IRE vs AFG, 5th ODI, Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Ireland and Afghanistan?

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Ireland and Afghanistan will face each other in the fifth and final ODI of their 2026 series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on August 14. With Afghanistan already holding an unassailable lead in the series, the visitors will have their eyes on completing a dominant campaign, while Ireland will be hoping to finish the contest on a positive note in front of their home supporters.

The previous encounter produced a high-scoring thriller, with Afghanistan posting their highest-ever ODI total of 343/9 before eventually defeating Ireland by 42 runs. Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran starred with the bat, while Ireland received major contributions from Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher during the chase. With both sides possessing several match-winners, the final ODI promises another competitive contest in Belfast.

Matches played: 36 | Ireland won: 13 | Afghanistan won: 21 | No result: 2

The surface at the Civil Service Cricket Club is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers could get some movement with the new ball, with swing and seam likely to test the batters during the early stages. Once the batters settle in, the pitch should become easier to score on, while spinners could become more influential during the middle overs as the surface begins to offer some grip. Teams may prefer chasing at this venue, particularly if there is movement available to the seamers early in the innings. Batters who spend some time at the crease before attacking could play a key role in determining the final outcome.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Jai Moondra, Gavin Hoey, Cade Carmichael, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough

Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Ikram Alikhil

Also READ: Afghanistan set to host India in three-match T20I series in Delhi

Case 1:

Case 2:

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

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