IRE vs AFG Match Prediction : 2nd ODI, Afghanistan tour of Ireland, 2026

Ireland and Afghanistan renew one of international cricket's most competitive rivalries when they meet in the second ODI of the five-match series at Bready on Friday. The opening ODI was washed out without a ball being bowled, leaving both teams eager to gain an early advantage in what is an important series for World Cup qualification.

Ireland vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record

Afghanistan have enjoyed the better overall record in ODI cricket against Ireland, although many of the recent contests between the two sides have been closely fought. Afghanistan has won four out of its previous five ODI's against Ireland.

Ireland vs Afghanistan Live-streaming and Broadcast

The match will be broadcast and streamed across multiple regions as follows:

IRE vs AFG Team Previews

Ireland

Ireland will be pleased to have Paul Stirling back leading the side after recovering from injury. His return brings much-needed experience to the top order, while the squad also includes several exciting young players who impressed during the recent T20I series against India.

The Irish batting revolves around Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. Tector remains the key player in the middle order thanks to his ability to rotate strike and accelerate when required. Curtis Campher adds balance with both bat and ball, while George Dockrell and Andrew McBrine provide valuable lower-order runs.

Ireland's bowling attack is experienced despite a lengthy injury list. Mark Adair will lead the pace attack alongside Liam McCarthy, while Campher provides another seam option. McBrine and Gavin Hoey will be responsible for controlling the middle overs with spin. The hosts have generally bowled with greater discipline at home, something that could prove decisive once again.

Ireland Expected Playing 11

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

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Afghanistan

Afghanistan remain a dangerous ODI side despite entering a new era under captain Rahmat Shah. While Mohammad Nabi has been left out of the squad, they still possess plenty of quality with both bat and ball, particularly through Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are expected to open the innings and will look to provide a solid platform. Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai give Afghanistan a dependable middle order capable of building partnerships. Rashid Khan remains the biggest X-factor with both bat and ball.

The bowling attack is once again Afghanistan's biggest strength. Fazalhaq Farooqi will spearhead the new-ball attack alongside Yamin Ahmadzai, while Rashid Khan and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar provide a formidable spin combination capable of dominating the middle overs.

Afghanistan Expected Playing 11

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

IRE vs AFG Toss Prediction

The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first. Overcast conditions at Bready generally assist the seamers early, while chasing has often proved the safer option if rain interrupts play.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Bready surface usually offers assistance to the fast bowlers during the opening spell, with plenty of movement through the air under cloudy skies. Batting becomes considerably easier once the ball loses its shine, rewarding players who are willing to spend time at the crease. Spinners are expected to come into the game during the middle overs, particularly if the pitch begins to dry out. A first-innings total of around 260-270 should be competitive.

There is also a chance of passing showers, although the forecast looks much better than it did for the abandoned opening ODI.

IRE vs AFG : Who Will Win?

We are backing Ireland to win this match. The hosts have looked increasingly competitive at home over the past year and will be boosted by the return of Paul Stirling. Their bowling attack is well suited to Bready's conditions, while Harry Tector gives them stability through the middle order. Afghanistan possess match-winners, particularly Rashid Khan, but Ireland's stronger familiarity with the conditions gives them a slight edge.

Bet on Ireland to win.

IRE vs AFG win percentage stands at 42% in favor of IRE.