Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran has joined Pakistan star Babar Azam in an elite ODI list after reaching 2,000 runs during the fourth ODI against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club. Zadran reached the milestone in his 45th ODI innings, becoming the joint-third-fastest batter to score 2,000 runs in the format. He now shares the mark with Babar, Pakistan legend Zaheer Abbas, England’s Kevin Pietersen and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen.

Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran has joined Pakistan star Babar Azam in an elite ODI list after reaching 2,000 runs during the fourth ODI against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club.

Zadran reached the milestone in his 45th ODI innings, becoming the joint-third-fastest batter to score 2,000 runs in the format. He now shares the mark with Babar, Pakistan legend Zaheer Abbas, England’s Kevin Pietersen and South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen.

India’s Shubman Gill remains the fastest batter to reach 2,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in 38 innings, while former South Africa batter Hashim Amla sits second with 40 innings.

Zadran achieved the feat while scoring 107 off 118 balls, including 11 fours and a six, as Afghanistan registered a comfortable 42-run victory to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

After Ireland captain Paul Stirling opted to field first, Afghanistan piled up 343/9 in 50 overs, largely thanks to a massive 231-run second-wicket partnership between Zadran and Sediqullah Atal.

Atal was the standout batter, smashing 143 off 120 deliveries with 17 fours and four sixes. He was named Player of the Match for his performance.

Ireland faced a daunting 344-run target to stay alive in the series but were bowled out for 301 in 48 overs despite a century from Andy Balbirnie.

Balbirnie anchored the chase before being dismissed on the first ball of the 41st over for 109 off 119 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes.

He also shared an important 83-run fifth-wicket partnership with Curtis Campher, who struck 84 off just 46 balls with eight fours and five sixes.

Afghanistan’s bowlers completed the job, with Ahmadzai returning figures of 4/71 from 10 overs. Rashid Khan picked up three wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai claimed two and AM Ghazanfar took one.

The fifth and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday.

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