Afghanistan take 2-0 lead against Ireland in ODI series

Afghanistan secured a two-0 lead in their ODI series against Ireland on Monday, winning the third match by three wickets. The opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 71 runs to lead Afghanistan to victory. The match was preceded by a washed-out opening game in the five-match series, followed by Afghanistan's 92-run win in the second ODI on Friday.

Ireland scored 206 runs in the third match, but lost their innings after losing three wickets each, with Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar taking crucial wickets. Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra put on 76 runs for the ninth wicket, but Afghanistan's bowlers restricted them to 128-8. Afghanistan's reply started slowly with Ibrahim Zadran falling for 12, but the team staged a recovery, with Rahmanullah contributing 71 runs, including five sixes and two fours.

Ireland's hopes dwindled when Azmatullah Omarzai was caught by Mark Adair, leaving Afghanistan at 176-7. However, Rashid Khan's impressive all-round performance helped Afghanistan win the match. Afghanistan will face Ireland again in Belfast on Wednesday.