Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 71 Fires Afghanistan to Victory
Afghanistan have won by 3 wickets. Ireland batted first and posted 206/10 in 46.3 overs. Afghanistan chased down 207 in just 44.5 overs.
Gavin Hoey was the standout in the first innings, scoring 36 off 67 balls (SR 54). 2 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 30 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
In the chase, Rahmanullah Gurbaz anchored the innings with 71 off 77 balls. It was a measured knock that kept Afghanistan on track despite losing wickets around him.
With the ball, Gavin Hoey delivered figures of 4/34 in 10 overs (Econ 3.4). A match-defining spell that tore through the batting order.
AFG lead the series 3-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
The result was shaped by a series of small moments rather than one dramatic turning point. The winning side was simply more clinical in their execution across both innings.
Key Performers
71 off 77 balls (SR 92), 2 fours, 5 sixes
4/34 in 10 overs (Econ: 3.40)
37* off 43 balls (SR 86), 4 fours, 0 sixes
Verdict
Afghanistan showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Ireland came up short by 3 wickets. There were passages where they looked competitive, but consistency eluded them when it mattered. AFG lead the series 3-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.