Afghanistan head into the third ODI against Ireland with a 1-0 series lead after a commanding 92-run victory in the second match. Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with 84 off 97 balls as Afghanistan posted 299/8 in a rain-reduced 47-over contest, with Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai also making valuable contributions. The match also saw Rashid Khan produce a stunning spell of 6/34, helping dismiss Ireland for 207. The third ODI will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club (Stormont) in Belfast on Monday, with the start scheduled for 3:15 PM IST.
Ireland will need significant improvement with the bat after their experienced top order struggled in the previous game. Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector will be expected to lead the response, while Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker provide further batting depth. Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey and Andrew McBrine will have a key role with the ball as Ireland look to contain Afghanistan’s strong batting unit. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be confident after their all-round display and will look to maintain their momentum and extend their series advantage.
IRE vs AFG 3RD ODI: Date, Time, Venue, Where to Watch And More
- Match: Ireland vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI
- Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Time: 3:15 PM IST / 10:45 AM Local
- Venue: Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Live Streaming: FanCode app and website
Stormont Cricket Ground Pitch Report
Monday’s weather in Belfast could bring some light rain, with temperatures expected to peak at around 19°C and humidity hovering near 59%. Any rain interruptions could make conditions even more challenging for the players, particularly early in the game.
The Belfast pitch is expected to favour the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers, who should get movement through swing and bounce. Batters could find deliveries on a hard length difficult to handle initially, although the surface is likely to become easier for scoring as the match progresses. If conditions remain stable, chasing could be the preferred option after winning the toss.
Predicted XIs
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough.
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Captain And Vice-Captain Choices
Captain Choice: Ibrahim Zadran
The Afghanistan opener heads into the series as one of the most dependable batters in international cricket, currently ranked fifth in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
Vice-Captain Choice: Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as a key all-rounder for Afghanistan in white-ball cricket. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable player, with the right-hander capable of scoring quickly through the middle and final overs while also providing an important seam-bowling option during the powerplay.
Alternative Choice: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a strong vice-captain option for the Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI fantasy team, thanks to his aggressive opening role and ability to score quickly during the powerplay. His wicketkeeping duties also provide additional opportunities for fantasy points through catches and stumpings, making him a high-upside pick.
IRE vs AFG 3rd ODI: Toss Prediction
Toss Winner: Afghanistan
Decision: Bowl First
Reason: With overcast skies and plenty of moisture expected in Belfast, the conditions should favour fast bowlers early on, with swing and seam movement likely. Both teams are therefore expected to prefer bowling first, while chasing could also offer an advantage if rain forces a DLS-adjusted target. Afghanistan, however, handled similar conditions well in the previous game to secure a 92-run win.
Who Will Win Today’s 3rd ODI Match Between Ireland And Afghanistan?
Afghanistan head into the third ODI as the favourites against Ireland, having taken a 1-0 series lead with a dominant 92-run victory in the previous match. Rashid Khan’s outstanding 6/34 spell and Ibrahim Zadran’s composed 84 have given the visitors plenty of momentum, while Afghanistan also boast a strong record at Stormont, winning six of their nine previous matches there. Ireland, meanwhile, will need their experienced batters, particularly Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, to respond after their top order collapsed during the last chase.
Unless Ireland’s seamers make the most of the overcast Belfast conditions early on, Afghanistan’s stronger all-round side looks well placed to claim another win and move closer to direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
