Ireland and Afghanistan are set to face each other in the first ODI of the five-match series on Wednesday at Breday Cricket Ground. This will be Afghanistan’s first tour of the country in almost four years. The series is highly valuable with both sides eyeing major points in the race to qualify for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan head into the series in a comfortable position as they currently occupy eighth place in the ICC ODI rankings, which is the final automatic qualification spot.

The top eight ranked teams at the end of September 2026, along with co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will earn direct entry to the 2027 World Cup. Ireland, meanwhile, face a more challenging road. They are currently sitting 12th in the rankings, and they will need the World Cup Qualifier to secure a place at the global event unless they can produce powerful performances over the coming months. The touring side will be led by newly appointed ODI captain Rahmat Shah, who succeeds Hashmatullah Shahidi. Moreover, the side boasts a settled line-up with the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Ireland also have undergone a significant change, with former wicketkeeper Gary Wilson taking over as head coach following the departure of Heinrich Malan. Ireland's batting attack will be led by captain Paul Stirling, with Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector being the backbone of the middle order with their consistent run-scoring ability. Young batter Cade Carmichael will also be expected to show his worth. Players like Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Andy McBrine will be expected to play crucial roles with both bat and ball. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 32

IRE won - 13

AFG won - 18

No result - 1

Ireland likely XI: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Liam McCarthy, Gavin Hoey, Byron McDonough

Afghanistan likely XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Nangialai Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai