Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten ton spearheaded Afghanistan past Ireland in a thrilling final match at Belfast’s Stormont on August 14, 2026 — delivering the greatest ODI run chase in Afghan history. Battling nerves and damp conditions under lights, Afghanistan chased down the target with authority, backed by Rahmat’s commanding performance and crucial partnerships.
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## Ireland’s Top Order Sets a Modest Total
Ireland chose to bat first and fought respectably, with their top and middle-order efforts keeping them afloat. Although they never unleashed full control, they posted a competitive score that seemed defendable, especially under evening conditions at Stormont.
– Key contributors from Ireland showed resilience, getting starts through openers and middle-order batters alike.
– Afghanistan’s bowling attack — particularly through disciplined spells from seamers and spinners — managed to stifle scoring in the middle overs.
– Runs were harder to come by in the death overs, as Ireland hoped to capitalize with late hits and set an intimidating target for the chasing side.
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## Afghanistan’s Chase Begins Shaky
The Afghan reply did not start smoothly. Early dismissals disrupted momentum, exposing the middle order earlier than expected.
– Mohammad Shahzad and Najeeb Tarakai fell quickly, leaving Afghanistan at **25 for 2 within eight overs**.
– The pressure was palpable, especially as Ireland’s attack — fueled by tight lines and spirited fielding — threatened to take full control.
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## Rahmat Shah Anchors the Response
Amidst early losses and mounting pressure, Rahmat Shah assumed command. His century became the backbone of Afghanistan’s successful hunt.
– Rahmat scored a composed, unbeaten **103** off **109** balls, maintaining poise even while wickets tumbled around him. He was at the crease from early in the match, working through each phase of the innings.
– With his fifth ODI century, Rahmat claimed what is now Afghanistan’s highest ODI chase, surpassing previous records.
– His knock included important boundaries and strategic singles — particularly during the middle overs, where Ireland’s spinners were brought into the attack.
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## Crucial Partnerships Steering Towards Victory
Partnering Rahmat were teammates who steadied the ship when Ireland seemed on top:
– Asghar Stanikzai joined in with Rahmat for a gritty **73-run stand** for the third wicket. Stanikzai’s composure allowed Rahmat to gradually accelerate.
– When Stanikzai departed, Samiullah Shenwari marched in, contributing an unbeaten **62**, to forge an **unbroken 133-run partnership** with Rahmat.
– This duo kept the required run-rate in check while chronicly shifting momentum in Afghanistan’s favor.
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## Nail-Biting Finish
With the target looming, tension mounted. Ireland brought back bowlers who had shown promise earlier, hoping to break through.
– In the penultimate phase — with **10 runs needed off the last 12 balls** — George Dockrell was entrusted with the ball.
– Rahmat Shah seized the moment, blasting a straight six off Dockrell to seal the win with eight balls to spare. It wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement.
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## Historic Outcome & Record-Breaking Chase
Afghanistan’s triumph wasn’t just about the win — it was about rewriting the record books.
– The team finished at **303 for 7**, thus completing what stands as their **highest successful chase in ODI cricket**.
– Rahmat’s century marked his **third in ODIs when chasing**, tying him with Mohammad Shahzad for the most tons under pressure in chases for Afghanistan.
– By reaching this target, Afghanistan surpassed their previous best chase against Ireland, setting a new benchmark.
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## Ireland’s Disappointment & Takeaways
Despite having moments of promise, Ireland’s efforts ultimately didn’t translate into a defendable total.
– Their bowlers, while competitive, couldn’t conjure wickets at crucial junctures.
– Fielding lapses and unable to contain partnerships in the middle overs allowed Afghanistan to gain momentum.
– In post-match reflection, the target seemed defendable for most of the innings, but Rahmat and Shenwari’s resolve denied them the breakthrough Ireland desperately sought.
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## Rahmat Shah Shines Bright
Aside from setting a new record, this outing further cemented Rahmat’s status among Afghanistan’s all-time greats.
– He now holds the joint-most centuries while chasing in ODIs for Afghanistan.
– The innings showcased not just skill, but a high cricketing IQ — pacing the chase, rotating strike, accelerating when needed.
– And with the game on the line, he delivered under pressure, epitomizing what a top-class finisher looks like.
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## What This Means Going Forward
This victory — especially in the final ODI of the series — gives Afghanistan momentum and belief as they head into future international assignments.
– Confidence from executing under pressure bodes well for Afghanistan’s batting depth.
– The successful chase adds a psychological advantage, proving they can thrive in high-stakes, fourth-innings scenarios.
– For Ireland, it’s back to the drawing board: identifying how to defend strong totals and capitalize on early chances will be key.
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