Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI vs Ireland | PC- AFP
After facing a tough challenge in India, Afghanistan are set for another challenge in testing condition. They will kickstart a five-match ODI series against Ireland, with the first match scheduled at the Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, on Wednesday (August 5).
A lot has changed in Afghanistan cricket in recent times, with Rahmat Shah taking over the reigns from Hashmatullah Shahidi. Moreover, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will serve as Shah's deputy, at least in the ODI setup.
For the challenging IRE vs AFG series, ACB have brought back senior speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi after missing the ODI series against India. That said, the legendary Mohammad Nabi has dropped from the squad.
Afghanistan vs Ireland Preview
Ireland are heading into the series on the high of beating the World Champions India in a T20I series, when the most of their core players were missing due to respective injuries. Thus, this coming five-match series will be a massive challenge for the Asian side.
For Afghanistan, they will have to get away from their strengths of banking on spin. Hence, this article will shed light on Afghanistan Playing XI vs Ireland, 1st ODI 2026.
Top Order: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was among Afghanistan's main batters in the series vs India, where he hit 148 runs in three innings, including a fantastic century at Dharamsala. He has been in serious form, scoring big runs in Shpageeza T20 and GSL 2026 as well. He will be one of the most deserving players of the Afghanistan Playing XI.
Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal may not have been in the best of form against the Men in Blue, but the talented top-order batters are a crucial part of the Afghanistan setup. They will be backed against Ireland.
Middle Order & Allrounders: Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan
Rahmat Shah is Afghanistan's leading run-getter in the ODI format, which is one of the reasons he has been made the national team's captain. It would be interesting to see how he performs with added responsibilities, as the IRE vs AFG ODIs will be his first as captain.
Although Hashmatullah Shahidi has been relieved from his captaincy duties, he will remain one of their finest middle order batters. With his experience, Afghanistan will bank on him while building a squad for the World Cup 2027.
The way Azmatullah Omarzai has grown as an all-rounder is one of the greatest things that has happened to Afghanistan in recent times. He brings a lot of balance to the Afghanistan Playing XI, which will be needed in Ireland.
The seasoned all-rounder Rashid Khan has been in electrifying form in the Hundred 2026, and he will play an important role in Mohammad Nabi’s absence. Meanwhile, Nangeyalia Kharote will be the left-arm spinning all-rounder in the Afghanistan Playing XI vs Ireland.
Bowlers: Ziaur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar
Fazalhaq Farooqi has returned to the Afghanistan squad for the first time since the Champions Trophy. He will be the leading of the pact in Ireland, along with Ziaur Rahman.
Allah Ghazanfar has emerged as a vital player in the Afghanistan Playing XI. The wicket-taker will complete their XI.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI vs Ireland – 1st ODI 2026
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, Ziaur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar
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