Ireland and Afghanistan open a five-match ODI series in Bready as both teams begin new chapters under new leadership ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Ireland | By Sayer Zaland
Ireland and Afghanistan begin a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series on Tuesday in Bready, marking the start of a new chapter for both teams as they continue preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The series will be the first under new head coach Richard Pybus and captain Rahmat Shah for Afghanistan following the departure of Jonathan Trott, who has joined Ireland as a short-term consultant. Rahmat replaces Hashmatullah Shahidi as ODI captain, while Shane McDermott recently returned to the national team as assistant coach and fielding coach.
Afghanistan enter the series after an impressive run in ODI cricket over the past two years and will be looking to continue their dominance against Ireland, having won the last six meetings between the sides. The two teams last met in an ODI series in Sharjah in 2024, where Afghanistan secured a 2-0 victory.
Ireland, meanwhile, return to ODI cricket after a 15-month absence and will be led by new head coach Gary Wilson. The hosts are also carrying confidence from their recent T20I series victory over India and are expected to use the series to build a squad capable of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be one of Afghanistan’s key players after a productive run in domestic and franchise cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter has also been appointed the team’s ODI vice-captain.
Ireland are dealing with several injury concerns in their pace attack, with Josh Little, Craig Young and Barry McCarthy unavailable. Left-arm seamer Jai Moondra is expected to make his ODI debut after impressing during the T20I series against India.
The opening two matches will be played at Bready Cricket Club, which has hosted only one previous men’s ODI. Conditions are expected to favour batting, while rain remains a possibility during the opening fixture.