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Ireland will look to salvage some pride when they face Afghanistan in the fifth and final ODI of the five-match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast, on Saturday, August 15. The hosts have already lost the series after Afghanistan secured a 3-0 lead with a 42-run victory in the fourth ODI.
While the series result is no longer in doubt, Ireland have plenty to play for in the final game. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be determined to complete a dominant 4-0 series victory after the opening match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Afghanistan have been the superior side throughout the series and have produced match-winning performances with both bat and ball. Their latest victory was arguably their most impressive, as they posted their highest total of the series before defending it successfully.
After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan scored 343/9 in 50 overs, with Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran producing magnificent centuries. Atal smashed a career-best 143, while Zadran contributed 107. Their 231-run partnership for the second wicket laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s imposing total.
Ireland made a spirited attempt during the chase, with Andy Balbirnie scoring a superb 109 and Curtis Campher adding 84. However, Yamin Ahmadzai’s four-wicket haul helped Afghanistan bowl the hosts out for 301 in 48 overs. Rashid Khan also claimed three wickets.
Afghanistan will now have the opportunity to finish the series with another convincing performance.
Ireland’s campaign has been disappointing, particularly considering they are playing at home. After the first ODI was washed out, they suffered defeats in the next three matches by 92 runs, three wickets and 42 runs respectively.
The biggest positive from the fourth ODI was the form of Balbirnie. His century demonstrated that Ireland’s experienced batters are capable of putting Afghanistan’s bowling attack under pressure.
Curtis Campher also provided an important contribution with an aggressive 84, but Ireland’s inability to sustain partnerships ultimately cost them the game. The hosts will need greater contributions from the rest of their batting lineup if they are to challenge Afghanistan in the final ODI.
With the series already lost, Ireland could also consider giving opportunities to players who have had limited game time during the tour.
The fifth ODI will again be played at Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, which has hosted the final three matches of the series. The venue has already witnessed two high-scoring contests during the tour.
The fourth ODI produced a combined total of 644 runs, with Afghanistan scoring 343 and Ireland responding with 301.
That suggests that the surface could offer good value for shots if batters spend enough time at the crease. However, Ireland’s conditions can also provide assistance to seamers, particularly early in the innings.
The team winning the toss could therefore prefer to assess the conditions before deciding whether to bat or bowl first. With both sides possessing quality pace attacks, the opening spell could be crucial.
Sediqullah Atal enters the final ODI full of confidence after producing the innings of the series so far. His 143 against Ireland was his career-best ODI score and demonstrated his ability to combine patience with aggressive strokeplay.
Ireland will need to find a way to dismiss him early if they are to prevent another big Afghanistan total.
Ibrahim Zadran has also been in outstanding form. His 107 in the fourth ODI followed an 84 in the second game, highlighting his consistency throughout the series.
His ability to build long innings alongside Afghanistan’s aggressive batters makes him one of the visitors’ most important players.
For Ireland, Balbirnie will be the player to watch after his excellent century in the fourth ODI. His 109 provided the backbone of Ireland’s chase and showed that he can still produce decisive performances against quality opposition.
Another substantial contribution from the experienced batter could give Ireland the platform required to finally overcome Afghanistan.
Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s biggest threat with the ball. The leg-spinner claimed three wickets in the fourth ODI, adding to the pressure created by Ahmadzai and the rest of the bowling attack.
Ireland’s middle order will have to be particularly careful against his variations.
Afghanistan have already secured the series and also confirmed their place at the 2027 ODI World Cup after their victory over Ireland.
For Ireland, however, the final ODI represents an opportunity to avoid a comprehensive series defeat. A victory would not change the outcome of the series, but it could provide the hosts with valuable momentum and confidence going forward.
The final encounter should therefore be an interesting battle between an Afghanistan side playing with freedom and an Ireland team desperate to finish their home assignment on a positive note.
With Afghanistan chasing a 4-0 series victory and Ireland aiming to finally break their opponent’s winning streak, the fifth ODI promises to be an intriguing finale in Belfast.
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