Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 71 runs to secure a win for Afghanistan at Stormont, putting the visitors 2-0 ahead in their five-match one-day international series. Despite a more competitive performance from Ireland compared to the previous match, Afghanistan maintained their dominance, extending their winning streak against the hosts to eight consecutive matches.
Ireland set a target of 206, with Gavin Hoey contributing 36 and Cade Carmichael adding 32. However, the Afghan bowling attack was led effectively by Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar, who each claimed three wickets to restrict the scoring. Fazalhaq Farooqi also contributed by dismissing Andrew Balbirnie early in the innings.
During the chase, Rahmanullah anchored the innings with a powerful display that included five sixes. While Gavin Hoey claimed four wickets for Ireland, providing a late scare for the visitors, Rashid Khan finished the match with an unbeaten 37 to guide his team home. The two sides are scheduled to face each other again at Stormont this coming Wednesday.
