Rashid Khan scored 48 runs and took four wickets as Afghanistan beat Ireland in the third ODI to sweep the series 3–0.
Rashid Khan’s brilliant all-round performance helped Afghanistan to a series clean sweep against Ireland in a 36-run win in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Despite the second straight century from Paul Sterling of Afghanistan, the leg-spinner gave Rashid’s 486 sixes to give Afghanistan a 163–6 266–9 lead to 266–9 before taking four wickets. Whitewash collects 30 points to Afghanistan in the race to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India.
After a quick start, the Afghans fought off the Ireland spinners, with Simi Singh claiming 3-37.
But Tejashwi was out late on the ball of Rashid, whose 40-ball innings hit three fours and three sixes, saw Afghanistan in a competitive total.
Sterling’s 12th ODI ton helped Ireland chase despite losing regular wickets, but was bowled by opener Mujib ur Rehman in the 37th over.
A 30-run eighth-wicket partnership between Singh and Andy McBrien kept the slim Irish hopes alive.
But, after Hashmatullah Shaheed caught Singh off Rashid, Mohammad was alert for the position of Nabi Singh to be run out.
Rashid bowled Craig Young with the next delivery and Naveen-ul-Haq trapped McBrien at LBW, as Afghanistan completed the series in style with three wickets in as many balls.
