Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Preview & Tips – Afghanistan backed for ODI triumph over Ireland

By Site Editor

04 Aug 2026

Site Editor 04 Aug 2026

Share this article

The nations will play in a five-match ODI series
Afghanistan have won their last six ODI’s against Ireland
Preview, stats & head to head

Afghanistan's Rahmat Shah (Getty Images)

Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Ireland Form
Afghanistan Form

Ireland vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Preview & Tips

Ireland arrive for their ODI series against Afghanistan without a 50 over match under their belts since their 197-run loss to the West Indies back in May of 2025.

Afghanistan were beaten by India in their last ODI as a nine-wicket loss in June saw them succumb to a 3-0 defeat.

Ireland have lost their last six ODI’s against Afghanistan

Head To Head

Afghanistan have won seven of their last 10 ODI’s against Ireland including their last six. In this time, Ireland have won the other three meetings.

Ireland Form

Ireland have been bereft of ODI cricket for more than a year, with the 50 over game a format they will return to for the first time since May of 2025.

Despite this, they have been fairly good of late across formats. Indeed, a 96-run win over Oman in their T20 game back in February was followed by a stunning 2-0 T20 series win over India. While they were beaten by an innings and 79 runs against New Zealand in the Test match game, they will be quietly pleased with their summer of cricket.

However, when focussing in on the ODI game, they have struggled. Seven defeats across their last 10 in the 50 over format has seen Ireland hammered on more than one occasion. While the Irish are a vastly improved side, they are still someway short of the very best.

While I predict that they will give Afghanistan problems across the series, I do not see them opening their five-match contest with a win.

Afghanistan Form

Afghanistan will be desperate to get back to winning ways at the first time of asking following a woeful 3-0 ODI series defeat to India back in June.

Defeats by seven wickets, 170 runs and nine wickets saw Afghanistan given a reality check after a very comfortable 3-0 ODI series win over Bangladesh. When Afghanistan are able to hit their stride, they are very tough to stop. However, they have been known to crumble when they are put on the backfoot and serious pressure is applied.

The opening ODI will be a huge match for both sides as they look to begin a long five-match series with a win. The presence of players like Rashid Khan in particular will give them a real boost, and I back the touring side to secure a statement win in their opener.

Verdict

Ireland v Afghanistan 1st ODI

I am backing Afghanistan to beat Ireland and go 1-0 up in their ODI series as they secure a seventh consecutive 50 over win against their opponents.

Afghanistan

Match Winner

@-175.44 - 1 Unit

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com