Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Preview and Predicted Playing XIs

A fresh chapter in one of international cricket’s most competitive modern rivalries begins as Ireland host Afghanistan in the first ODI at Bready Cricket Club on Wednesday, August 5. The five-match series carries significant importance for both teams before ICC World Cup 2027.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Predicted Playing XIs

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

Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Key Player Battles

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Mark Adair

Gurbaz is known for his fearless approach in the powerplay, while Adair will lead Ireland's pace attack in Josh Little's absence. An early breakthrough could be crucial for the hosts.

Harry Tector vs Rashid Khan

Ireland's most dependable batter against spin faces one of the world's finest leg-spinners. Their battle through the middle overs could prove decisive.

Paul Stirling vs Fazalhaq Farooqi

Returning to lead Ireland, Stirling will be eager to provide a strong start. Farooqi's ability to swing the new ball makes this an intriguing opening contest.

Rahmat Shah vs Andy McBrine

Afghanistan's new captain will look to anchor the innings, while McBrine's disciplined off-spin could test him during the middle overs.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Preview

The Afghanistan tour of Ireland 1st ODI promises an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams beginning a new era.

Ireland receive a major boost with the return of captain Paul Stirling, but the absence of injured fast bowler Josh Little weakens their bowling attack. Mark Adair will shoulder added responsibility with the new ball, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher will be expected to lead the batting.

Afghanistan arrives with Rahmat Shah leading the side for the first time in an ODI series. Although veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been rested, the visitors still possess a balanced squad featuring the explosive Rahmanullah Gurbaz, dependable Ibrahim Zadran, and the ever-dangerous Rashid Khan.

With home conditions expected to assist Ireland's seamers early on, the hosts will aim to capitalize during the powerplay. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will back their experienced batting unit and world-class spin attack to seize control as the innings progresses.

Watch Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Live on tapmad

Catch every ball of the Ire vs Afg 1st ODI live on tapmad. Stream the match in real time and follow all the action as the two sides begin a crucial five-match ODI series before ICC Cricket World Cup.

Also read: Ireland vs Afghanistan schedule.