Rahmanullah's 71 steers Afghanistan to 3-wicket win over Ireland at Stormont

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 71 guided Afghanistan to a three-wicket victory over Ireland at Stormont on Friday, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead in the five-match one-day international series. The result came after the opening fixture was abandoned because of the weather.

Ireland were dismissed for 206 in 46.3 overs before Afghanistan reached 207 for 7 in 44.5 overs; Rahmanullah scored 71 off 77 balls. Gavin Hoey finished with 4-34 for Ireland, while AM Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan took 3-29 and 3-44 respectively. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bowl, and the victory extended their ODI winning streak between the two nations to eight.

The Afghanistan bowling attack struck early in the Ireland innings. Fazalhaq Farooqi removed Andrew Balbirnie for seven to make the first breakthrough, and Stirling added 23 before falling. Ireland skipper Cade Carmichael made 32 from 52 balls but was dismissed as pressure built on the hosts.

Yamin Ahmadzai and Rashid Khan contributed crucial wickets during the middle phase, with Ghazanfar then taking Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher in quick succession. Harry Tector and Mark Adair were later dismissed by Rashid, while Ben Calitz added 20 for the middle order.

A lower-order resistance came from Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra, who put on a partnership that produced seven boundaries between them; Hoey scored 36 and Moondra 31 before both were out and Ireland were all out for 206.

Afghanistan's chase saw Ibrahim Zadran depart for 12 to Byron McDonagh, and Sediq Atal made 27 off 25 balls. Adair struck to dismiss Rahmat Shah early, and Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 22 before Hoey claimed his second wicket. Rahmanullah struck five sixes and two fours in his 71 before Hoey removed him, then dismissed Darwish for 13.

Rashid Khan's unbeaten 37 saw Afghanistan over the line, completing the 207-7 chase. The teams return to Stormont on Wednesday for the third match of the series.