With the series level at 2-2, Afghanistan have the momentum and they will look to win the T20 series in the fifth match today.
The fourth T20I was a rain-curtailed match, and both sides were afforded 11 overs each. The visiting batters had the license to free their arms from the onset and made full use of it as they raced to 37 runs in just 2.3 overs.
Although the hosts halted their belligerence by scalping three quick wickets, Najibullah Zadran wreaked havoc with his majestic innings. The Afghan top order batter was assisted by the diligent Rashid Khan, who played a sensational cameo of his own.
Ireland were off to a breathtaking start themselves, but with wickets tumbling at one end, George Dockrell’s valiant effort with the bat went in vain as the visitors drew level in the five-match series with a victory by 27 runs.
The series is set up perfectly as both sides head into the final match with a series victory on their minds.
Afghanistan also have done well bat in hand and have posted formidable scores in two games. Ireland will have to bring in their A-game to get a series win against a rampaging Ireland side.
IRE vs AFG Probable Playing XIs
IRE: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tractor, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy, Simi Singh, Joshua Little
AFG: Hazaratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah, Rashid Khan, Shrafuddin Ashraf, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb, Fareed Ahmad
