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The Ireland National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team are all set to kick off their three-match ODI series with the first match on Wednesday, August 5. The IRE vs AFG three-match ODI series opener will be played at the Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason on Wednesday.
Ireland will look to make the most of playing in home conditions. The hosts have a well-balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and young talent. On the other hand, Afghanistan will depend on their strong batting unit and world-class spin bowlers to put pressure on Ireland.
With important ODI ranking points on the line, both teams will be aiming to make a strong statement, and fans can expect an exciting contest between Ireland and Afghanistan at Bready. Amid this, Mohammed Shami settles the Jasprit Bumrah vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar debate with an honest verdict.
Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Afghanistan tour of Ireland 2026 |
| Match | Ireland vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI |
| Venue | Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Northern Ireland |
| Date | August 5, 2026 |
| Time | 10:45 AM Local / 9:45 AM GMT / 3:15 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | Broadcast details depend on the region and official rights holders. |
IRE vs AFG Match Preview & Recent Form
Ireland will be hoping to make the most of home conditions in the crucial ODI series against Afghanistan at home. The surface at the Bready usually helps fast bowlers, especially early in the match. The team has a good mix of experienced players and young cricketers who will be looking to make an impact against Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Afghanistan have grown into a strong ODI side over the years. Their batting unit has become more reliable, while their spin bowlers continue to be one of the biggest strengths of the team. They will give strong competition to Ireland with both bat and ball.
Ireland will enter this series full of confidence after their 2-0 T20I series win over India at home, but the Afghanistan ODIs will be their first assignment in the format in 15 months. On the other hand, Afghanistan will aim to bounce back from their 0-3 ODI series loss to India.
Speaking about the head-to-head record, Afghanistan has enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry, winning 18 of the 31 ODIs played between the two teams. On the other hand, Ireland won 12 ODIs, with one game ending without any outcome.
IRE vs AFG Pitch Report Today: How Bready Cricket Club Ground Will Play
The pitch at Bready Cricket Club is expected to provide a good contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers are likely to get early movement and swing with the new ball, especially if the weather remains cloudy. However, batters will have some great time at this venue once the ball gets older.
Spinners are also likely to get some help during the middle overs, but the conditions usually favour seamers more. The average first-innings score at the venue is around 240-250, while a total of 260 or more is considered competitive.
Although Bready has hosted only one men's ODI, it is expected to be a good batting surface, as last month's women's ODIs saw successful chases of 242 and 270. There is also around a 35% chance of rain, so the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
IRE vs AFG Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Bready
The weather is expected to have a big impact on the first ODI between Ireland and Afghanistan at Bready. It will be a cool day, with temperatures likely to stay between 14°C and 17°C during the match. The sky is expected to remain fully cloudy, which should help fast bowlers get extra swing and seam movement with the new ball.
Humidity is also expected to be very high, around 90% to 100%, making conditions even better for the bowlers. However, there is a high chance of rain, with forecasts predicting 50% to 95% chances of showers during the match. Rain could interrupt the match, but a full match is still possible.
IRE vs AFG Team News & Injury Updates
Ireland
Ireland has been hit by several injury setbacks, as their key bowlers Josh Little, Craig Young, and Barry McCarthy are unavailable, while Matt Hollard, Jordan Neill, and David Delany are also ruled out. In their absence, Byron McDonough and Ben Calitz were handed the maiden ODI call-ups. Gavin Hoey is also expected to play a key role in the first ODI against Afghanistan.
Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan have received a major boost with the return of fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, while Yamin Ahmadzai is also back in the ODI squad. However, experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has opted out of the series, and spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is unavailable due to injury. Rahmat Shah will lead the team, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz serving as vice-captain.
Squad: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Nangyal Kharoti, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
IRE vs AFG Predicted Playing 11 Today
Ireland Predicted XI
Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Liam McCarthy, Gavin Hoey, Byron McDonough
Afghanistan Predicted XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Nangialai Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai
IRE vs AFG Key Player Battles to Watch
Paul Stirling vs Fazalhaq Farooqi
Ireland captain Paul Stirling likes to score quickly in the powerplay, but Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi can swing the new ball, so he will try to dismiss him early. This could be one of the key battles in the match to watch out for the fans.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Mark Adair
Rahmanullah Gurbaz likes to play attacking shots from the start and Mark Adair will lead Ireland's pace attack and will look to get him out early. This battle could play a big role in deciding the match.
Harry Tector vs Rashid Khan
Harry Tector has been one of Ireland's most consistent batters in ODI cricket. He will face a tough challenge against Rashid Khan, one of the best leg-spinners in the world. Their battle in the middle overs could have a big impact on the result of the ODI series opener.
