Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Preview: Will Ireland Comeback?

Following an eventful start to the ODI series, Ireland and Afghanistan head to Belfast for the third ODI at Stormont Cricket Ground. With Afghanistan leading the series after a commanding win in the previous match, Ireland must respond to keep their hopes alive, while the visitors will be aiming to tighten their grip on the contest.

Ireland vs Afghanistan Last 2 ODI Meetings

• Ist ODI: Match abandoned without a ball bowled 
• 2nd ODI: Afghanistan won by 92 runs 

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Predicted Playing XIs

Ireland Predicted XI

Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Ben Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough

Afghanistan Predicted XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Abdul Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Key Player Battles

Paul Stirling vs Rashid Khan

Ireland's captain will need to negotiate Rashid Khan's variations during the middle overs after the leg-spinner dominated the previous match with a six-wicket haul.

Mark Adair vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Adair will look to exploit any early movement at Stormont, while Gurbaz aims to provide Afghanistan with another explosive start.

Cade Carmichael vs Azmatullah Omarzai

After impressing with a fighting half-century in the second ODI, Carmichael faces a tough test against Omarzai's disciplined seam bowling.

Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Preview

The series shifts from Bready to Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast, where Ireland face a must-win encounter to keep their series hopes alive. The opening ODI was abandoned due to rain before Afghanistan dominated the second match by 92 runs with Ibrahim Zadran's composed 84 and Rashid Khan's sensational 6 for 34.

Stormont traditionally offers assistance to seam bowlers early before becoming a good batting surface later in the day. Ireland will need stronger partnerships from their top order and better execution in the closing overs if they are to level the series. Afghanistan, meanwhile, arrive with confidence, boasting a balanced lineup featuring explosive batters, reliable pace options, and a world-class spin attack capable of controlling the game in all phases.

With Ireland desperate to bounce back and Afghanistan looking to extend their dominance, another competitive contest awaits in Belfast.

Watch Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Live on tapmad

Catch every ball of the Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI live on tapmad. Stream the match in real time and follow all the action as the two sides battle it out at Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast.