Afghanistan secured a historic victory in the final ODI against Ireland at Stormont, successfully chasing down a target of 299 to set a new record for the highest successful run chase in their ODI history. Rahmat Shah anchored the innings with a brilliant 143 not out, supported by Atal, who contributed 98 runs. The pair formed a crucial 201-run partnership for the third wicket, the highest for that position for Afghanistan, surpassing the previous record of 184 set by Rahmat and Hashmatullah Shahidi in 2021.
The chase began precariously for Afghanistan, who were reduced to 22 for 2 within six overs as Liam McCarthy claimed both openers. However, Rahmat and Atal steadied the ship by rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. The momentum shifted significantly when the duo targeted legspinner Gavin Hoey, with Rahmat hitting a six and both batsmen finding boundaries to bring the required run rate under control. Azmatullah Omarzai later provided a late flourish, scoring a six and a four in the 47th over to seal the win with a boundary on the penultimate ball.
Ireland had set an imposing target of 299 on a used pitch, largely thanks to a standout 96 from Curtis Campher. After a cold morning start, Afghanistan's fast bowlers Omarzai and Ziaur Rahman initially restricted Ireland, with Omarzai claiming the wickets of Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling in quick succession. While AM Ghazanfar made early inroads by removing Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector and Campher rebuilt the innings with a 55-run partnership. Campher’s late aggression, including four sixes and seven fours, helped Ireland add 101 runs in the final 10 overs alongside George Dockrell and Jordan Neill.
Despite Ireland's efforts, the absence of injured bowler Mark Adair hampered their ability to break the decisive third-wicket stand. Rahmat, who reached his first ODI century since January 2021, finished with 13 fours and two sixes in his 133-ball knock, ensuring Afghanistan maintained their dominance throughout the series.
