Ireland vs Afghanistan 5th ODI Preview & Tips - Afghanistan backed to complete comfortable ODI series win over Ireland

Afghanistan have been far too good for Ireland across their series, with the touring side impressing with bat and ball. 

Ibrahim Zadran (107) and Sediqullah Atal (143) did all of the damage in a stunning partnership that helped the tourists go from 16/1 to 247/2. In reply, Ireland saw Andrew Balbirnie knock a century, but the home side struggled to support him, with only Curtis Campher (84 from 46) able to provide another solid score. 

The fifth ODI is Ireland's final chance to end a losing streak against Afghanistan that now dates back to 2019, with nine ODI defeats coming since then. Unfortunately for Ireland, Afghanistan do not look like they are showing any signs of slowing down. They continue to impress with bat and ball, and I predict that Ireland will struggle to halt their likely slide towards a 4-0 home series defeat. 

While the tourists did go from 247/1 to 343/9, as soon as they passed the 300-run mark, it was always going to be a very tall order for the home side. Rashid Khan continued his impressive tour with 3/49 as Afghanistan once again went about securing victory over Ireland. 

While some teams can take their foot off the accelerator with a series won, I do not predict that Afghanistan will want their nine-game ODI winning run against their opponents to come to an end. There are more runs to be scored and wickets to be taken, and I back the touring side to complete a 4-0 series triumph.