By beating Afghanistan in the 3^rd ODI at Belfast on Thursday, the home team Ireland has made a comeback in the 5-match ODI series.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan decided to bat first. Afghanistan only managed to put 236 runs on the board (236/10 in 49.1 overs). In reply, Ireland chased down the target in 47.3 overs losing just 4 wickets. The hosts won the match by 6 wickets with 15 balls to spare.

Currently, the 5-match ODI series is standing at 1-1 at the end of 3^rd ODI.

Below are some of the statistical highlights of the match:

Once again Afghanistan opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad scored a brilliant half-century in this match as he scored 81 runs before getting out. It was Shahzad’s 11^th ODI 50+ score (7 half centuries and 4 centuries), which is most by any Afghanistan batsman. Samiullah Shenwari is currently at the second position in this list with 10 ODI 50+ score (10 half centuries, 0 century).

This 81 runs innings was the 3^rd consecutive ODI half-century for Shahzad. Shahzad also scored 84 (against Scotland) and 66 (against Ireland) in his last two ODI innings. Shahzad became the first Afghanistan batsman to hit 3 consecutive ODI half centuries.

In this match, Afghanistan batsmen Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan put an important 52 runs partnership for the 8^th wicket in their innings. It was Afghanistan’s best 8^th wicket partnership in ODI history.

Ireland opening batsman Ed Joyce and no.5 batsman Kevin O’Brien put together a 144 runs partnership for the 4^th wicket in their innings. It was Ireland’s 4^th best ODI partnership for the fourth wicket and 8^th best ODI partnership overall.

Ireland batsman Ed Joyce scored unbeaten 105 runs in this match. It was Ed Joyce’s first ODI century for Ireland as an opening batsman. Overall, it was Joyce’s 4^th ODI century in his international career and 3^rd for Ireland (1 century for England).