# Afghanistan‑Ireland ODI series 2026 – matches underway

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afghanistanireland-odi-series-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-07T10:25:04.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Afghanistan’s 15-player squad, led by captain Rahmat Shah, began the five-match One-Day International series against Ireland in Northern Ireland on 5 August 2026. The series is vital for both teams’ ICC ODI rankings ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualification deadline. The campaign has proceeded amid criticism from the England and Wales Cricket Board over Afghanistan’s gender-based restrictions on sport.

After the opening match was abandoned due to rain, Afghanistan secured a 1-0 lead by defeating Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI at Bready Cricket Club. Afghanistan posted 299/8 in a rain-affected match reduced to 47 overs per side, highlighted by Ibrahim Zadran’s 84. Rashid Khan claimed six wickets for 34 runs, becoming the first spinner to achieve three six-wicket hauls in men's ODIs. Ireland was bowled out for 207, suffering a collapse where seven wickets fell for just 63 runs following a 72-run partnership between Cade Carmichael and Andy Balbirnie.

The victory strengthens Afghanistan's ICC ODI ranking and complicates direct qualification hopes for the West Indies, who currently sit outside the top eight required for automatic entry into the 2027 World Cup. Ireland, under new coach Gary Wilson, will look to recover in the remaining three fixtures at Stormont, Belfast. Cricket Ireland has confirmed a reciprocal tour of Afghanistan in March 2025, and Ariana Radio and Television Network continues to hold exclusive broadcast rights for Afghan audiences.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Afghanistan defeats Ireland by 92 runs in second ODI

Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 92 runs in the second ODI, led by Rashid Khan's historic six-wicket haul. The win bolsters Afghanistan's 2027 World Cup qualification prospects.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afghanistan-cricket-beats-ireland-in-2nd-odi-at-bready

### 2026-08-04: Afghanistan and Ireland launch contentious five‑match ODI series in Northern Ireland

Afghanistan and Ireland will contest a five‑match ODI series in Northern Ireland, vital for World Cup ranking, while the ECB criticises the tie over Afghanistan’s gender‑apartheid policies.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afghanistan-and-ireland-launch-contentious-fivematch-odi-series-in-northern-ireland

### 2026-07-24: Afghanistan announces new ODI squad and captain for Ireland series

Afghanistan named a 15‑player squad, with Rahmat Shah as new ODI captain, for a five‑match series in Ireland (Aug 5‑15). Fazalhaq Farooqi returns, Mohammad Nabi is omitted.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afghanistan-announces-odi-squad-for-ireland-series-drops-mohammad-nabi

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Cite as: Afghanistan‑Ireland ODI series 2026 – matches underway. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afghanistanireland-odi-series-2026