The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between formidable teams Ireland and Afghanistan in the third and final ODI, slated to be held on Tuesday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both sides will be locked in a fierce battle to claim victory in the final game to come out with a win.

The series has been marred by the unpredictable intervention as second ODI was abandoned without toss due to rain. Now, the focus shifts to the third clash, fans would be hoping for a full-fledged contest.

In the first ODI, Afghanistan displayed their dominance, securing a comfortable 35-run victory over Ireland, leading the series 1-0. Their bowlers and batters produced a disciplined performance. Afghanistan, put into bat, posted a massive total of (310) with the help of opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz belting out a blistering score of (121). Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi made crucial contributions with their scores of (60) and (50*) respectively. 

Their bowlers also came out with a commendable spell, restricting Ireland batsmen for 275/8 in (50) overs. Afghanistan have showcased their resilience and adaptability as they would look forward to coming out with title victory. 

For Ireland, this series holds immense importance as they aim to continue advancing in the white-ball format, but the setback in the first game would have jolted them. Ireland, however, possess a well-rounded squad capable of competing against the best. Players like Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher and Harry Tector will be crucial to Ireland's fortunes, providing stability and firepower with their top-class batting. Ireland would look for a win to level the series 1-1.

Head-to-head

Afghanistan and Ireland have played 32 ODI games against each other. Afghanistan have won 17, while Ireland have registered 13 victories. Two of their matches have ended in no result. 

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

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