Afghanistan will look to complete a 3-0 ODI series sweep when they face Ireland in the third and final ODI at Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday, August 10. Ireland will need a significantly improved batting performance after their 92-run defeat in the previous match, while Afghanistan will look to maintain their momentum.
Match details
Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
Date: August 10, 2026
Time: 3:15 PM IST, 2:45 PM PST, 9:45 AM GMT
Team overviews
Afghanistan enter the series finale with considerable confidence after winning the previous ODI by 92 runs. They posted 299 in 47 overs after Ibrahim Zadran scored 84 from 97 balls and Sediqullah Atal contributed 45 from 50 deliveries. Their bowling attack then produced an impressive performance, with Rashid Khan claiming six wickets as Ireland were dismissed for 207.
Ireland have struggled to match Afghanistan’s consistency throughout the series. Their batting lineup failed to chase 300 in the previous game and will need a much stronger performance at the top of the order. Playing at home gives Ireland an opportunity to respond, but they face a difficult challenge against an Afghanistan side that has found momentum at the right time.
Key players
Ibrahim Zadran remains Afghanistan’s leading batting threat after his important 84 in the previous ODI. Sediqullah Atal also made a valuable contribution at the top, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah provide further experience.
Rashid Khan is undoubtedly Afghanistan’s biggest weapon with the ball. His six-wicket haul in the previous match completely changed the contest and demonstrated his ability to exploit conditions during the middle overs.
For Ireland, Cade Carmichael has been among their more productive batters, with 62 runs in the series. Harry Tector and captain Paul Stirling will need to provide greater stability, while Mark Adair and Azmatullah Omarzai remain important bowling options.
Head-to-head record
In their last 10 ODI meetings:
- Ireland wins: 2
- Afghanistan wins: 8
- No Result: 0
Afghanistan have therefore enjoyed a clear advantage in recent encounters.
Pitch report
Civil Service Cricket Club has recently offered favorable conditions for batting. The surface generally rewards stroke-making, while the quick outfield allows well-timed shots to reach the boundary.
The average first-innings score stands at 207, while the average second-innings score is around 160. Teams batting first have won approximately 60 percent of matches at the venue, compared with 40 percent for teams bowling first.
The conditions could therefore favor the side that builds a strong first-innings platform.
Weather report
The forecast for Belfast indicates a temperature of around 19°C, with a high 92 percent rain possibility. The potential for interruptions could become a major factor in the match, particularly if rain affects the number of overs available.
Overcast conditions could also provide additional assistance to the seamers, particularly with the new ball.
Injury and team updates
Both teams enter the third ODI with fully fit squads according to the provided team updates. No injury concerns have been reported for either Ireland or Afghanistan.
Probable playing XIs
Ireland (Captain: Paul Stirling)
- Paul Stirling (Captain)
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Cade Carmichael
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Curtis Campher
- Ben Calitz
- Mark Adair
- Gavin Hoey
- Jai Moondra
- Byron McDonough
Afghanistan (Captain: Rahmat Shah)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah (Captain)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Mohammad Safi
- Allah Ghazanfar
Probable best performers
Probable best batter: Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran enters the final ODI after producing a match-defining 84 in the previous game. His ability to construct an innings and bat deep makes him Afghanistan’s most reliable batting option. He will look to convert another strong start into a century.
Probable best bowler: Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan was the decisive figure in the previous ODI, taking six wickets and dismantling Ireland’s chase. His control and ability to take wickets through the middle overs make him the standout bowling threat once again.
Probable match scenarios
Scenario 1: Afghanistan bat first
- Powerplay: 40-45 runs
- Predicted total: 275-280
- Expected result: Afghanistan to win
Scenario 2: Ireland bat first
- Powerplay: 45-50 runs
- Predicted total: 245-250
- Expected result: Afghanistan to win
Toss prediction
Two of the last three ODIs at Civil Service Cricket Club have been won by the team batting first. With the venue favoring teams that establish a competitive first-innings total, the toss-winning captain could choose to bat.
Toss prediction: Afghanistan to win the toss and bat first.
Probable player of the match
Ibrahim Zadran
Rashid Khan
Cade Carmichael
Match prediction
Afghanistan enter the final ODI as clear favorites after dominating the previous match in both departments. Their top order has provided a solid foundation, while Rashid Khan’s six-wicket performance highlighted the difference between the two bowling attacks. Ireland have enough quality to make the contest competitive, particularly if their top order produces a strong start, but the visitors have shown greater consistency throughout the series. The rain threat adds an element of uncertainty, yet if the match receives enough playing time, Afghanistan appear well placed to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
