Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI 2026: Nabi’s 5-for seals 2-0 lead

“Kharote took four on debut” — that line from the match report became the hinge as Afghanistan made it 2-0 in the ODI series against Ireland. In Belfast at Civil Service Cricket Club, the 3rd ODI ended with Ireland collapsing to 119 all out in 35 overs, chasing 236/9 and ultimately losing by 117 runs on Aug 10, 2026.
Worth noting: Mohammad Nabi didn’t just contribute—he controlled the innings. Nabi finished with 5/17 in 10 overs, while Nangeyalia Kharote struck again with 4/30 in 9 overs. Here’s what changed the contest, over by over in impact, and why Afghanistan’s series lead now looks durable.

The news: Afghanistan take 2-0 lead after 117-run win

Afghanistan’s innings set the platform. They posted 236/9 (50 overs) against Ireland at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast before sealing the match with disciplined bowling and quick wickets.
Ireland’s chase never got traction. ESPN’s scorecard notes the series result as Afghanistan won the 3-match series 2-0, wrapping the series on a day when Ireland’s top score was Barry McCarthy’s 8 (18 balls). Theo van Woerkom added 2 off 6 late in the innings as the chase finished well short.
That’s the headline. The deeper story is how Afghanistan’s pace-bowling pressure and debut burst attacks flipped the innings at the exact moments Ireland needed to bat through.

What broke the chase: Nabi’s control + Kharote’s debut burst

The first thing we look for in a one-day chase is whether the bowling attack can remove the “settled” phase. Nabi did that job immediately. Finishing with 5/17 in 10 overs, he turned Ireland’s middle-overs into a wicket-factory, forcing batters to take risks earlier than planned.
Then Kharote arrived with the kind of four-wicket spell you don’t just slot into a scorecard—you remember it as a match-defining run. The report said Kharote took four on debut, and his final figures were 4/30 in 9 overs. Between Nabi’s accuracy and Kharote’s wicket-taking, Afghanistan didn’t allow Ireland to build even a modest platform.
Here’s the thing: the scoreline—236/9 to 119 all out—doesn’t just reflect “good bowling.” It reflects a chase where partnerships failed to form, boundaries didn’t come often enough, and the innings kept moving sideways into panic.

Series momentum: Afghanistan backed the win with ODI consistency

Afghanistan didn’t arrive at Belfast holding only one good day. They already led the series 1-0 after winning the 2nd ODI by 92 runs in Bready. That earlier win came with Rashid Khan taking 6/34, as Afghanistan backed up their advantage before the 3rd ODI even began.
So, when the 3rd ODI required a knockout bowling performance, the team delivered. The match sequence ties together: Afghanistan’s first-innings total of 236/9, followed by Ireland’s dismissal at 119, completed a series sweep where both the second and third matches were won by sizeable margins.
Forward-looking angle: with Afghanistan now standing 2-0 up, the series question shifts from “can Ireland respond?” to “can Afghanistan manage the final match with intent rather than nerves?” That’s not just about tactics—it’s about sustaining control when the opposition is already under pressure.

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FAQs

How did Afghanistan win the 3rd ODI vs Ireland?

Afghanistan beat Ireland by 117 runs in the 3rd ODI in Belfast. Afghanistan made 236/9 (50 overs) and Ireland were bowled out for 119 (35 overs).

Who were the top wicket-takers in the match?

Mohammad Nabi took 5/17 (10 overs) and Nangeyalia Kharote took 4/30 (9 overs) for Afghanistan. The report also said Kharote took four on debut.

What was the series result after the 3rd ODI?

ESPN’s scorecard notes that Afghanistan won the 3-match ODI series 2-0 after the 3rd ODI result.

Where was the match played?

The 3rd ODI was played at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.

Who top-scored for Ireland in the chase?

Barry McCarthy top-scored with 8 runs off 18 balls, while Theo van Woerkom made 2 off 6 as Ireland were bowled out.

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Afghanistan’s 2-0 series lead was built the moment Nabi’s 5-for and Kharote’s debut 4-for removed Ireland’s chances of building partnerships. Afghanistan vs Ireland ODI 2026

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Source: Google