Uff! Rain is the sole enemy cricket has. Once again nature robbed us of what could have been a fascinating match. However, this is when we feel blessed that the two boards decided to make this a 5-match ODI series. That leaves us with four to go and the scoreline still 0-0.
The teams will now wait for a couple of days and then meet each other once again day after tomorrow on the 7th of August at the very same ground for the 2nd ODI. The weather is a tad more promising for that contest and we hope it stays the same.
On this note, I, Manan Mehta would like to take your leave on behalf of my colleagues Dev Rajawat, AkshayaKrishna Polya and Ghanendra Singh Thakur. See you!!!
4:56 PM IST, 12:26 PM Local Time: The match has been called off! "Alas the match has been abandoned - present conditions under foot and incoming rain has meant that play today will not be possible" - this is the latest post from Cricket Ireland.
The rain was relentless and the groundstaff despite all their efforts could not really beat the nature. There are still multiple grim pictures coming up from the ground and understandably so no play could have taken place anytime soon. It is unfortunate for us cricketing lovers but one can safely say, the right call was taken.
4:37 PM IST, 12:07 PM Local Time: Uh oh! The rain has returned and the covers are back. The ground staff is busy sealing the entire square so that no water seeps in.
4:25 PM IST, 11:55 AM Local Time: It has stopped raining. The process of removing the covers has started. However, it is still pretty dark and windy out there in the middle and the umpires will surely have a close look before making any call on when we can go ahead with the contest.
3:10 PM IST, 10:40 AM LOCAL TIME: There will be a ground inspection scheduled at 4:30 PM IST (12 PM LOCAL TIME). Be with us for more updates!
2:50 PM IST, 10:20 AM LOCAL TIME: The toss has been officially delayed as it is raining for the moment in Bready.
The Bready surface has hosted only one men's ODI, but recent international matches suggest there should be good value for batters once they get through the opening spell. The new ball is expected to swing and seam around, especially under overcast skies, making the first 10 overs crucial for both sides. With a slight chance of rain and two teams beginning fresh journeys under new leadership, the side that adapts quickest to the conditions could land the first blow in what promises to be a fascinating series opener.
Toss and team lineups will flash on your screen shortly!!!
2:05 PM IST, 9:35 AM LOCAL TIME: Hello and welcome to Bready, where a new chapter begins for both Ireland and Afghanistan as they kick off a five-match ODI series with plenty of preparation for the 2027 World Cup at stake. Afghanistan arrive under new ODI captain Rahmat Shah and head coach Richard Pybus, while Ireland begin the Gary Wilson era after their historic T20I series win over India. Both teams will be looking to build momentum, and this promises to be an intriguing start to the series.
I'm Dev Rajawat, getting things started here, and I'll soon have the pleasure of being joined by my co-commentators, Manan Mehta, AkshayaKrishna Polya, and scorer Ghanendra Singh Thakur, as we prepare to bring you every moment of the live ball-by-ball action for this match.
Afghanistan Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli/Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi/Mohammad Saleem Safi