Paul Stirling set to return for Ireland vs Afghanistan ODIs [Source: AFP]Weeks after Ireland’s comprehensive series win over India at home, the high-confidence outfit is set to host Afghanistan for a five-match ODI series, starting August 5.To their delight, in their build-up towards the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027, captain Paul Stirling will return for the national team for the first time since the T20 World Cup earlier this year.In the latest squad announced by Cricket Ireland, Stirling will lead a team with a fine blend of youth and experience, including potential debutants.Ireland announce squad for Afghanistan ODIsOn Tuesday afternoon, with a week left for the Afghanistan tour of Ireland, Cricket Ireland unveiled their squad for the first three matches of the series.Paul Stirling, who had suffered a hamstring injury against Australia in Colombo, had recovered from it and played a couple of domestic matches as well. He was initially supposed to return for the only Test against New Zealand earlier in the summer, before sustaining a calf injury.Star from the India series, Jai Moondra, has been rewarded with the maiden ODI call-up, alongside the exciting wicketkeeper batter, Ben Calitz and pacer Byron McDonough. Among the injured players missing out will be Josh Little, Barry McCarthy and David Delany, among others.Also Read: Afghanistan Name New Captain For Tests and ODIs; Rashid Khan IgnoredIreland squad for first three ODIsPaul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.Afghanistan tour of Ireland scheduleThe Afghanistan tour of Ireland is set to kick off on August 5 in Bready, Northern Ireland, where the first two matches will be played. It will then move to Stormont, where the final three matches will take place till August 15.The visitors have already named their squad for the series, with Rahmat Shah being their new captain.Full schedule1st ODI – August 5 at Bready2nd ODI – August 7 at Bready3rd ODI – August 10 at Stormont4th ODI – August 12 at Stormont5th ODI – August 15 at StormontWhat is the Head to Head record between Ireland and Afghanistan in ODIs?Considering their progress in international cricket, Ireland and Afghanistan have often crossed paths across formats, making their head-to-heads a great spectacle, as noted by head coach Gary Wilson.“There is a great rivalry that has built up over the years between the two teams, and I expect that to continue during this series. We have selected a squad that is reflective of the way in which we want to play,” said Wilson, ahead of his first assignment as Ireland’s head coach.Despite breaking onto the international stage before the visitors, Ireland currently trail the head-to-head record after 32 ODIs. Afghanistan have won 18, while Ireland have come out on top in 13 matches, with one ending in a tie.Across formats, the gulf between the teams is even wider, with 37 wins for Afghanistan to 21 for Ireland in 60 international face-offs. Notably, returning captain Paul Stirling has played in 59 of these 60 matches against the Asians.Also Read: Why T Dilip's Stint With Team India Has Ended Suddenly?
