Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI vs Ireland- 5th ODI 2026

Afghanistan cricket - (Source: X)

On Saturday, August 15, Afghanistan and Ireland will lock horns for the fifth and final ODI at the Belfast Stadium. The Afghans have already clinched the series 3-0, and it will be a dead rubber match.

The Ramat Shah-led side have also qualified for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and playing the 5th ODI is a mere formality. Therefore, the team from the subcontinent is also expected to make several changes to their playing XI. 

Afghanistan vs Ireland 5th ODI: Preview

Talking about the 4th ODI, it was another scintillating performance by the Rahmat Shah-led side. Afghanistan, batting first, put 343 runs on the board, courtesy of centuries from Sediquallah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran.

The duo stitched a 231-run stand for the 2nd wicket, which took the game away from the Irish. No other batter managed to contribute to the total, but the Afghans still put 343 runs on the board. In reply, Andrew Balbirnie scored a century, and Curtis Camphor’s efforts helped Ireland come close but still managed to score just 301 runs. 

As mentioned above, both teams will look to make changes for the 5th ODI, and this article will shed light on Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI vs Ireland for the 5th ODI.

Top-Order: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal

Despite the 5th ODI holding no importance, Afghanistan are likely to go ahead with the same top-order. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will open the innings, while Sediqullah Atal will bat at No.3.

Ibrahim Zadran is having the series of his career as the right-handed batter has already scored 203 runs in 3 innings, averaging 67.67. Meanwhile, his opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz had a great 2nd ODI, but has struggled in the rest of the games. Hence, Gurbaz would look to finish the series on a high.

Sediqullah Atal is the leading run-getter in the series with 213 runs in 3 innings. He slammed a brilliant 143 (120), averaging 71.67.

Middle-Order: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai

In the middle-order, Afghanistan are expected to make one change. Keeper-batter Ikram Alikhil is expected to play his first match of the tour and replace Darwish Rasooli in the playing XI. The rest, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Azmatullah Omarzai, will retain their place.

Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Dates Announced, Schedule Revealed For 3 T20Is

Shahidi is not having the best of series and has scored just 65 runs in 3 innings. Hence, the upcoming ODI is important for the former Afghanistan captain. Rahmat Shah has done well as a captain on his debut series, and finishing on a high would boost his confidence for the upcoming T20Is against India in September. 

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman

Among the bowlers, Afghanistan are expected to make two changes. Nangeyalia Kharote and Ziaur Rahman will come in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Ghazanfar. 

Kharote is yet to play a solitary match in this series and is most likely to be presented with an opportunity in the 5th ODI. Interestingly, Kharote played a solitary match against India, where he picked up a four-wicket haul and still was kept out of the team. 

Meanwhile, Ziaur Rahman is also expected to play his first match of the series, while Rashid Khan and Yamind Ahmadzai will retain their place. 

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI For 5th ODI vs Ireland

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Yamin Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman

Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Schedule To Be Changed! BCCI-ACB Negotiating, Is Bangladesh A Reason?