Rashid Khan’s six-wicket haul powers Afghanistan to a dominant win over Ireland in the second ODI

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Afghanistan and Ireland produced an entertaining contest in the second ODI at Bready, with both sides having periods of control throughout the match. After the opening game of the five-match series was washed out, the two teams returned to action with plenty at stake. Afghanistan’s batting unit put together a strong total before their bowlers stepped up during Ireland’s chase.

Afghanistan’s top order lays the foundation with a strong batting display

Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first, and Afghanistan made a positive start as Rahmanullah Gurbaz took the attack to debutant left-arm pacer Jai Moondra. Gurbaz struck five fours and a six during his 30-ball stay, but his aggressive innings came to an end for 32 when he mistimed a shot against Moondra and was caught at mid-on.

Sediqullah Atal continued the attacking approach alongside Ibrahim Zadran, with the pair putting together a 116-run partnership. Zadran brought up his half-century in the 19th over before Atal departed for 45 after being bowled by Harry Tector. Zadran remained the key figure in Afghanistan’s innings and moved towards a century before falling for a well-made 84. His dismissal gave Ireland an opportunity to restrict the scoring, but Afghanistan finished strongly.

Azmatullah Omarzai provided another burst of momentum with a quick 33 off 24 balls, while Hashmatullah Shahidi produced an excellent late cameo. Batting at No. 7 for the first time in his ODI career, Shahidi smashed an unbeaten 36 from just 21 deliveries, including a six and several boundaries. His late assault helped Afghanistan reach 299/8 from their 47 overs, setting Ireland a challenging target in the second innings.

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Rashid Khan’s six-wicket haul destroys Ireland’s chase

Ireland began their chase positively, with Andy Balbirnie and Cade Carmichael putting together a 72-run partnership. However, Rashid Khan soon changed the momentum of the contest. The Afghanistan leg-spinner dismissed Balbirnie for 36 before removing Tector shortly afterwards. Ireland recovered through Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker, but another crucial moment arrived when Tucker was run out following a direct hit from Atal.

Carmichael continued to give Ireland hope and brought up his maiden ODI half-century from just 44 balls. The batter eventually scored 62 from 66 deliveries before falling to Omarzai, with Mohammed Saleem completing the catch at deep third. Curtis Campher and debutant Ben Calitz briefly revived Ireland’s hopes with a rapid 46-run partnership. However, Rashid returned to break the stand, dismissing Calitz for 27 from 15 balls.

From there, the Afghanistan spinner took control of the lower order. Rashid claimed four of the final seven Irish wickets to complete a remarkable six-wicket haul and finish with figures of 6/34. Ireland were eventually bowled out for 207, handing Afghanistan a convincing 92-run victory.

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