Afghanistan Dominates Ireland in Second ODI with Rashid Khan's Stellar Performance

In a thrilling second ODI, Afghanistan triumphed over Ireland by 92 runs, thanks to Rashid Khan's remarkable bowling performance of 6/34. After the first match was washed out, Afghanistan set a challenging target of 299 runs, which Ireland failed to chase down, collapsing to 207 all out. With this victory, Afghanistan takes a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The match showcased standout performances, including Cade Carmichael's half-century for Ireland and a strong finish from Hashmatullah Shahidi for Afghanistan. The teams now look forward to the third ODI, where Ireland must improve to stay competitive.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 10:09 IST

Afghanistan Claims Victory Over Ireland

In a commanding display, Rashid Khan delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for 34 runs, leading Afghanistan to a 92-run victory against Ireland in the second ODI held at Bready on Saturday. This win gives Afghanistan a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series.

The first ODI was abandoned due to rain, but Afghanistan capitalized on their second chance, successfully defending a total of 299 runs for 8 wickets, as Ireland was bowled out for 207 in just 42.5 overs.

Rashid Khan Sparks Irish Downfall

Rashid's exceptional bowling saw him take four of Ireland's last seven wickets, marking his third six-wicket haul in ODI cricket. His performance was crucial, especially after Ireland seemed to be in a strong position during their chase. At one point, Ireland was at 144 runs for 3 wickets in the 24th over, needing 156 runs from 137 balls with seven wickets remaining. However, a bizarre run-out of Lorcan Tucker initiated a dramatic collapse, resulting in Ireland losing seven wickets for just 63 runs.

Cade Carmichael was the standout performer for Ireland, scoring his first ODI half-century with 62 runs off 66 balls. Andy Balbirnie added 36 runs, and the duo formed a 72-run partnership for the third wicket before Rashid dismissed Balbirnie, caught behind. Rashid struck again shortly after, sending Harry Tector back to the pavilion, although the catch was taken at the second attempt.

Carmichael and Tucker managed to stabilize the innings momentarily, but Tucker's run-out ended their 38-run partnership. Carmichael reached his fifty in just 44 balls but fell in the 26th over while trying to exploit Azmatullah Omarzai's pace. Saleem took a brilliant catch at deep third.

Curtis Campher and debutant Ben Calitz added 46 runs quickly for the sixth wicket, keeping Ireland's hopes alive. However, Rashid dismissed Calitz, who scored 27 runs off 15 balls, before returning to clean up the tail and secure Afghanistan's victory.

Afghanistan Sets a Challenging Target

Afghanistan batted first after a 90-minute delay due to a wet outfield, with the match reduced to 47 overs per side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a fiery start, hitting debutant left-arm seamer Jai Moondra for five fours and a six before being caught at mid-on for 32 runs off 30 balls.

Sediqullah Atal continued the aggressive approach, forming a 116-run partnership with Ibrahim Zadran for the second wicket. Zadran reached his half-century in the 19th over before Tector ended the partnership by bowling Atal for 45 runs.

Zadran anchored the innings, scoring 84 runs before Tector dismissed him. Afghanistan accelerated in the final 11 overs, adding 95 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed a brisk 33 runs off 24 balls before falling to Moondra, who ended with figures of 2 for 78 in nine overs.

Hashmatullah Shahidi provided a strong finish, scoring an unbeaten 36 runs off just 21 balls while batting at No. 7 for the first time in his ODI career. His late innings included a six off Moondra and four boundaries, helping Afghanistan set a formidable total of 299 runs for 8 wickets.

Looking ahead, Afghanistan aims to extend their series lead in the upcoming third ODI, while Ireland will need a more robust all-round performance to keep their hopes alive in the five-match series.