IRE vs AFG Live Toss: Afghanistan Bowl First in 5th ODI

Belfast: Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah won the toss and elected to bowl first against Ireland in the fifth and final ODI. Seeking a historic clean sweep in the five-match series, the visitors opted to exploit early moisture and overhead conditions on a fresh Belfast surface.

Afghanistan currently holds an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, following a total washout in the opening fixture and three consecutive, dominant victories in the subsequent matches. 

Despite having already sealed the series trophy, the Afghan team management opted against mass experimentation, fielding a robust bowling attack designed to put immediate pressure on the Irish top order.

Conversely, Ireland enters the final fixture searching for a much-needed consolation victory. Having struggled to find momentum after a 15-month hiatus from the 50-over format, Irish skipper Paul Stirling expressed that his side was keen to bat first and post a competitive total. 

Stirling emphasized the necessity for a more disciplined batting display, particularly during the critical mandatory powerplay overs, where early wickets have plagued their previous outings.

The playing conditions at Stormont are expected to offer initial assistance to the seamers, with a slight tint of green on the pitch and typical overcast Irish skies. Afghanistan’s decision to chase aligns with their tactical preference to control the game via their formidable spin and seam options before executing a measured pursuit under changing atmospheric elements. 

Ireland’s batting lineup faces a stern test to set a defendable target on a ground historically known to favor teams batting second when clouds linger.

Ireland Playing XI for 5th ODI  

Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling(c), Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Jordan Neill, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra

Afghanistan Playing XI for 5th ODI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah(c), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangeyalia Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi

Watch IRE vs AFG 5th ODI live on tapmad.