The third ODI of the 5-match series between Ireland and Afghanistan shifts from Bready to the Civil Service Cricket Club (Stormont) in Belfast, with Afghanistan holding a 1–0 lead after a dominant performance in the second match. After rain forced the series opener to be abandoned, Afghanistan struck first by securing a 92-run victory, anchored by Ibrahim Zadran’s top-score of 84 and a game-changing six-wicket spell by leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
Ireland faces a crucial fixture to keep their series leveling hopes on track. The host side will require a significantly better foundation from top-order stalwarts Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, alongside contributions from younger players like Cade Carmichael, who stood out with a valiant half-century in the previous outing. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s deep batting lineup and versatile bowling attack give them full momentum as they look to extend their advantage in the series.
IRE vs AFG, 3rd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: August 10, 3:15 PM IST / 9:45 AM GMT / 10:45 AM Local
- Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
IRE vs AFG Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches Played: 34 | Ireland Won: 13 | Afghanistan Won: 19 | No Result: 2
Civil Service Cricket Club Pitch Report
The surface at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast historically provides early assistance to fast bowlers, offering notable seam movement and extra bounce during the initial overs, especially under overcast morning skies. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle down into a reliable batting surface, allowing batters to play their shots freely once set. Spinners usually get moderate grip in the middle overs, though the shorter boundaries and true bounce keep batters in the contest. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to utilize the early moisture in the surface before conditions become optimal for run-scoring later in the day.
Squads
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Jai Moondra, Gavin Hoey, Cade Carmichael, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough
Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Ikram Alikhil
IRE vs AFG, 3rd ODI, Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- IRE wins the toss and bowls first
- AFG’s powerplay score: 40-50
- AFG’s total score: 250-270
Case 2:
- AFG wins the toss and bowls first
- IRE’s powerplay score: 45-55
- IRE’s total score: 260-280
Match Result: Team bowling first to win the contest.
