Afghanistan clinch Ireland series with record ODI score

Afghanistan posted a record ODI total of 343-9 to beat Ireland by 42 runs in Belfast on Wednesday and clinch the five-match series with one game remaining.

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediq Atal both hit centuries, putting on 231 for the second wicket as Afghanistan produced their highest-ever ODI score.

After the opening match was washed out last week, Afghanistan won the second game by 92 runs before edging the third by three wickets.

Ireland opener Andrew Balbirnie also scored a century in reply but was dismissed by leg-spinner Rashid Khan, becoming his 11th wicket of the series. Rashid has taken 12 wickets in the series so far.

Curtis Campher kept Ireland’s hopes alive with a blistering 84 off 46 balls, but Afghanistan remained firmly in control and bowled the hosts out for 301.

The fifth and final match will be played at Stormont on Saturday.