard and around off, shaping away, Sediqullah Atal has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FIFTY FOR IBRAHIM ZADRAN! A fantastic knock from him, and he gets to his 11th ODI half-century. He has played some really delightful shots and has hardly looked troubled. He will be looking to convert this into a big one. Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pats it in front of short cover for a quick single. Also, the 100 comes up for Afghanistan!

Fuller one and on middle, shaping into the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran fails to flick it away and gets hit on the pads.

Curtis Campher returns into the attack with a change of ends. 0/17 in 2 overs are his bowling figures so far. He replaces Liam McCarthy.

Floated, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal bunts it back to the bowler.

A googly, full and on middle, turns in a bit, Ibrahim Zadran works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for one.

Flighted, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it away but straight to Harry Tector at short cover.

Dragged back, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches it back to the bowler.

Goes short and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran stays back and pats it to the right of the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal strides out and taps it towards cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Time for a breather then. Afghanistan, despite losing their in-form opener Gurbaz inside the Powerplay, have made a fine ascendancy through this near-fluent 81-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Barring a few outside edges and plays and misses, these two have hardly looked troubled so far and are going about their business with patience and constant strike rotation. You won't see flashy shots from these two and that's exactly the kind of approach that is beneficial on such pitches and grounds where the dimensions are a bit weird. Ireland, on the other hand, have been inconsistent with their lines and lengths, particularly with the new ball and will look to put an end to this ominous-looking partnership as quickly as possible. Gavin Hoey (1-0-6-0) will continue after the break.

Very full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it wide of mid off, where the fielder dives to his left to make a fine stop.

WIDE! Liam McCarthy tries another bumper, around off but this one goes above the head of the batter, who makes a leave. Wided.

A bouncer now, just outside off, Ibrahim Zadran lets it go.

Pitched up and on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran fends it away to the off side.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and on middle, angling in, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Ibrahim Zadran picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Touch fuller and on off, Ibrahim Zadran stays in his crease and blocks it out.

On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran guides it away to point.

A bit short and around off, Sediqullah Atal steps across and pats it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran gets forward to defend but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal lunges out and taps it to the right of short cover for a run.

Drops it short and on middle and off, Sediqullah Atal moves back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Floated, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it through covers for a single.

A loopy low full toss, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran glances it wide of deep fine for a couple of runs.

First look at spin then. Here's Gavin Hoey into the attack. He picked up an impressive four-wicket haul that nearly brought Afghanistan to their knees in that third ODI.

FOUR! Makes full use of the Free Hit! Fuller delivery, on the pads. Sediqullah Atal picks it up and chips it nicely over mid-wicket for a boundary.

7 runs off the over so far, with a ball to go.

Play and a miss! Back of a length and just on off, moving it away from the left-hander. Sediqullah Atal tries to punch it away but the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper. Liam McCarthy appeals for a caught behind, but it is turned down. Well, it would not have mattered, as Liam has overstepped here. The replay shows it is touch-and-go, but the decision goes against the bowler. No Ball called. Free Hit up next...

Touch fuller and around off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it through covers for one.

Good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran stays back and blocks it out.

Short of a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal dabs it down to point for a single.

Beaten! Fuller in length and around off, shaping away, Sediqullah Atal gets drawn into the expansive drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

EDGED AND FOUR! Liam McCarthy lands this back of a length and on off, holds its line. Sediqullah Atal tries to guide it with soft hands but ends up playing it too fine. It goes off the outer edge past the first slip and beats third man to his right for a boundary.

Hard length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran gets behind the line this time and keeps it out to the off side.

Hits the deck hard, on middle, nips back in, Ibrahim Zadran stays back and looks to play but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

Fuller and on off, Sediqullah Atal drives it away through covers for a run.

Back of a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran opens the bat face and steers it through point for a single.

FOUR! Streaky! Short of a length and well outside off, shaping further away. Ibrahim Zadran slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that flies over first slip, to the third man fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! Too fuller and on off, Ibrahim Zadran gets under it and, with a full extension of the arms, lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Much fuller and around off, Sediqullah Atal drills it away but straight to Andy Balbirnie at short cover.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Short of a length and on middle, jags back in sharply. Ibrahim Zadran stays back to play at it but takes a blow on his body.

Liam McCarthy bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran tries to go for the pull shot but is a bit late and misses.

On a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it away to short cover.

Good length and on the leg stump line, angling in too. Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. There is a shout for LBW, but it is turned down. Clearly going down the leg.

Almost dragged on! Just short of a length and on off, nips back in. Sediqullah Atal stays back and looks to guide it away very close to his body. He gets a bottom edge as the ball just goes past the off pole.

Pitched up and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it away from short cover. Cade Carmichael dives to his left and gets a good hand on it to make a half-stop. They cross.

Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran stays back and stabs it out towards extra cover.

On a length and around leg Sediqullah Atal clips it through square leg for a run.

FOUR! Sloppy work in the deep! This is a half-volley, on off. Sediqullah Atal leans on and drills it firmly through cover-point. Ben Calitz from deep point runs to his left, gets to the ball but lets it through for a boundary.

Fuller delivery and around off, Ibrahim Zadran strides out and drives it through covers for a single.

Powerplay 2! Ireland can now place four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Despite losing an early wicket, Afghanistan have scored at a brisk rate, helped by some inconsistency from the Irish pacers. Also, Curtis Campher replaces Mark Adair.

Very full from McCarthy, on the leg stump. This is gently clipped off the pads by Atal. The ball rolls behind square leg and they hustle back for the second run. AFGHANISTAN END THEIR POWERPLAY AT 58/1!

Aims the pads, on a fullish length. Ibrahim Zadran misses the flick and the ball ricochets off the thigh pad towards widish mid-wicket. The batters swoop across for a quick leg bye.

Back of a length, on top of off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it on the rise to the cover region.

FOUR! Picture-perfect shot! Overpitched from Liam, around off. Ibrahim Zadran carves it through mid off and cover for a beautifully timed boundary. He moves to 27 (26).

Nearly a yorker, on the stumps. Ibrahim jams the bat down in the nick of time and shovels it out to the cover region.

Starts from over the stumps, and lands it full around off. Ibrahim Zadran drives it to the cover fielder.

Liam McCarthy comes in as the first bowling change.

Much fuller than the previous ball, outside off. Ibrahim guides it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Fantastic timing and placement. 50 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN! Short in length, at the head height of the batter. Ibrahim Zadran controls the pull shot by rolling his wrists, swivels and hammers it through deep square leg for a cracking boundary.

Pitched fuller and on the stumps. Ibrahim Zadran nails the straight drive, but Adair makes a fine stop on his follow-through, dragging both his hands around his left knee.

Beautiful away shape, full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran plays with soft hands and dabs it to the short third fielder.

Variable bounce! Short of a length, outside off, curving away. Ibrahim Zadran tries to unfurl the punch through cover, but the ball keeps low and beats the under egde.

Nip-backer on a fuller length, on middle, Zadran tries to defend off the front foot, but inside edges on the front pad and the drops on the pitch, well in front of the bowler.

Nagging length, outside off. Left alone by Atal.

Ohh, this one stays awfully low off the surface. Good length, outside off, and Sediqullah Atal hangs back looking to punch it off the back foot on the off side, but the ball skids through low, catching the inside edge on its way through to the keeper.

Attacks the stumps, on a length, Sediqullah Atal blocks it watchfully from the crease.

FOUR! Loose ball and it gets the treatment! Onto the pads, fuller in length, shaping down further. Sediqullah Atal uses the pace of the ball and glances it through short fine leg, beating Ben Calitz to his left for a boundary.

Consistently angles it across the batter, pitching it hard on a length. Atal shows no interest of poking at that one.

BEATEN! Bounces off the track, outside off, on a shorter length. Sediqullah Atal tries to loft it over cover but misses out.

From around the stump to the left-hander. Slams it hard on the pitch, outside off. Sediqullah Atal flays it over backward point for a single.

Back of a length, nipping away, outside off. Zadran waits on it and glides it through short third for a run.

Angled in on a length, Sediqullah Atal hangs back and nudges it gently to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

Loose! Wide outside off, shaping away a touch, on a good length. Sediqullah Atal chases it by throwing his bat to play the square cut but the ball keeps swerving to beat the bat.

Full again, on off, Sediqullah Atal creams it straight to the mid off fielder.

Bowls from wide of the crease, angling in, on a length and outside off. Atal shoulders his arms.

Full on middle, pushed to mid on.

FOUR! SHOT! Short and on top of off. Ibrahim swivels and comfortably pulls it through mid-wicket and square leg for a boundary. He was on to it in a flash.

JUST SHORT AND WIDE! Bowls fuller and angles it away from the batter. Sediqullah Atal closes the bat face very early for the flick and ends up getting a healthy leading edge. The ball flies wide of Cade Carmichael stationed at point and beats his dive to his right. One run taken.

Byron bowls it on a length, in the channel. Atal prods forward, only to make a close leave.

Full and on off, Sediqullah Atal stretches forward and blocks it out watchfully.

Flirting with danger! Angles it right across the left-hander, on a hard length and the ball keeps leaving the batter. Atal pokes at it loosely and the ball zips past the outside edge.

Straight and full, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it off the inner half of the bat and wide of Gavin Hoey at mid-wicket. Gavin sprints and hunts the ball down in the deep, keeping the batters to two runs. 7 runs off the over, 13 from the last two for Afghanistan.

BEATEN! Beauty from Mark! Gets the ball to swerve away from the batter, on a good length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran hangs back to punch it away but the gets beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

Full and outside off, straighter one, Zadran cracks it straight to the cover fielder.

Off the edge! Angles it into the batter, on a fuller length. Sediqullah Atal looks to work it across from the crease, but gets a fat leading edge. It goes wide of the second slip fielder and is mopped up by Byron McDonough at deep third, to his right. One run taken.

FOUR! Textbook cover drive! Just outside the off stump, on a length. Sediqullah Atal unleashes a flamboyant cover drive by getting on the front foot and nails it behind point for a boundary.

On a length, swinging away, outside off. Atal hangs back and steers it to the backward point fielder.

Short of a good length, around off, Ibrahim camps back and knocks it to the cover fielder.

BEAUTY! Very full and outside off, Ibrahim tries to smother it on the pitch, but the ball swings away late and beats his outside edge by a whisker.

FOUR! Unleashes the back foot punch once again! Short and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran rises up on the toes and punches it from the middle of the blade, finding the gap at cover-point for a cracking boundary.

Excellent bowling! Byron nails the yorker in and it shapes sharply into the batter. Sediqullah Atal jams the bat down in time despite his head falling over. The ball grazes the bottom edge and rolls to backward square leg for a single. There is a slight appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down.

Back of a length, nipping away a bit. Ibrahim Zadran shapes up to play the cover drive, but somehow, the ball squirts off the inside edge and rolls wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Slams it on a length, wide outside off, Ibrahim rises with the bounce and lets it be.

BEATEN! In the channel, on a hard length, just straightens up after pitching. Atal is drawn forward to defend, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Comes from around the stump with two slips in place. Bowls it on a length, outside off, Atal hops off and dabs it with soft hands to the gully region.

Moves away from the southpaw, on a good length, Sediqullah Atal offers no shot.

Fuller around off, Atal presses forward and defends it out to point.

Short and outside off, Zadran uses the pace and runs it to deep third for a single.

FOUR! Cracked away! 2000 ODI RUNS FOR IBRAHIM ZADRAN. He becomes the third-quickest ODI batter to reach that figure after Shubman Gill and Hashim Amla. Back of a length, outside off, sits up nicely for the batter. Zadran knocks it crisply and into the gap through mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

Early blow for Afghanistan. Sediqullah Atal walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! The extra ball brings a massive wicket for McDonough and Ireland. He is beaming with smile and is circled by his fellow teammates. Bowls it on a good length, outside the off stump, with a little bit of extra bounce and an away shape. Rahmanullah Gurbaz charges down a bit and tries to loft it over the mid off fielder but ends up badly shanking it and offering a straightforward catch to Harry Tector at mid off. A really good start for Ireland as the dangerous Gurbaz falls. Afghanistan are 16/1.

WIDE! Miles outside off stump, and swings further away, breaching the guideline. Gurbaz ignores that one.

Bangs it short and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz rides the bounce and taps it towards the backward point fielder.

Much fuller, moving away, around off. Gurbaz gets on top of the bounce and pushes it between cover and point for a couple of runs.

WIDE! Reload! A bit too straight, down leg, on a length. Gurbaz lets it be. The keeper, Tucker, collects it to his left.

Short of a length, outside off, climbing on the batter. Zadran stands on his toes and steers it along the ground to deep third for a single.

Extracts serious bounce from a good length, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is completely squared up on the defence and the ball bobbles up from the shoulder of the bat, and drops wide of backward point for a single.

SWING AND A MISS! Hard length, outside off stump, nipping away and staying low. Gurbaz tries to muscle it over cover, but the ball beats his inside edge on its way to the keeper.

Byron McDonough will take up the other new ball.

Nagging length, outside off, Zadran hangs back and dabs it to backward point. 10 runs off the first over.

Had to really hurry! Fuller one, on off, Gurbaz drives it to mid off and rushes off for a single, but Harry Tector dives acrobatically to his right and releases the throw to the bowling end, but misses his shy. It forces Gurbaz to put on a late sprint and dive to make home. A direct hit would have had Gurbaz in deep trouble.

FOUR! SMASHED! That's hit firmly. Too full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clobbers it to the left of the bowler. It goes flat but Adair cannot pluck that and it races away.

Back of a length, outside off, curving away. Gurbaz shoulders arms.

FOUR! Glorious shot to get off the mark! A lot fuller than the previous ball, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans on and creams it through the cover gap and despite the outfield being a bit greasy, it beats the chase of the fielder for a boundary.

Tight leave! Much better from Adair. Hits the hard length, does Mark, just around the off stump with a bit of an away shape. Rahmanullah Gurbaz watches the ball closely and leaves it.

WIDE! A loosener to start with. Far outside off, on a good length. It swings away sharply and goes beyond the tramline. Left alone by Gurbaz.

All set for the fourth ODI to get underway in Belfast. Conditions have considerably brightened up out there as well. We can see the Ireland players spread out and take their respective field positions. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are the two openers for Afghanistan. Mark Adair has the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the first ball, but before that, both teams have lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first, followed by Ireland's.

PITCH REPORT - Ed Joyce is out there, inspecting the conditions in Stormont. He says that it is quite warm and muggy out there, which will help with some seam and swing movement. Adds that the pitch has a much bigger covering of grass than the other day, looking much greener. Mentions that there is a bit of a moisture in the outfield as well, so expects it to be a bit slow early on when Afghanistan will be batting.

The captain of Afghanistan - Rahmat Shah says he would have elected to bowl first as well, considering the overhead conditions. Asked about his captaincy experience so far, he says the team has been following the plans well and executing them nicely, something he's happy to see. On what constitutes a good score today, he says he isn't fixated on any particular number, and the focus instead is simply on building partnerships and putting up as many runs as possible. On changes to the side, he confirms just the one change, as Fazalhaq Farooqi makes way, with Ziaur Rahman coming in.

The captain of Ireland - Paul Stirling says that it looks quite a different pitch from the other day. Adds that it looks hard with a bit of green tinge so he is hoping they can use the conditions early with the ball. Stirling mentions that they have had a few discussions but now it is time to implement it out there in the field. Says he can't remember the last time they put together 50 or 100 overs in an ODI but that is the ultimate aim and this game would be a good start. Informs that they have made one change, with Jai Moondra resting and Liam McCarthy replacing him.

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

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

TOSS - Well, good news, folks, that turned out to be a short delay after all. The captains are out in the middle in no time, and the coin flip goes in favor of Paul Stirling. Ireland have elected to BOWL first. Though we can still see the white covers draped over the pitch, kept there as a precaution should the drizzle make a return. The skies out there remain pretty gloomy for now with the warmups going on in the background.

Toss delayed? Looks like it. The coin flip should have happened by now. But unfortunately, it has been a damp start to the day. Weather reports suggest that it is currently raining in Stormont, so the TOSS HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DELAYED DUE TO RAIN. But as we mentioned earlier, the forecast for the rest of the day looks much better. So let's hope the delay is not that long.

Weather watch - Weather has been calling the shots throughout this series, and today looks no different. In the third game, cloud cover rolled in late, and while it gave the seamers a bit of extra zip and carry, it was really the surface itself doing the talking for the spinners. Hoey and Rashid Khan both found sharp turn off a pitch that was clearly wearing. A touch of rain is forecast during match hours today, most likely in the afternoon, say, during the first innings, but the skies are expected to clear up well after that. Let's hope we get to see a complete game of cricket like the other day.

Aim to seal the deal - Afghanistan cannot lose the series from here and will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run against Ireland in bilateral ODI matches since 2021. They are aiming for a fifth ODI series win over the Irish, but en route, two of their series have ended in a draw, both in 2019, and they will want to avoid that flat finish again. The tourists nearly bottled a modest run chase in the previous match, as their batting unit, barring Gurbaz and Rashid, failed to work out the right approach for this surface. More than trying to force cross-batted shots, the key here is to get settled, work out the gaps, and then push on without throwing it away. As seen, batting tends to become more and more difficult here as the pitch gets older, so the correct method is to build stable partnerships first. It will be another test of technique for them, and they will hope they do not depend on just a couple of players and put on a complete show this time around. Toss and teams coming up next. Stay tuned.

The spin cycle of doom - Ireland have shown they can push Afghanistan close, and there were some genuinely impressive stints from the likes of Gavin Hoey, even while defending a modest 206. But the finishing touch in crunch moments keeps slipping away. The main culprit? Spin. Across the two completed ODIs in this series, 12 of Ireland’s 20 wickets have fallen to spinners, and they haven’t been able to bat out their full 50 overs either. Until they solve this puzzle, every chase or defence feels like a high-wire act without a safety net. To make matters trickier, the middle order hasn’t really fired when it matters. The broader issue for the batters is that they are getting starts, but not turning them into match-shaping scores. Until that conversion rate improves, Ireland will keep feeling like they are one good innings away… that never quite arrives.

Try, try till you succeed - The classic line for when life keeps saying 'not yet'. Ireland will be using it as fuel, walking out with extra grit and a united hunger to finally get the job done. They can still level the series and avoid a defeat if they win both remaining matches. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have already ticked the big boxes - having an unassailable 2-0 lead and have also secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The momentum is theirs, but now it’s about delivering a cleaner, more ruthless performance. On that note, hello and welcome to the fourth and penultimate ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont.

... MATCH DAY ...

Match 4 - Ireland are all set to take on Afghanistan in the 4th ODI of this five-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. Afghanistan head into the fourth ODI with the series already secured, but there is still plenty at stake. Their three-wicket victory in Belfast on Monday confirmed their direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while Ireland are now playing for pride, momentum and evidence that they can compete with one of the strongest emerging ODI sides in world cricket. The fourth ODI therefore has a slightly unusual dynamic - Afghanistan can afford to experiment, while Ireland desperately need a complete performance. Series context - The opening ODI at Bready was washed out, leaving the teams with four potentially decisive matches. Afghanistan then established control in the second ODI, beating Ireland by 92 runs. Rashid Khan was the star, producing outstanding figures of 6/34 as Ireland collapsed chasing Afghanistan's 299/8. The third ODI was much closer. Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs, and Afghanistan appeared to be cruising at 132/3 before a middle-order collapse left them in serious trouble at 154/6. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz' 71 had already provided the foundation, and Rashid Khan, unbeaten on 37, guided Afghanistan through the tense finish to 207/7 in 44.5 overs. For Ireland, the frustrating part is that the third ODI was there to be won. Their bowling attack created the opening, but 206 was ultimately too small a total. The Rashid factor - Afghanistan's biggest advantage is that their bowling attack has repeatedly shown it can win games even when their batting isn't at its best. The second ODI demonstrated the destructive potential of Rashid Khan, while the third showed something equally important - Afghanistan can survive pressure when Rashid is needed with the bat. In dire need of improvement - Ireland's biggest concern is not necessarily their bowling. It is their inability to turn promising starts into competitive totals. The third ODI was the clearest example. Ireland reached 128/8, but Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra rescued the innings with a 50-run partnership, allowing the hosts to reach 206. That lower-order resistance was valuable, but Ireland should never have lost so many wickets in the first place, with 6 of those 8 scalps being against spin, amidst a stunning collapse from 82/2. The conditions could be decisive - The move from Bready to Stormont has already produced a different type of contest. The third ODI was a low-scoring game. Both sides experienced significant batting collapses, suggesting that shot selection and patience could again be more important than simply trying to dominate from the outset. Ireland will particularly want to exploit any early movement if they get the chance to bowl first. Form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - IRE - LLLWW | AFG - WWLLL. Predictions? Afghanistan start as favourites as they have won both completed ODIs, possess the outstanding individual match-winner in Rashid Khan, and now have the confidence of having secured World Cup qualification. However, the third ODI showed that Ireland are not far away. Afghanistan's batting was vulnerable once Gurbaz departed, and Ireland had a genuine chance of defending 206 after reducing the visitors to 154/6. The deciding factor is likely to be on how Ireland handle spin and more importantly, Rashid Khan.