Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI Predictions - Afghanistan to secure back-to-back wins
Afghanistan lead the five-match ODI series 1-0 following a dominant 92-run win over Ireland, whose batting faltered against a potent Afghan attack led by Rashid Khan’s devastating 6/34. Ireland must improve their top order and fielding to challenge Afghanistan, who have momentum and a strong recent head-to-head record. Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran are key players to watch for Afghanistan, while Andy Balbirnie and Mark Adair are Ireland’s best hopes. Expect Afghanistan to go 2-0 up unless Ireland produce a major turnaround in Belfast.
- Ireland haven’t won an ODI since May 2025.
- Afghanistan crushed Ireland by 92 runs in the 2nd ODI.
- There’s a low chance of rain in Belfast tomorrow on a pitch where Afghanistan have won six of their nine internationals against Ireland.
Rashid Khan has taken 11 wickets in his last 2 matches (Getty Images).
Ireland vs Afghanistan Predictions
Ireland were outplayed with bat and ball by an Afghanistan side that was firing on all cylinders in the 2nd ODI after the frustration of the first match being rained-out.
- Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie has scored 45, 53, 102* & 36 in his last 5 knocks.
- Ireland’s Cade Carmichael has scores of 27, 29 & 62 in his last 5 innings.
- Ireland’s Mark Adair has figures of 1/33 & 2/40 in 2 matches.
- Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran has scored 95 & 84 in his last 3 matches.
- Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scores of 31, 65, 42 & 32 in his last 5 innings.
- Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has taken 5/17 & 6/34 in his last 2 matches.
Head-to-Head
Afghanistan have won their last three completed ODIs against Ireland, with two matches rained-out.
Ireland Form
Ireland trail 0-1 in the five-match ODI series against Afghanistan after a heavy 92-run defeat in the second ODI at Bready. The opening match was abandoned due to rain, and the hosts will be aiming to respond when the series moves to the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast for the third ODI on 10 August.
In the second match, Ireland restricted Afghanistan to 299/8 in a 47-over contest but collapsed in the chase, being bowled out for 207 in 33.4 overs. Cade Carmichael top-scored with a maiden ODI fifty, while Andrew Balbirnie contributed 36.
Debutant Ben Calitz struck a quick 27 at a strike rate of 180.00, but Ireland’s middle and lower order struggled against Afghanistan’s quality spin attack. Captain Paul Stirling and the batting unit will need greater application against Rashid Khan and the rest of the Afghan bowlers.
Mark Adair took 2/40 and debutant Jai Moondra claimed 2/78, while Gavin Hoey and Curtis Campher picked up a wicket each. Ireland showed positive signs in patches but must convert starts better and tighten their fielding.
Afghanistan Form
Afghanistan take a 1-0 lead into the third ODI after a dominant 92-run win over Ireland at Bready. After the rain-affected abandonment of the opener, the visitors produced a clinical performance and will be eager to continue their momentum.
Batting first in a 47-over match, Afghanistan posted 299/8. Ibrahim Zadran led the innings with a composed 84 from 97 balls, hitting eight fours. His opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 32 from 30 deliveries, helping to set the platform.
Sediqullah Atal made 45, Hashmatullah Shahidi finished unbeaten on 36, and Azmatullah Omarzai added a quick 33 at a strike rate of 137.50. Afghanistan’s top and middle order assessed the conditions well and built a competitive total.
With the ball, Rashid Khan was outstanding, claiming career-best figures of 6/34 to dismantle Ireland’s chase. Omarzai supported him with two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi also struck as Ireland were bowled out for 207.
Team news
Ireland’s stuttering top order is a concern for the hosts against a side that has won 19-13 of their match-ups, with Ireland having beaten the visitors just twice in their last 10 clashes.
Ireland (possible XI): Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Caden Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough.
Afghanistan (possible XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Darwish Rasooli, Allah Ghazanfar, Mohammad Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Verdict
Afghanistan are tipped to go 2-0 ahead in the series, with Rashid Khan backed to terrorise the Ireland top order again. Ibrahim Zadran is backed to crack another big score, while Andy Balbirnie and Mark Adair are our picks to perform for struggling Ireland.
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