Rashid’s unbeaten 37 and three wickets helped his side chase 207 to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series
Rashid Khan produced another influential all-round performance as his side beat Ireland by three wickets in Belfast on Monday. Photo: AFP
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan produced another influential all-round performance as his side beat Ireland by three wickets in Belfast on Monday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs, with Rashid claiming 3-44 and Gavin Hoey top-scoring with 36.
Afghanistan reached 207-7 in 44.5 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the chase with 71 before Rashid finished unbeaten on 37 from 43 balls to guide his side home with 31 deliveries to spare.
The victory followed Rashid’s six-wicket haul in the second ODI, which Afghanistan won by 92 runs, underlining his excellent form with the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup approaching.
Hoey made an impact with the ball as well, claiming a career-best 4-34 to give Ireland hope late in Afghanistan’s chase.
The young spinner said Rashid had been an inspiration to him.
“He’s a serious competitor and he’s somebody I’ve looked at a lot and tried to emulate as much as I can, even though we’re very different bowlers,” Hoey said.
“He’s a very nice guy as well and I’m sure we’ll have a chat after the series.”
The fourth ODI will be played at Stormont on Wednesday, with the fifth and final match scheduled for August 15.
