The widening gulf between traditional rivals Ireland and Afghanistan was laid bare at Stormont as the tourists completed a comprehensive series clean sweep with their 10th consecutive ODI victory over the Irish.

Afghanistan chased down Ireland’s imposing 298 for seven with seven balls to spare, reaching 302 for four as captain Rahmat Shah struck a magnificent unbeaten 143 and Sediqullah Atal made 98.

It was another emphatic statement from a nation whose cricketing trajectory continues upwards and provided a stark contrast with an Irish side struggling to keep pace.

For those critical of Cricket Ireland’s direction, the contrast will inevitably fuel debate over priorities. Afghanistan have spent the past decade developing players, increasing competitive opportunities and improving cricket infrastructure. Ireland, meanwhile, continue to face questions over whether sufficient resources have been directed towards the playing side of the game rather than administration.

The memorable T20 successes against India earlier in the summer suddenly feel a long time ago.

The honeymoon period for new Ireland coach Gary Wilson is certainly over, with his side’s limitations cruelly exposed across the series by an Afghanistan squad whose strength in depth was illustrated by their ability to rest superstar spinner and perennial Ireland nemesis Rashid Khan, who was nevertheless named Player of the Series.

Ireland had appeared well placed after posting 298, recovering from 99 for four through a series of excellent partnerships featuring Curtis Campher.

He added 55 with Tector, who returned to form with a patient 53 from 80 balls, while Campher fell four runs short of a century when caught for 96 from 84 deliveries. His innings contained seven fours and four sixes.

Campher put on 72 with George Dockrell (31) and 64 with Jordan Neill, who finished unbeaten on 23 as Ireland accumulated 144 runs from the final 17 overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai was Afghanistan’s most successful bowler with three for 74, while Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar claimed two for 34.

Ireland then enjoyed an encouraging start with the ball as Liam McCarthy removed Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to leave Afghanistan 22 for two.

That, however, proved merely a temporary interruption.

Atal and Rahmat combined in a match-defining third-wicket stand of 201, absorbing Ireland’s pressure before gradually taking complete control.

Atal fell agonisingly short of his century, caught off McCarthy for 98, but Rahmat was immovable. His unbeaten 143 from 133 balls — featuring 13 fours and two sixes — was his first ODI century in five years and deservedly earned him the Man of the Match award.

Omarzai’s rapid 24 ensured there would be no late drama before Hashmatullah Shahidi helped Rahmat complete the chase in 48.5 overs.

McCarthy’s three for 47 was another positive for Ireland, while Campher’s return to form and Tector’s half-century offered encouragement amid an otherwise sobering conclusion.

Ireland now face an uncertain wait before their next assignment. A multi-format tour of Pakistan has been lined up, with another series also expected as preparations intensify for the crucial World Cup Qualifiers towards the end of February - whether they are based in Namibia, Zimbabwe or South Africa has yet to be announced.

On the evidence of Stormont, there is considerable work ahead if Ireland are to appear on the 50-over global stage for the first time since 2015.