Ireland vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI Predictions - Afghanistan look strong to take Ireland down
Afghanistan enter the ODI series against Ireland as favourites, leveraging a strong bowling attack and recent squad changes after their 3-0 loss to India. Ireland, however, have a formidable record at home and are buoyed by a recent series draw against the West Indies. Key Irish players like Andy Balbirnie and George Dockrell add batting and bowling depth, while Afghanistan look to Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ziaur Rahman for standout performances. Expect a competitive series with Afghanistan slightly ahead, but Ireland poised for an upset on home turf.
- Ireland’s last ODI series was drawn against the West Indies in 2025.
- Afghanistan lost to India 3-0 in their recent ODI series.
- Cloudy conditions and cold temperatures should favour the hosts, with the likelihood of light rain throughout the day but we should get a result in.
George Dockrell took 4/55 in his last match (Getty Images).
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Ireland vs Afghanistan Predictions
Afghanistan have developed into a consistently dangerous ODI side in recent years, although sudden batting collapses remain a concern. Ireland, meanwhile, can struggle against higher-ranked opponents but are far more competitive in familiar home conditions. Afghanistan will start as favourites, but Ireland have enough quality and local advantage to make this a much tighter contest than the rankings suggest.
- Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie has scored 45, 53 & 102* in his last 4 knocks.
- Ireland’s Harry Tector has scores of 98, 34*, 86 & 59* in his last 4 innings.
- Ireland’s George Dockrell has taken 2/63 & 4/55 in 4 matches.
- Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scores of 31, 31, 65 & 42 in his last 5 innings.
- Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi has scored 25, 23 & 52 in his last 5 matches.
- Afghanistan’s Ziaur Rahman has figures of 2/31 & 2/25 in his last 3 matches.
Head-to-Head
Afghanistan have won their last four completed ODIs against Ireland.
Ireland Form
Ireland will take heart from their recent 1-1 series draw with West Indies. They won the opening match before losing the final game, but the series still showed they can push strong opposition, particularly when playing at home.
Paul Stirling’s leadership and experience will be central to Ireland’s chances. He has scored 355 runs across his last 10 ODIs at an average close to 40 and remains one of their most important players at the top of the order. Balbirnie has also been a steady presence, making more than 257 runs in his last 10 matches, while Tector and Lorcan Tucker give Ireland extra depth through the middle order.
Ireland’s bowling group also has useful experience and recent form. Mark Adair has taken 15 wickets in his last seven matches, while Andy McBrine brings spin control and has 91 wickets from 96 ODIs. Dockrell adds another experienced option, with 111 ODI wickets to his name.
Afghanistan Form
Afghanistan come into the series looking for a response after being beaten 3-0 by India in their previous ODI assignment. That result brought changes, with Rahmat Shah taking over the captaincy after Hashmatullah Shahidi stepped down.
Their batting strength remains at the top of the order. Ibrahim Zadran has been in outstanding form, scoring 462 runs in his last nine matches at an average above 51. Rahmat Shah has also been among the runs, adding 269 over the same period.
Afghanistan’s main weapon is still their bowling attack, especially the spin department. Rashid Khan has taken 19 wickets in his last nine matches, while Azmatullah Omarzai has provided strong all-round value with 15 wickets in the same stretch. The return of Fazalhaq Farooqi gives Afghanistan another proven wicket-taking option with the new ball and adds better balance to the attack.
Team news
Afghanistan have made changes after their 3-0 defeat to India. Rahmat Shah will captain the ODI side for the first time, while quick bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai have been included.
Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.
Afghanistan squad: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Verdict
Afghanistan are strongly backed to take the first win of the series after the 1st ODI was rained out. Andy Balbirnie is backed to score runs for the home side, while George Dockrell is Ireland’s best bet to get among the wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is looking good with the bat for Afghanistan, while Ziaur Rahman is enjoying good wicket-taking form.
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