Ireland and Afghanistan are getting ready to kick off their highly anticipated three-match ODI series beginning Thursday with the first ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams are gaining prominence in the World of Cricket with their incredible brand of cricket, and they have also come out with their remarkable performances in their past assignments, making this series full of enthralling contests.

This clash will be incredibly historic for both teams who are trying to make their marks in the white-ball format as well. Both teams recently faced each other in the One-Off Test match which Ireland won by 6 wickets. That was the first time that both teams saw each other in the longest format of the game. With the win in the Test game, Ireland registered their first Test victory as well.

Afghanistan, who have been incredibly bristling in the ODI format, are expected to corner Ireland. Afghanistan have earned the reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic teams after their brilliant show at the ODI World Cup 2023. Afghanistan boast a solid lineup with the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Afghanistan will continue to miss the services of Rashid Khan who is recovering from an injury. 

For Ireland, they will look to continue their upward trajectory after beating Afghanistan in the Test match. Paul Stirling will be leading the side as Ireland will also have robust players with the likes of Harry Tector, Andy McBrine and Lorcan Tucker. 

Head-to-head

Both teams have played 30 games against each other in ODIs. Afghanistan have won 16, while Ireland have had 13 victories. One of their games ended in no result. 

Afghanistan Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik

Ireland Probable XI: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy, McBrine, Craig Young, Theo Van Woerkom, Graham Hume