In a thrilling chase, Afghanistan excelled in the fifth and final ODI against Ireland held at Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast, on August 15, 2026. Targeting 299, Afghanistan successfully scored 302 runs for 4 wickets in 48.5 overs, securing a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
This win rounded off a commanding 4-0 series triumph for Afghanistan, although the opening ODI was canceled due to rain. The fifth ODI showcased one of Afghanistan’s most remarkable run chases, highlighted by an outstanding unbeaten performance of 143 from Rahmat Shah.
Earlier, Ireland had set a total of 298 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs, thanks to Curtis Campher’s impressive 96 runs off 84 balls, along with Harry Tector’s contribution of 53. Afghanistan faced difficulties initially, falling to 22 runs for 2 wickets, but a significant partnership between Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal turned the tide.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI 2026 Match Details
The encounter took place at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first.
- Match: Ireland vs Afghanistan, 5th ODI
- Date: August 15, 2026
- Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
- Toss: Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl
- Ireland: 298 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs
- Afghanistan: 302 runs for 4 wickets in 48.5 overs
- Result: Afghanistan emerged victorious by 6 wickets
- Player of the Match: Rahmat Shah
- Series Result: Afghanistan clinched the series 4-0
The official scorecard records Afghanistan achieving the target in 48.5 overs, with seven deliveries still left.
Ireland Batting Scorecard
Ireland concluded their innings at 298 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Curtis Campher narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 96, while Harry Tector added a steady 53 runs.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Balbirnie | 13 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 68.42 |
| Paul Stirling | 20 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 95.24 |
| Cade Carmichael | 22 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 81.48 |
| Harry Tector | 53 | 80 | 4 | 0 | 66.25 |
| Lorcan Tucker | 7 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 58.33 |
| Curtis Campher | 96 | 84 | 7 | 4 | 114.29 |
| George Dockrell | 31 | 35 | 3 | 0 | 88.57 |
| Jordan Neill | 23 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 121.05 |
| Gavin Hoey | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Extras | 27 | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 298/7 | 50 overs |
Curtis Campher was the key performer for Ireland with the bat. His score of 96 came off 84 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes. Harry Tector contributed a solid 53 runs from 80 deliveries, serving as an anchor before Campher picked up the pace later.
How Ireland’s innings developed
Ireland faced a couple of early setbacks, losing Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling, leaving the home team at 39 runs for 2 wickets. Cade Carmichael was dismissed at a total of 79, and Lorcan Tucker fell as the team reached 99.
Tector and Campher played crucial roles in stabilizing the innings. Tector reached his fifty off 72 balls, while Campher got to his half-century from 61 balls.
Towards the end of the innings, Campher adopted an aggressive approach and forged valuable partnerships with George Dockrell and Jordan Neill. Ireland surpassed 250 runs at 45.6 overs and concluded their innings at 298 runs for 7 wickets.
Afghanistan Bowling Scorecard
During Ireland’s batting performance, Afghanistan utilized a total of six bowlers. Azmatullah Omarzai excelled by taking three wickets, while Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar secured two.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 10 | 0 | 74 | 3 | 7.40 |
| Ziaur Rahman Sharifi | 10 | 0 | 53 | 0 | 5.30 |
| Mohammad Saleem Safi | 10 | 1 | 62 | 1 | 6.20 |
| Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar | 8 | 0 | 34 | 2 | 4.25 |
| Nangeyalia Kharote | 8 | 0 | 51 | 1 | 6.38 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | 4 | 1 | 19 | 0 | 4.75 |
Omarzai took down both Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling early in their innings before coming back to dismiss George Dockrell. Ghazanfar was also significant in the match, taking out Cade Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker.
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard
Afghanistan’s run chase began precariously with the team at 22/2. Ibrahim Zadran was out for 5 runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 14.
Following that, a crucial partnership changed the course of the match.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 14 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 93.33 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 5 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 38.46 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 98 | 112 | 7 | 3 | 87.50 |
| Rahmat Shah | 143 | 133 | 13 | 2 | 107.52 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 24 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 171.43 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
| Extras | 9 | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 302/4 | 48.5 overs |
Rahmat Shah delivered an outstanding performance. His not-out score of 143 came from 133 balls, including 13 boundaries and two sixes. Sediqullah Atal played a pivotal role by scoring 98 off 112 balls, just missing out on a century.
Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal Turn the Match Around
Afghanistan faced difficulty at 22/2, but the match turned completely when Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal began to settle.
Together, they forged an impressive partnership, lifting Afghanistan from a precarious state to a dominant one. They achieved their 100 runs by the 21.3rd over and exceeded 200 runs by the 36.5th over.
Rahmat Shah reached his century in 109 balls, while Atal secured his fifty in 68 balls. Their partnership concluded at 223 when Atal was dismissed after scoring 98 runs.
Although Atal’s wicket could have caused some stress, Afghanistan had already gained the upper hand. Azmatullah Omarzai quickly attacked the Irish bowlers, scoring 24 runs off just 14 balls.
Rahmat ended the match not out at 143, with Hashmatullah Shahidi remaining on 9 runs as Afghanistan achieved the target in 48.5 overs.
Ireland Bowling Scorecard
Liam McCarthy was the standout bowler for Ireland, taking three wickets while giving away 47 runs in his 10 overs.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jai Moondra | 9.5 | 0 | 66 | 1 | 6.71 |
| Liam McCarthy | 10 | 1 | 47 | 3 | 4.70 |
| Jordan Neill | 6 | 1 | 30 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Curtis Campher | 7 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 6.57 |
| Gavin Hoey | 10 | 0 | 73 | 0 | 7.30 |
| Harry Tector | 6 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 5.83 |
Despite McCarthy’s three wickets giving Ireland an early chance, the long partnership between Atal and Rahmat Shah alleviated much of the pressure for Afghanistan.
Key Moments of the Match
The game featured numerous significant turning points.
Ireland’s early wickets
Afghanistan’s choice to bowl first reaped rewards quickly. Omarzai dismissed both Balbirnie and Stirling, putting Ireland under duress in the initial overs.
Campher’s counterattack
Curtis Campher shifted the game’s energy with an assertive 96. His four boundaries and four sixes enabled Ireland to regroup and inch the total towards 300.
Afghanistan loses two quick wickets
Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were dismissed rapidly, leaving Afghanistan at a precarious 22/2. Ireland seemed to seize a real chance at that moment.
The Rahmat-Atal alliance
The significant turning point was the substantial partnership established between Rahmat Shah and Sediqullah Atal. They propelled Afghanistan from 22/2 to 223/3, effectively loosening Ireland’s control of the match.
Rahmat Shah concludes the chase
Rahmat’s not out 143 ensured Afghanistan’s innings concluded with no late complications. Afghanistan achieved 302/4 in 48.5 overs, clinching a six-wicket win.
Ireland against Afghanistan 5th ODI Outcome
Afghanistan successfully pursued Ireland’s target of 299, tallying 302/4 in 48.5 overs.
The final tally was:
- Ireland 298/7 (50 overs)
- Afghanistan 302/4 (48.5 overs)
- Afghanistan won by six wickets
Rahmat Shah’s 143 not out was the match’s standout performance. Sediqullah Atal’s 98 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s brisk 24 were also crucial in fulfilling the chase.
For Ireland, Curtis Campher’s 96 was the highlight of the batting, while Harry Tector’s contribution of 53 established a solid base for the competitive total.
Conclusion
The fifth ODI showcased the distinction between establishing a challenging score and effectively defending it. Ireland’s score of 298/7 was commendable, especially following early dismissals, yet Afghanistan’s reply was extraordinary.
Rahmat Shah piloted the chase from the middle phase to completion, balancing patience with aggressive batting. His unbeaten 143 was excellently complemented by Atal’s 98, which provided Afghanistan with the required steadiness after early difficulties.
The result also secured a series victory for Afghanistan with a 4-0 lead, following the abandonment of the first ODI and victories in the subsequent four matches played.
For Ireland, Campher’s near-century alongside Tector’s fifty gives some optimistic takeaways despite the loss. Meanwhile, Afghanistan exits the series with significant confidence following another solid showing in the 50-over format.
Final Score
- Final Score: Ireland 298/7; Afghanistan 302/4
- Result: Afghanistan emerged victorious by six wickets
- Top scorer: Rahmat Shah – 143
- Ireland’s leading scorer: Curtis Campher – 96
- Best bowler for Ireland: Liam McCarthy – 3/47
- Best bowler for Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai – 3/74
- Player of the Match: Rahmat Shah
- Series: Afghanistan claimed a 4-0 victory
