IRE vs AFG 4th ODI Match Preview: Ireland will take on Afghanistan in the crucial 4th ODI of the five-match series today at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. With the series progressing into its business end, both sides are looking to produce their finest cricket on Irish soil.
Match Details
- Match: Ireland (IRE) vs Afghanistan (AFG), 4th ODI
- Series: Afghanistan tour of Ireland, 2026
- Date: Today
- Time: 10:45 AM LOCAL | 9:45 AM GMT | 3:15 PM IST
- Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
- Live Streaming (India): FanCode
Match Preview
Ireland Analysis
Captain Paul Stirling and the Irish unit need their top order to step up big time. Key batters like Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, and Harry Tector form the backbone of Ireland’s batting lineup. All-rounder Curtis Campher and veteran campaigner George Dockrell add important balance to the middle order. In the bowling department, pace spearhead Mark Adair, alongside Andy McBrine, will be responsible for picking up early wickets and curbing the flow of runs in conditions that suit seam bowling.
Afghanistan Analysis
Led by Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan boasts a star-studded and resilient lineup. Explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and steady contributor Ibrahim Zadran provide powerful options at the top. The middle order features quality all-round skill in Azmatullah Omarzai and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Meanwhile, world-class leg-spinner Rashid Khan leads a formidable bowling attack backed by left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and young mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar.
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch Report (Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast)
The surface at Belfast traditionally offers initial assistance to fast bowlers. Under overcast morning skies, pacers can generate noticeable seam movement and bounce. As the match progresses, the pitch settles down, making stroke play easier for set batters. Spinners will get moderate turn during the middle overs.
- Toss Factor: Win the toss and bowl first. Exploiting early morning dampness and seam conditions will be the priority before batting becomes smoother later in the day.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Belfast for today’s encounter is expected to be typical Irish conditions—cool temperatures with occasional cloud cover. There is a slight chance of passing showers, but a full or mostly complete match is expected.
Probable Playing XIs
Ireland
Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy.
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai, Mohammad Saleem Safi.
IRE vs AFG Dream11 / Fantasy Picks
- Top Captaincy Options:
- Rashid Khan (AFG): A proven match-winner with the ball who can also chip in with handy runs down the order.
- Curtis Campher (IRE): Provides complete dual-value with both bat and ball in these conditions.
- Top Vice-Captaincy Options:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): Dangerous explosive opener who can change the game within the powerplay.
- Mark Adair (IRE): Exceptional with the new ball at home conditions and a capable lower-order striker.
Suggested Fantasy XI (Small Leagues)
- Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lorcan Tucker
- Batters: Paul Stirling, Ibrahim Zadran, Harry Tector, Rahmat Shah
- All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Curtis Campher
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Mark Adair (VC), Fazalhaq Farooqi
Match Prediction
While Ireland is formidable in home conditions at Stormont, Afghanistan holds a slight edge heading into today’s fixture due to their deep batting lineup and superior spin options for the middle overs.
