Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI Predictions - Zadran’s golden run of form to end series on a high

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 28 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 28 minutes ago

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Ireland have lost their last four completed ODIs.
Afghanistan have won their last three ODIs after the 1st ODI was rained out.
The Civil Service Cricket Club surface should offer balance, with early swing and seam for the quicks.

Rashid Khan has taken 17 wickets in his last 4 matches (Getty Images).

Ireland vs Afghanistan Predictions

Afghanistan have overwhelmed their hosts in the series, and with their World Cup qualification now secured they are likely to play with even greater confidence as they look to secure a 4-0 series sweep.

Ireland vs Afghanistan Predictions
Head-to-Head
Ireland Form
Afghanistan Form
Team news

Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie has scored 53, 102*, 36 & 109 in his last 5 knocks.
Ireland’s Cade Carmichael has scores of 29, 62 & 32 in his last 5 innings.
Ireland’s Gavin Hoey has figures of 4/34 & 2/71 in the last 2 ODIs.
Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran has scored 95, 84 & 107 in his last 5 matches.
Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal scored 143 off 120 balls in the 4th ODI.
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has taken 5/17, 6/34, 3/44 & 3/49 in his last 4 matches.

Head-to-Head

Afghanistan have won four of their last five ODIs against Ireland, with the other match rained-off.

Ireland Form

Ireland head into the fifth and final ODI against Afghanistan looking for a consolation victory after conceding the series. The hosts have struggled to take control across the campaign and now find themselves 3-0 down, but they will hope to finish on a positive note in Belfast.

Their previous match brought another defeat, but there were still encouraging signs with the bat. Chasing Afghanistan’s imposing 343/9, Ireland reached 301, with Andrew Balbirnie producing a superb century at the top of the order. His 109 gave the innings structure and showed that Ireland can still compete against a strong Afghan attack.

Curtis Campher also provided late fireworks with a brilliant 84 from 46 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes. His aggressive innings helped Ireland push beyond 300 when the margin of defeat could have been far heavier.

However, Ireland’s chase lacked urgency in the early stages, and the asking rate climbed quickly. Paul Stirling struggled to get going, while the middle order could not fully capitalise on Balbirnie’s platform. Rashid Khan and Afghanistan’s spinners again applied pressure through the middle overs.

With the ball, Ireland made an ideal start by removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, but they were unable to contain Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, who added a record 231-run second-wicket stand for Afghanistan. Ireland will need early wickets, sharper control in the middle overs and another strong batting display if they are to avoid a winless series.

Afghanistan Form

Afghanistan enter the final ODI full of confidence after sealing the series with another dominant performance against Ireland in Belfast.

The visitors have been in outstanding form and will now be aiming to complete the campaign unbeaten. Their batting clicked superbly in the fourth ODI, as they posted their highest-ever ODI total of 343/9 after being sent in.

Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran were the stars of the innings, putting together a record 231-run second-wicket partnership. Zadran played with excellent control and technique on his way to 107, rotating the strike well before lifting the tempo later in his innings.

Atal was even more aggressive, celebrating his 25th birthday with a magnificent 143. He struck 17 fours and four sixes, using his feet well against spin and consistently preventing Ireland’s bowlers from settling. Although Afghanistan slowed slightly at the back end of the innings, useful cameos from Darwish Rasooli and Rashid Khan helped push them close to the 350-run mark.

With the ball, Afghanistan were disciplined and well organised. Yamin Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai produced a strong new-ball spell, while AM Ghazanfar made an important breakthrough by removing Paul Stirling. Rashid Khan then kept control through the middle overs and returned to pick up key wickets late in the innings.

Afghanistan have looked stronger in all departments during the series. With their top order firing and their bowling attack maintaining pressure, they will be confident of finishing the tour with another victory.

Team news

Ireland (possible XI): Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Code Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough.

Afghanistan (possible XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Verdict

Ireland v Afghanistan

Afghanistan are the overwhelming favourites to win and clinch a 4-0 series win. Ibrahim Zadran and Rashid Khan are in terrific form with bat and ball for Afghanistan, while Andy Balbirnie and Gavin Hoey have really brought their A-game for Ireland.

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