Match 1st ODI
Afghanistan Tour of Ireland (5 ODIs)
August 5, 2026, 3:15 pm
Ireland Logo
Ireland
Odds » 2.47
VS.
Afghanistan Logo
Afghanistan
Odds » 1.56
Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready

IRE vs AFG Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026, 1st ODI, August 5

Published on: Aug 4, 2026 5:50 pm IST | Updated on: Aug 4, 2026 5:50 pm IST

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Ireland is all set to host Afghanistan in a 5-match ODI series set to kick off on August 5 at the Bready Cricket Club. The first two ODIs will be played in Bready, whereas the final three games of the series will be played in Belfast. Afghanistan heads into this series after enduring a series defeat at the hands of India 0-3. On the other hand, Ireland secured a 1-1 draw in the home series against the West Indies, played back in May 2025. Both teams will look to secure a win in this contest to get the upper hand in the 5-match series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI, IRE vs AFG, at the Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready.

Win Probability: IRE vs AFG

Ireland is playing at home and are heading into this series on the back of a 1-1 series-level effort against the West Indies. Afghanistan may have been blanked in their previous ODI series against India but have managed to beat Ireland in their last four meetings in a row. Therefore, expect Afghanistan to head into this contest with a slight upper hand, with the win probability meter leaning in their favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI, IRE vs AFG, at the Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready.

IRE: 39% win chance
AFG: 61% win chance

  • Ireland have won and lost two games each out of their last four ODIs.
  • Afghanistan have won two and lost three of their last five ODIs.
  • Afghanistan has the sheer upper hand in the recent ODI meetings between the two sides, having won the last four contests played between the two sides.

Cricket Betting Tips for IRe vs AFG- 1st ODI

Ibrahim Zadran to score Over 31.5

Although he couldn't score many runs in the ODI series against India, Ibrahim has accumulated 462 runs in his last 9 innings at a staggering average of 51.33. Expect him to have an impact in this game.

Rahmat Shah to score Over 25.5

The newly appointed ODI skipper of Afghanistan has been among runs oflate. He has scored 269 runs in his last 9 outings at an average of 38.43 and will be looking to make an impact straightaway with the bat in this game.

Lorcan Tucker to score Over 24.5

The Irish wicket-keeper batter was in fine nick in the T20Is against India. Once again playing a series at home, Lorcan will look to add more runs to his tally.

Andy Balbirnie to score Over 21.5

The Irish opener has amassed 257 runs in his last 10 ODI outings at an average of 28.56. He remains a crucial bet at the top order for the Irish side.

IRE vs AFG Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the IRE vs AFG 1st ODI match at the Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready.

Ireland should be looking to take home advantage

Ireland will be eager to make the most of home conditions as they prepare to host Afghanistan in a five‑match ODI series starting August 5 at the Bready Cricket Club. The Irish side has shown steady improvement in recent months, highlighted by their 1‑1 draw against the West Indies at home earlier this year. More importantly, Paul Stirling and his men will draw immense confidence from their historic 2‑0 T20I series sweep over India last month, a result that proved they can tame even the strongest opponents on familiar turf.

While the format now shifts to ODIs, the belief and momentum gained from that triumph should serve Ireland well. Stirling’s leadership, coupled with the experience of seasoned campaigners and the energy of younger talents, gives them a balanced unit capable of challenging Afghanistan. The visitors are no pushovers, but Ireland’s ability to adapt to local conditions, backed by passionate home support, could tilt the contest in their favor.

With playoff‑style intensity expected across the series, Ireland must seize the opportunity to assert dominance at home and continue their rise in international cricket.

Afghanistan under Rahmat Shah will look to get off to a good start

Afghanistan enters the ODI series against Ireland with a fresh chapter in their cricketing journey. After enduring a 0–3 defeat to India, the team has undergone a leadership change, with Hashmatullah Shahidi stepping down and Rahmat Shah taking over the reins. This marks the beginning of a new era for Afghanistan’s ODI cricket, and all eyes will be on how Rahmat marshals his troops in this crucial assignment.

The batting unit will rely heavily on Ibrahim Zadran’s consistency at the top and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive stroke play to set the tone. In the bowling department, Fazalhaq Farooqi’s pace and swing will be vital in English‑like conditions at Bready, while the spin attack remains a traditional strength. Rahmat Shah himself, known for his calm temperament and ability to anchor innings, will be expected to lead by example with the bat.

For Afghanistan, this series is not just about results but about building confidence under new leadership. A strong start against Ireland could set the tone for the rest of the campaign and signal that the team is ready to move forward with renewed purpose and determination. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

IRE vs AFG Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 32
AFG won: 18
IRE won: 13
No Result: 1
RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: W W L L L
RECENT form IRELAND: W L W NR L

A total of 32 ODIs have been played between Afghanistan and Ireland in ODI cricket. Afghanistan has had the upper hand in this battle, winning 18 games, whereas Ireland have managed only 13 contests. One match ended as a no-result between the two sides. 

Team Analysis: Ireland and Afghanistan

How will the two teams, i.e., Ireland and Afghanistan, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.

Ireland (IRE)

  • The Irish team management has named a 14-man squad for this series led by Paul Stirling.
  • Left-arm pacer Jai Moondra, who impressed one and all in the T20I series against India, has earned a call-up to the ODI side for the first time.
  • 24-year old pace bowler Byron McDonough receives his first call-up to the national side.
  • Joshua Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and David Delany have been left out of the squad due to different injuries.
  • Skipper Paul Stirling will open the innings alongside Andrew Balbirnie.
  • Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, and Ben Calitz are expected to form the rest of the batting order.
  • George Dockrell and Andrew McBrine will be the two spin bowling all-rounders, whereas Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, and Liam McCarthy will form the bowling attack.

Expected Starting 11

Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy

Afghanistan (AFG)

  • Afghanistan have named a 15-man squad for this series led by a new skipper, Rahmat Shah.
  • The pace duo of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai has returned to the squad after missing the ODI series against India.
  • Injury has kept Mujeeb Ur Rahman out of this series, whereas senior pro Mohammad Nabi has opted out of the series citing personal reasons.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be opening the innings.
  • Skipper Rahmat Shah will bat at no 3, followed by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, and Azmatullah Omarzai.
  • Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, and Allah Ghazanfar will be the ones forming the core of the bowling unit.

Expected Starting 11

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai/Nangyal Kharote, Allah Ghazanfar

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between Ireland and Afghanistan at the Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready:

Pitch ReportWeather Report
The Bready surface is generally batting-friendly, with a flat deck that allows stroke play.Morning conditions will be cool and mild, with temperatures around 15–17°C.
Seamers can get movement early due to moisture and overhead conditions, especially in the first 10 overs.Cloud cover is expected, which could assist swing bowling.
Spinners may find grip as the game progresses, particularly in the middle overs.Rain chances are moderate (~30%), with passing showers possible.
Average first‑innings scores here hover around 250–270, making totals in that range competitive.Winds will be light to moderate, around 10–12 km/h, not expected to disrupt play.
Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first, banking on scoreboard pressure in day games.Overall, conditions should allow a full game, though brief interruptions can’t be ruled out.

Toss Prediction

With the Bready surface offering a flat deck for batting but early movement for seamers under morning cloud cover, the team winning the toss is expected to bat first. A total in the 250–270 range could prove decisive, as chasing under overhead conditions often becomes tricky in day games.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the Afghanistan tour of Ireland will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.

IRE vs AFG: Today’s Match Predictions

Ireland hold the edge with home advantage and recent confidence from their T20I triumph over India. Afghanistan, under new captain Rahmat Shah, are rebuilding after a tough series loss. Expect Afghanistan to capitalize on their recent dominant run over Ireland, wherein they have won the last four games played between the two sides. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Afghanistan, is expected to win the IRE vs AFG 1st ODI match.

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Ireland Logo
Odds » 2.47
VS.
Afghanistan Logo
Odds » 1.56