Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Preview & Tips - Afghanistan backed for third successive ODI win over Ireland

Rashid Khan led with bat and ball in the third ODI as his player of the match performance ensured the touring side made it consecutive wins over their hosts. 

Afghanistan have won their last eight ODI's against the Irish, with the latter winning the other two. 

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Ireland's hopes of winning their ODI series against Afghanistan were dashed in a low-scoring third ODI meeting. 

Batting first, Ireland laboured to 206 all out in 46.3 overs. A top score of 36 from 67 from number nine batter Gavin Hoey put on full display the batting woes of the home side. With the ball, Ireland dragged themselves back into the game as they kept Afghanistan honest. The touring side went from 53 without loss to 176/7 as they suffered from a real wobble. Ultimately, Ireland's score of 206 was insufficient despite the best intentions of their bowlers. 

The fourth ODI constitutes their final chance to keep the series alive as a contest. A defeat or no result would see Afghanistan build an insurmountable series lead, while a win for Ireland means they can still secure a series draw. 

However, having lost their last eight ODI's at the hands of Afghanistan, it is tough to see Ireland ending a torrid run against their opponents. 

Afghanistan may have been outstanding with the ball, but their batters almost contrived to allow what seemed a likely victory into a defeat. 

Allah Ghazanfar (3/29) and Rashid Khan (3/44) did the majority of the damage as Ireland were skittled for 206. While Rahmanullah Gurbaz top scored with 71 from 77, his teammates struggled for runs, and at 176/7, the touring side were in real trouble. 

However, adding to his excellence with the ball, Rashid Khan impressed with what proved a match-winning 37 not out. The batting units of both sides struggled for runs and consistency, with Afghanistan prevailing by virtue of stronger bowling attack and their best player firing on both fronts. 

While Afghanistan were not at their best with the bat in the third ODI, I back them to come out swinging in the fourth ODI as the touring team storm into a 3-0 series lead.