Sediqullah Atal's 143 Fires Afghanistan to Victory
Afghanistan have won by 42 runs. Afghanistan batted first and posted 343/9 in 50 overs. Ireland, chasing 344, fell short at 301/10 in 48 overs.
Sediqullah Atal was the standout in the first innings, scoring 143 off 120 balls (SR 119). 4 sixes and 17 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 39 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Andy Balbirnie fought hard with 109 off 119 balls, but it was not enough to haul Ireland over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Yamin Ahmadzai delivered figures of 4/71 in 10 overs (Econ 7.1). 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
Over 45 of the first innings was the inflection point — 19 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
143 off 120 balls (SR 119), 17 fours, 4 sixes
4/71 in 10 overs (Econ: 7.10)
109 off 119 balls (SR 92), 9 fours, 3 sixes
Verdict
Afghanistan showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Ireland will rue missed opportunities — a 42 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. AFG lead the series 3-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.