Ireland vs Afghanistan Prediction, 5th ODI – Who will win today’s match between IRE and AFG?

Ireland (IRE) will host Afghanistan (AFG) for the fifth ODI of the ongoing series on Saturday, August 15, at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast. This is the final game of the series.

The hosts have been unable to dominate the series and find themselves 3-0 down after losing the fourth ODI, thereby conceding the series. They will be hoping to make one final push to seal a consolation victory in the final match. They were, however, boosted by opener Andy Balbirnie's century in the game.

Afghanistan have been at their dominant best in the series and sealed the defining victory in the fourth ODI. Centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal propelled the side to a mammoth 343 for 9, before a well-rounded bowling display saw them restrict Ireland to 301 for 9. They will be hoping to finish their series on a high note by winning the final game to ensure an unbeaten run.

IRE vs AFG: Match Details

Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast: Pitch Report

The pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club at Stormont in Belfast has offered enough help for both batters and bowlers. Batters have been able to play their shots against the new ball, but as the ball gets older, the wicket has shown signs of slowing down, bringing the spinners into play. 

IRE vs AFG: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

IRE vs AFG: Predicted Playing 11s

Ireland

Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Code Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (C), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi

IRE vs AFG: Probable Best Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Sediqullah Atal

Left-handed batter Sediqullah Atal has been the top scorer for the Afghans in this series with 215 runs in four matches. He scored his first century of the series, a brilliant 143 off 120 balls, taking the attack to the Irish bowlers. He hit 17 fours and four sixes in his knock and will be looking to finish the series with a high score.

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has been in fine form for the Afghans this series and is the leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps to his name. He picked up figures of 3 for 49 in the fourth ODI, bowling with control and keeping the Ireland batters at bay. He will be looking to finish the series on a high note.

Today's Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match