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Live Matches

3rd ODI, Afghanistan in Ireland, 5 ODI Series, 2026

IRE

105/5 (26.0)

AFG

Afghanistan elected to field

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Ireland vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI Commentary, Live Updates

IRE vs AFG, 2026 - ODI Live Commentary

Ireland vs Afghanistan Scorecard

Play In Progress

3rd ODI Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast , Aug 10, 2026

Ireland 104/5 (25.5/50)

CRR: 4.03

Afghanistan Yet to Bat

Afghanistanwon the toss and elected to field

IRE 104/5 (25.5)

Halfway mark reached.

End Of The Over 25 : 102/5

2 Runs

024.1
124.2
024.3
024.4
024.5
124.6

B. Calitz

6 (13)

H. Tector

13 (24)

R. Khan

4-0-15-1

24.6

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Pitched full and on off, Ben Calitz drives it to the cover-point region for a single.

24.5

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

From around the stump, this is the googly, full and outside off. Ben is sucked on the front foot, looks to drive away, but the ball spins and beats the outside edge.

24.4

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Pushed through, full around off, Ben Calitz caresses it to extra cover.

24.3

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Short on leg, spinning in, defended off the back foot to the leg side.

Hashmatullah Shahidi might have hurt himself while trying to dive and stop the ball on the previous delivery. He is down on the ground and Rashid Khan and Adrian Holdstock, the on-field umpire check up on him. Shahidi gets up eventually and is good to continue.

24.2

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Drags it down, short on middle, a bit quicker. Harry Tector rocks back and punches it to the left of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.

24.1

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Conventional leg break, full on off, Tector lunges and blocks it to mid off.

End Of The Over 24 : 100/5

5 Runs

023.1
123.2
023.3
223.4
123.5
123.6

H. Tector

12 (22)

B. Calitz

5 (9)

AM Ghazanfar

4-0-11-2

23.6

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

100 UP FOR IRELAND! Full and outside off, Harry drives it along the ground to the cover-point region for a single.

23.5

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

Full on off, drifting in, Ben caresses it to cover. He hesitates but then starts sprinting through to the other end, and gets home safely, completing the single.

23.4

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

Dropped fuller, spinning away, outside off. Calitz tries to drive inside out to cover but gets an outside edge to the left of the first slip fielder. The deep third fielder mops it up to his right. Two runs taken.

23.3

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

From around the wickets. This is full and drifting in, Ben Calitz pushes at it and gets an inside edge. The ball gets squeezed out to the mid-wicket region.

23.2

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Pitched full and outside off, Harry Tector shovels it to deep backward point for a single.

23.1

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Loops it full on the pads, and this is flicked to short mid-wicket.

End Of The Over 23 : 95/5

5 Runs

022.1
222.2
122.3
022.4
222.5
022.6

B. Calitz

2 (6)

H. Tector

10 (19)

R. Khan

3-0-13-1

22.6

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Spins in from middle, on a length. Calitz tucks it to backward square leg.

22.5

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Full again, outside off, Ben Calitz carves it to deep extra cover. The fielder there slides across and saves a couple of runs for his side, just before the ropes.

22.4

Rashid Khan To Ben Calitz

Dishes out the googly, full and outside off, Ben plays at it and looks to drive but misses out.

22.3

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Flatter and fuller, on off, Tector leans on and taps it to the point region for a single.

22.2

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Slides it onto the pads, Harry Tector flicks it to the square leg region and they hustle back for the second run.

22.1

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Nice and full, on leg, Harry clips it to the right of the bowler.

End Of The Over 22 : 90/5

1 Runs

021.1
021.2
W 21.3
021.4
021.5
1 WD 21.6
021.6

B. Calitz

0 (3)

H. Tector

7 (16)

AM Ghazanfar

3-0-6-2

21.6

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

Drifts in from middle, full in length, Ben Calitz taps it across to the leg side.

21.6

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

WIDE! Sprays it far down leg. Let through by Calitz.

21.5

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

On off and full, blocked out.

21.4

AM Ghazanfar To Ben Calitz

Nice and full, around off, Calitz defends it out safely.

Half of the Irish side is back in the hut. Campher is not happy with the decision but has to walk back. Ben Calitz is in at number 7.

21.3

AM Ghazanfar To Curtis Campher OUT!

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Looped above the eyeline, full on middle, Campher get on the front foot to drive it straight but seems to have hit it straight and on the bounce to the bowler. Ghazanfar snaffles it on the follow-through to his right. Bump ball? The Afghan players are already celebrating but the decision is sent upstairs to check the legality of the catch. The replay shows that the ball might have gone straight to the bowler without making contact with the ground. 63/1 becomes 89/5 for Ireland after 21/3 overs.

Bump ball? It certainly looks that way. The on-field umpires have sent the decision upstairs for a closer look. The third umpire must determine whether the ball bounced off the pitch before reaching the bowler, or whether Campher chipped it cleanly back for a straightforward return catch. Oh, he has been ruled out after checking the side on replay.

21.2

AM Ghazanfar To Curtis Campher

Quicker, on off, Curtis Campher blocks it to mid off.

21.1

AM Ghazanfar To Curtis Campher

Too full, on off, Curtis Campher digs it to cover.

End Of The Over 21 : 89/4

3 Runs

020.1
020.2
020.3
020.4
220.5
120.6

C. Campher

4 (8)

H. Tector

7 (16)

R. Khan

2-0-8-1

20.6

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

Full and on off, Curtis Campher knocks it to mid on for a single.

20.5

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

Full and outside off. Campher pushes it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

20.4

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

Full in front of the sticks, Curtis leans on a defends this out.

20.3

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

Full on the pads, clipped to the leg side.

20.2

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

On a length, a leg break. Campher, on the back foot, is beaten on the outside edge. There's half an appeal for LBW, but it has been turned down.

20.1

Rashid Khan To Curtis Campher

Short and around off, Curtis hangs back and angles it to backward point.

40/3 in the 11-20 over phase for Ireland. The spinners have put on a choke once again, exposing the vulnerabilities of the Irish batters.

End Of The Over 20 : 86/4

1 Runs

W 19.1
019.2
119.3
019.4
019.5
019.6

H. Tector

7 (16)

C. Campher

1 (2)

AM Ghazanfar

2-0-5-1

19.6

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Too full, on off, Harry Tector digs it back to the bowler.

19.5

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Fired in, on off, Harry Tector flicks it to mid-wicket.

19.4

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Fullish, on off, Harry Tector taps it to point.

19.3

AM Ghazanfar To Curtis Campher

A bit short, on off, Curtis Campher tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

19.2

AM Ghazanfar To Curtis Campher

Quicker, on off, Curtis Campher eases it to mid off.

Another one falls. Curtis Campher walks in to bat now.

19.1

AM Ghazanfar To Lorcan Tucker OUT!

OUT! LBW! AM Ghazanfar strikes. A bit short, on top of off, Lorcan Tucker rocks back and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits him on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. The height seemed to be an issue, but because Lorcan Tucker was deep in his crease, it would have hit the stumps. Also, there is no DRS for this series, so Lorcan Tucker has to walk back.

End Of The Over 19 : 85/3

5 Runs

018.1
118.2
118.3
W 18.4
118.5
218.6

H. Tector

7 (13)

L. Tucker

1 (1)

R. Khan

1-0-5-1

18.6

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

A googly, on middle, Harry Tector looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards backward square leg. They collect two runs as the throw is a wide one towards the bowling end.

18.5

Rashid Khan To Lorcan Tucker

Fullish, on leg, Lorcan Tucker taps it to square leg for a single.

Cade Carmichael falls. Lorcan Tucker walks in to bat now.

18.4

Rashid Khan To Cade Carmichael OUT!

OUT! LBW! Immediate impact from Rashid Khan. Fired in, full and on off, with a hint of turn. Cade Carmichael leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball hits his pads. A loud celebrappeal from Rashid and the finger goes up straightaway. That looked dead straight in real time. Carmichael couldn't extend his start and walks back. Ireland are 82/3 after 18.4 overs now.

18.3

Rashid Khan To Harry Tector

Too full, on off, Harry Tector digs it to cover for a single.

18.2

Rashid Khan To Cade Carmichael

Flatter, on off, Cade Carmichael knocks it down to long on for a single.

18.1

Rashid Khan To Cade Carmichael

Quicker, on middle, Cade Carmichael blocks it to mid on.

A big cheer from the crowd as Rashid Khan comes into the attack.

End Of The Over 18 : 80/2

4 Runs

1 WD 17.1
017.1
017.2
017.3
017.4
117.5
217.6

H. Tector

4 (11)

C. Carmichael

31 (49)

AM Ghazanfar

1-0-4-0

17.6

AM Ghazanfar To Harry Tector

Tossed up, outside off, Harry Tector drives it through mid off for a brace. With that, Tector gets to 2000 ODI runs, and also becomes the fastest Irish batter to achieve this feat.

17.5

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

Full, just outside off, Cade Carmichael taps it to cover for a single.

17.4

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

A bit short, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it to short cover.

17.3

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

Nice and full, on middle, Cade Carmichael stabs it to point.

17.2

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

Fired in, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it back to the bowler.

17.1

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

Quicker, on leg, Cade Carmichael tucks it to mid-wicket.

17.1

AM Ghazanfar To Cade Carmichael

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Cade Carmichael leaves it alone. Wided.

First look at spin. AM Ghazanfar comes into the attack now, replacing Azmatullah Omarzai.

End Of The Over 17 : 76/2

5 Runs

016.1
416.2
016.3
016.4
116.5
016.6

H. Tector

2 (10)

C. Carmichael

30 (44)

Y. Ahmadzai

8-0-30-1

16.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

Slightly shorter, outside off, left alone by Harry Tector.

16.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Fullish, on leg, Cade Carmichael flicks it through square leg for a single.

16.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Good length, on off, Cade Carmichael fends it back to the bowler.

16.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Shaping in, outside off, Cade Carmichael stabs it to short cover.

16.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

FOUR! That's a top shot from Cade Carmichael! Yamin Ahmadzai goes full and on off, Cade Carmichael picks it well and knocks it magnificently through mid on for a boundary.

16.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Angling in, on off, Cade Carmichael punches it to the bowler.

End Of The Over 16 : 71/2

3 Runs

015.1
1 LB 15.2
115.3
015.4
115.5
015.6

H. Tector

2 (9)

C. Carmichael

25 (39)

A. Omarzai

5-0-24-0

15.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Harry Tector

A tad fuller, on off, Harry Tector pushes it to cover.

15.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Back of a length, outside off, Cade Carmichael slaps it through backward point for a single.

15.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Bangs it short, on off, Cade Carmichael fends it to mid on.

15.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Harry Tector

Back of a length, on leg, Harry Tector tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

15.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Down the leg side, Cade Carmichael looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

15.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Much fuller, outside off, Cade Carmichael blocks it to point.

End Of The Over 15 : 68/2

1 Runs

014.1
014.2
014.3
114.4
014.5
014.6

H. Tector

1 (7)

C. Carmichael

24 (35)

Y. Ahmadzai

7-0-25-1

14.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

Good length and outside off, Harry Tector shoulders arms at it.

14.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

Slightly shorter, on off, Harry Tector looks to block it but wears it high on his pads. An appeal but turned down. Perhaps the height.

14.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Fullish, outside off, Cade Carmichael drives it through covers for a single.

14.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Past the edge! Shaping away, just outside off, Cade Carmichael swings hard but misses.

14.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

A tad fuller, on off, Cade Carmichael pushes it to short cover.

14.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Beaten! Hits the deck hard, outside off, Cade Carmichael looks to block it but gets beaten.

End Of The Over 14 : 67/2

4 Runs

013.1
113.2
1 WD 13.3
013.3
113.4
013.5
113.6

C. Carmichael

23 (31)

H. Tector

1 (5)

A. Omarzai

4-0-22-0

13.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Shaping in, on off, Cade Carmichael eases it to point for a single.

13.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

Short and wide, Cade Carmichael shoulders arms at it.

13.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Harry Tector

Fullish, on off, Harry Tector pushes it to cover for a quick single.

13.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Harry Tector

Shaping away, outside off, Harry Tector shoulders arms at it.

13.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Harry Tector

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Harry Tector looks to flick it but misses.

13.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

13.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

End Of The Over 13 : 63/2

5 Runs

112.1
412.2
W 12.3
012.4
012.5
012.6

H. Tector

0 (3)

C. Carmichael

21 (27)

Y. Ahmadzai

6-0-24-1

12.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

No run.

12.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

No run.

12.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Harry Tector

No run.

Harry Tector walks in.

12.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling OUT!

OUT! TAKEN! Yamin Ahmadzai gets the big wicket of Paul Stirling. Ireland are 63/2 after 12.3 overs now.

12.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

FOUR! A boundary after a long time for Ireland.

12.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

End Of The Over 12 : 58/1

9 Runs

111.1
111.2
011.3
111.4
5 WD 11.5
011.5
111.6

C. Carmichael

20 (26)

P. Stirling

19 (29)

A. Omarzai

3-0-18-0

11.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

A single. Ireland are 58/1 after 12 overs.

11.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

11.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Ireland.

11.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

1 run.

11.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

No run.

11.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

11.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

50 comes up for Ireland with this single now.

End Of The Over 11 : 49/1

3 Runs

110.1
010.2
010.3
010.4
010.5
210.6

C. Carmichael

18 (23)

P. Stirling

17 (26)

Y. Ahmadzai

5-0-19-0

10.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

Two runs! Ireland are 49/1 after 11 overs now.

10.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

10.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

10.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

10.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

10.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

1 run.

Powerplay 2 is underway! Ireland are 46/1 after 10 overs of play. Up to four fielders can now be placed outside the ring through to the 40th over. Meanwhile, we sincerely apologize for the intermittent broadcast disruptions. Let's hope it gets resolved soon.

End Of The Over 10 : 46/1

5 Runs

09.1
09.2
09.3
19.4
09.5
49.6

C. Carmichael

16 (18)

P. Stirling

16 (25)

A. Omarzai

2-0-9-0

9.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

FOUR! A positive way to end the Powerplay. Ireland are 46/1 and the stand is worth 27 runs between Stirling and Carmichael.

9.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

9.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

1 run.

9.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

No run.

9.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

No run.

9.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

Swings away a bit, on a length, on off, Paul Stirling presses back and taps it to cover-point.

End Of The Over 9 : 41/1

1 Runs

08.1
08.2
08.3
08.4
08.5
18.6

P. Stirling

15 (21)

C. Carmichael

12 (16)

Y. Ahmadzai

4-0-16-0

8.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

On a hard length, outside off, Stirling taps it through short third and backward point for a single.

8.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

Nips away from off, on a good length, this is blocked straight back at the bowler.

8.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

On a length, around off, Paul eases it to the off side.

8.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

A massive appeal for caught behind, but turned down. Gurbaz was celebrating already, but had to tone it down. Looks like there are no reviews available. Back of a length, around off, swinging away. Stirling hangs back and pokes at it, but the ball zips past the outside edge before nestling into the keeper's gloves.

8.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

No run.

8.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

No run.

End Of The Over 8 : 40/1

4 Runs

07.1
07.2
17.3
37.4
07.5
07.6

C. Carmichael

12 (16)

P. Stirling

14 (15)

A. Omarzai

1-0-4-0

7.6

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

7.5

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

7.4

Azmatullah Omarzai To Paul Stirling

3 runs.

7.3

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

7.2

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

7.1

Azmatullah Omarzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

Azmatullah Omarzai is introduced into the attack now, replacing Yamin Ahmadzai. If you're wondering where the commentary went, it is because of the broadcast issue. Sincere apologies for the inconvenience. We are also waiting for the issue to be resolved soon...

End Of The Over 7 : 36/1

6 Runs

06.1
16.2
06.3
06.4
1 WD 6.5
06.5
46.6

P. Stirling

11 (14)

C. Carmichael

11 (11)

F. Farooqi

4-0-21-1

6.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

FOUR! The captain moves to 11 (14) with that shot and the partnership is now worth 17 between these two.

6.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

No run.

6.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

Wide!

6.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

No run.

6.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

No run.

6.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

6.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

No run.

End Of The Over 6 : 30/1

5 Runs

45.1
05.2
05.3
05.4
05.5
15.6

C. Carmichael

10 (9)

P. Stirling

7 (10)

Y. Ahmadzai

3-0-15-0

5.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

1 run.

5.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

5.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

5.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

5.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

No run.

5.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Cade Carmichael

FOUR! That's the second boundary for Carmichael. He moves to 9 and looks very confident out there.

End Of The Over 5 : 25/1

6 Runs

W 4.1
1 WD 4.2
44.2
04.3
14.4
04.5
04.6

P. Stirling

7 (10)

C. Carmichael

5 (3)

F. Farooqi

3-0-15-1

4.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

A dot ball to end the over. 6 runs and a wicket from Farooqi's third over. 1/15 in 3 overs for him so far.

4.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

No run.

Ugh! The broadcast issue again. Let's hope it gets resolved soon.

4.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

Full and swinging in, this is flicked off the pads to deep square leg for a single.

4.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

Full and around off, Cade Carmichael leans on and blocks it solidly.

4.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

FOUR! What a gorgeous-looking stroke to get off the mark! Full in length, shaping in, from off to middle. Cade Carmichael presents straight bat face. And with lovely extension of arms, he creams it gun-barrel straight down the ground, bisecting long on and long off for a boundary.

4.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Cade Carmichael

WIDE! Swings down leg, on a fuller length, Cade Carmichael gets outside the line to flick but misses out. There's a muted appeal for a caught behind, but it is not entertained by the umpire.

Andy Balbirnie falls. Cade Carmichael walks in to bat now.

4.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie OUT!

OUT! CAUGHT AT FIRST SLIP! Fazalhaq Farooqi draws first blood for the Afghans. Superb catch by Atal. He angles the ball across the right hander, bowling it full and outside the off stump, inviting the drive. Balbirnie falls in the trap as he is drawn forward and pushes at it with hard hands. Ends up getting a big outside edge and the ball goes low to the left of Sediqullah Atal at first slip. He dives and scoops the ball inches above the turf. Ireland are 19/1 after 4.1 overs.

Ireland are 19 for no loss after 4 overs. Also, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks in some pain. The physio is out in the middle to have a check. Perhaps it was because of the dropped catch. His left thumb is getting strapped. All fine now and we are good to go...

End Of The Over 4 : 19/0

6 Runs

03.1
03.2
43.3
13.4
03.5
13.6

A. Balbirnie

7 (16)

P. Stirling

7 (8)

Y. Ahmadzai

2-0-10-0

3.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

Hits the hard length, just outside off. Andy Balbirnie stands tall and dabs it through backward point for an easy single.

3.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

Attacks the stumps, angling into the batter. Andy Balbirnie looks to push it straight, but gets a fat inside edge onto the front pad before the ball rolls towards square leg.

3.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

Straightening up from a length, around off, Stirling glides it towards deep third for a single.

3.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

FOUR! Up and over! Full and wide outside off, Stirling throws his bat at it and slices it over point for a boundary, beating deep third to his left.

3.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

Was there an edge? Yes, looks like it. GURBAZ DROPS A CHANCE! On a length, tailing into the batter, on middle. Paul Stirling leans half-forward to defend, but gets a faint inside edge through to the keeper's left. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives and tries to catch that one-handed but shells it as the ball pops out of his mitts. He may have had a better chance had he gone with both hands. A costly miss for Afghanistan.

3.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Paul Stirling

Slams it on a length and it straightens up after pitching, Paul Stirling gets squared up while trying to defend, and the ball rolls off the leading edge towards point.

End Of The Over 3 : 13/0

6 Runs

02.1
5 WD 2.2
02.2
12.3
02.4
02.5
02.6

A. Balbirnie

6 (14)

P. Stirling

2 (4)

F. Farooqi

2-0-9-0

2.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

Tighter line, full and on off, Andy Balbirnie lets the ball shape in and then blocks it down the pitch.

2.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

Slightly fuller and on off. Andy Balbirnie plays off the back foot and knocks it straight back at the bowler.

2.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

Hits the back of a length, across the batter. Balbirnie square cuts it but cannot get it through the gap at backward point.

2.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

On a good length, on middle, Paul Stirling rocks back and steers it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

2.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

Beauty! Good comeback by the bowler! Full and around off, nipping away. Paul is squared up and is beaten all ends up on the outside edge.

2.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

FIVE WIDES! That has gone all wrong for Farooqi. A big inswinger and it just keeps going down leg, full in length. Paul Stirling misses the flick and the ball stays out of reach of Gurbaz, who puts in a full length dive to his left. The ball runs through to the deep fine leg fence.

2.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

Good length, around the off stump with some bounce. Stirling hangs back and bunts it into the off side.

End Of The Over 2 : 7/0

4 Runs

01.1
01.2
01.3
41.4
01.5
01.6

A. Balbirnie

6 (11)

P. Stirling

1 (1)

Y. Ahmadzai

1-0-4-0

1.6

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

Oh, this one zips and nips back in from a fuller length, around the off stump. Andy is drawn forward to drive but the ball beats the inside edge and goes through to the keeper.

1.5

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

Back of a length, on middle and leg. Balbirnie blocks it off the inner half to the square leg region.

1.4

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

FOUR! Through the gap! Full and swinging into the batter, Andy flicks it through square leg. The ball loses its steam as it approaches the ropes, but it has enough wheels to beat the chase of the fielder from the ring.

1.3

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

No run.

1.2

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

No run.

1.1

Yamin Ahmadzai To Andy Balbirnie

No run.

Yamin Ahmadzai will share the attack.

End Of The Over 1 : 3/0

3 Runs

10.1
10.2
00.3
00.4
00.5
10.6

A. Balbirnie

2 (5)

P. Stirling

1 (1)

F. Farooqi

1-0-3-0

0.6

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

A single taken.

0.5

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

No run.

0.4

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

Another dot.

0.3

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

A dot ball.

Well, it looks like there's a broadcasting issue from the stadium, with no live feed currently. Let's hope the issue gets resolved soon.

0.2

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Paul Stirling

Another single and Paul Stirling is off the mark as well.

0.1

Fazalhaq Farooqi To Andy Balbirnie

Ireland are underway as Balbirnie opens his account with a single.

Unpacking the toss - There is no real surprise in Ireland naming an unchanged XI, which suggests there is no panic in their camp with three matches still to play. But surely, they will be aiming to put on a complete performance this time around. Their bowlers leaked quite a lot of runs in the second ODI. While their middle order appeared to be pretty vulnerable against spin, especially while facing Rashid Khan, who picked a six-wicket haul. Afghanistan, too, have resisted making wholesale changes, with just one alteration to their bowling attack. One seamer coming in for another, pretty much like-for-like. Their batting looked more organised and would be looking to put on a similar showing. But they are chasing today, so firstly, they would like to restrict the hosts to a modest score, and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the conditions in Belfast. Okay then, the players are out in the middle. Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling are out to open for Ireland. Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball and is raring to go. Let's play...

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (C), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai (In for Mohammad Saleem) and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Ireland (Unchanged Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Andy Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra and Byron McDonough.

TOSS - Both captains are out in the middle and the coin flip has gone in favor of Rahmat Shah. Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.

WEATHER - It is going to be a chilly day in Belfast with a high of 19 degrees Celsius and temperatures will drop down to as low as 14 degrees as the evening approaches. Thankfully, largely clear conditions are forecast for the day. Although there is always a concern that rain could make an appearance, as the weather can change in a blink in this part of the world. One moment it can be bright and sunny. The next, the clouds can burst open. Let’s hope the weather stays kind for this crucial fixture, one that could determine the direction of the series.

A happy hunting ground? Ireland, meanwhile, return to the venue where they recently registered a historic series win over reigning T20 World champions India in the shortest format. However, with 50-over cricket having been far and few in between for the hosts, this will be their first ODI in Belfast in five years. Their record at the venue is fairly even, with 13 wins and 14 defeats. Now 1-0 down, Ireland face a steep climb and need to overcome their vulnerabilities against spin. They must win all four remaining ODIs to claim the series, beginning with a victory that would end their seven-match losing streak against Afghanistan and give them their first ODI win over the visitors since May 2019. But the task won't be straightforward at all. Can the hosts finally loosen Afghanistan’s grip, or will the tourists move one step closer to sealing the series? Toss and team news coming up next. Stay tuned.

One ticket, one detour - The road to the 2027 ODI World Cup has already forked, with just a year and a couple of months left. And Afghanistan’s emphatic victory in the second ODI sealed their direct passage to the global event, while two-time champions West Indies were left taking the scenic route through the qualification process. Afghanistan now head to Belfast with confidence high and momentum firmly on their side after a near-flawless display in the previous game. Their return to Stormont will be their first ODI appearance there since 2019, and their record at the venue offers a little of everything. So far, they have had five wins and four defeats in eight completed matches here.

Chapter 3 of 5 - From the rain-lashed Bready, this five-match ODI series packs its bags and trundles off to a chillier Belfast, a couple of hours up the road, where the next three fixtures will play out. Hello and welcome to the third ODI between Ireland and Afghanistan. The tourists hold a 1-0 lead, and a win here will at least ensure they don't lose the series, with a series draw the worst possible result for them. For the hosts, it's about collecting the pieces once again and solving the puzzle this time around to keep their hopes alive. The first match was a complete washout, and the second got trimmed for its troubles too, so here's hoping the weather finally plays ball and we get a full 100 overs in at the Civil Service Cricket Club. On that note, hello and welcome to our coverage. It's going to be an exciting ride, so hop along with us.

... MATCH DAY ...

A new chapter in Belfast - Ireland and Afghanistan move to Stormont in Belfast for the third ODI, with the series now taking on a very different complexion after Afghanistan's emphatic victory in the second game. The opening match was washed out at Bready before Afghanistan dominated the rain-shortened second contest, winning by 92 runs after posting 299/8 in a game reduced to 47 overs per side. With the last three matches all taking place in Belfast, Ireland will be looking to make home conditions count and find a response, while Afghanistan can now play with the confidence of having already secured direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ireland searching for a response - Ireland's challenge goes beyond this series, with the side already knowing that they will have to navigate the Qualifiers for a place at the 2027 ODI World Cup. The long gap between ODI assignments has made this an unusual series for the hosts, with Ireland returning to the format after around 18 months without an ODI. That lack of regular 50-over cricket inevitably takes time to overcome, particularly against an Afghanistan side that has been playing consistently across formats. With three matches now to come at Stormont, Ireland have an opportunity to regain their rhythm, build confidence and give themselves a positive platform heading into the next phase of their qualification journey. There are encouraging pieces within the batting group, with Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker providing experience around a group that also includes younger players looking to establish themselves. Cade Carmichael's 62 in the second ODI offered another glimpse of the potential within the newer generation, but Ireland will need greater consistency across the order. The move to Stormont also gives them familiar home surroundings, and they will hope that can help bring the best out of a batting unit that has the ability to be much more competitive than the results so far have suggested. Bowlers must step up - Ireland's bowling unit has plenty of variety and experience, with Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and Andy McBrine providing established options across different phases, while Jai Moondra has also impressed with the ball and offers another useful seam-bowling option. The newer faces have added further encouragement, with Byron McDonald and Gavin Hoey both making promising ODI debuts, Hoey also making an immediate impact by picking up a wicket. The conditions at Stormont could further suit their seamers if the overcast skies bring movement, while their spin options give them a way to control the middle overs. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Ireland have the resources to challenge Afghanistan's batting if they can find consistency in their execution. Afghanistan can play with freedom - Afghanistan can now approach the remainder of the series with considerably less pressure after securing their direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup with their emphatic win in the second ODI. Their batting continues to show plenty of depth, with Ibrahim Zadran leading the way at the top and the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi capable of building substantial partnerships. One area they will want to improve, however, is converting those starts into bigger scores. Five batters scored 30 or more in the second ODI, yet only Zadran went on to make a substantial contribution, highlighting a potential area for improvement despite the strength of their batting unit. The series also marks the beginning of a new leadership era, with Rahmat Shah taking over the ODI captaincy from Shahidi. His vast experience gives Afghanistan a steady hand at the top, while the presence of Azmatullah Omarzai and a deep middle order ensures they have plenty of firepower to complement their world-class bowling attack. With the pressure of qualification now removed, Afghanistan can focus on building combinations and continuing the progress that has made them one of the stronger sides in ODI cricket. Rashid remains the ultimate difference-maker - And then there is Rashid Khan, who once again demonstrated why he can change a match almost single-handedly. After arriving in Ireland fresh from a five-wicket haul in The Hundred, Rashid produced another spectacular performance with 6/34, showing that he is already well accustomed to the conditions after spending recent weeks playing in England. But Afghanistan's bowling strength extends well beyond their star spinner. AM Ghazanfar offers the mystery-spin element and can be particularly difficult to line up in the middle overs, while the likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi give them a blend of pace, experience and control. Mohammad Saleem had a quieter outing with the ball in the second ODI after a difficult first game, but Afghanistan have enough depth for different bowlers to step up depending on the conditions. Weather remains an unwanted storyline - For the third consecutive match, however, the weather could have a say. The first ODI never got underway because of persistent rain, while the second was reduced to 47 overs per side. Forecasts again point towards overcast conditions in Belfast, leaving both teams hoping the rain stays away long enough for the series to finally get a sustained run of cricket. The conditions could also make the toss and early use of the seamers particularly important, with Stormont potentially offering a very different challenge from Bready. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - IRE - LLWLW | AFG - WLLLW. A chance to shift momentum - For Ireland, this is about finding a response and showing the resilience that has made them competitive against Afghanistan in the past. For Afghanistan, it is an opportunity to continue building under new leadership and prove that their qualification achievement can be followed by sustained excellence. Both sides have plenty of quality, but the question is who can impose their strengths for longer when the pressure moments arrive. With the series still to be shaped, the third ODI promises another intriguing battle between two sides with plenty left to prove.