Ireland vs Afghanistan Dream11 Prediction Today Match, 3rd ODI 2026: Pitch Report, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Playing 11
The action in the Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026 moves to Belfast as Ireland locks horns with Afghanistan in the 3rd ODI on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the historic Stormont Cricket Ground (Civil Service Cricket Club), Belfast.
After the opening match of the 5-match series was completely washed out in Bready, Afghanistan stamped their authority in the 2nd ODI with a convincing 92-run victory. Powered by a fine 84 from Ibrahim Zadran and a lethal six-wicket haul by master leg-spinner Rashid Khan (6/34), Afghanistan grabbed a 1–0 lead in the series.
For Paul Stirling’s side, this third fixture is a crucial encounter to keep their series-winning hopes alive. With valuable points for the ICC ODI rankings and 2027 World Cup preparation on the line, fantasy managers need a deep analysis of pitch conditions, player match-ups, and statistical trends before finalizing their Ireland vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI 2026: Key Match Details
| Information | Details |
| Match | Ireland vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI |
| Series | Afghanistan tour of Ireland 2026 (5 Matches) |
| Date & Time | Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3:15 PM IST (10:45 AM Local) |
| Venue | Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Series Status | Afghanistan leads 1–0 (1st ODI Abandoned, 2nd ODI AFG won by 92 runs) |
| Live Streaming | FanCode App & Website |
| Official Bodies |
Pitch Report: Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast
The pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont is traditionally a balanced surface that offers assistance to both batters and bowlers throughout the 100 overs.
- Pace & Movement: Early on, green patches and moist atmospheric conditions in Northern Ireland provide seamers with notable swing and seam movement during the initial powerplay.
- Middle Overs Dynamic: As the ball loses its shine, the track settles down nicely, allowing top-order batters to stroke freely. However, as the pitch dries out under daytime playing conditions, spinners get significant grip and turn.
- Toss Factor: Win the toss and bowl first. Early morning moisture can prove tricky for top-order batters, and chasing teams have historically enjoyed better success at Belfast once conditions flatten out.
Ground Stats & Averages at Stormont:
- Average 1st Innings Score: 235 - 250
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 215 - 225
- Target Range for Winning: 270+
Head-to-Head Record: Ireland vs Afghanistan in ODIs
Afghanistan holds a slight historical edge over Ireland in the 50-over format, particularly in neutral and home conditions. However, Ireland remains formidable on home soil.
Total Matches Played : 32
Afghanistan Won : 17
Ireland Won : 13
No Result / Abandoned: 2
Recent Form & Key Performers (2nd ODI Summary)
To assemble an optimal Dream11 team, evaluating recent performances from the 2nd ODI is critical:
Afghanistan Highlights:
- Ibrahim Zadran: Carried the batting lineup with a resilient 84 off 97 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes).
- Rashid Khan: Absolute star of the match, taking 6 wickets for 34 runs in 7.4 overs.
- Sediqullah Atal: Showed intent at the top with a stroke-filled 45 off 50 balls.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Contributed with both bat (33 runs) and ball (2/42).
Ireland Highlights:
- Cade Carmichael: Fought valiantly with a top-scoring 62 off 66 balls.
- Andrew Balbirnie: Looked solid at the top with 36 off 42 balls.
- Mark Adair: The pick of the Irish bowlers with tight spells of 2/40 in 10 overs.
Probable Playing 11 for Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI
Ireland Probable XI:
- Paul Stirling (C)
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Cade Carmichael
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker (WK)
- Curtis Campher
- Ben Calitz
- Mark Adair
- Gavin Hoey
- Byron McDonough
- Jai Moondra
Afghanistan Probable XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah (C)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Darwish Abdul Rasooli
- Rashid Khan
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Mohammad Saleem
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Top Fantasy Picks for Ireland vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team
1. Must-Have Players
- Rashid Khan (AFG): The premier leg-spinner demonstrated his world-class ability in the 2nd ODI. His spin bowling in Belfast’s middle overs makes him an essential fantasy selection and top captaincy candidate.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): An elite all-rounder who bowls useful medium-pace overs and bats in the middle order. His dual route to fantasy points makes him indispensable.
- Mark Adair (IRE): Ireland's primary strike bowler with the new ball. Adair excels in conditions at Belfast and can also chip in with quick runs lower down the order.
2. High-Value Batters & Keepers
- Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): Extremely dependable in the 50-over format. His technique allows him to tackle early movement before accelerating.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): An explosive wicketkeeper-batter who can accumulate massive fantasy points during the powerplay overs.
- Andrew Balbirnie (IRE): Technically sound and consistently anchors Ireland's top order in home conditions.
3. Differential / X-Factor Fantasy Picks
- Cade Carmichael (IRE): Coming off a brilliant 62 under pressure in the last match, Carmichael’s low ownership percentage makes him a great differential option.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG): Farooqi can exploit overcast conditions with early left-arm swing, posing a threat to Ireland’s openers.
Small League (SL) vs Grand League (GL) Strategy
When constructing your Ireland vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team, tailor your combinations based on contest type:
Small League (Head-to-Head & 3-4 Member Contests)
- Strategy: Prioritize high-floor, consistent performers. Bank on established international stars with guaranteed roles in both innings.
- Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Vice-Captain Choices: Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair
Grand League (Mega Contests & Multi-Entry)
- Strategy: Take calculated risks on low-ownership differential picks. Look at players with high upside who could swing the match outcome single-handedly.
- Captain Choices: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Harry Tector, Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Vice-Captain Choices: Cade Carmichael, Paul Stirling
Dream11 Combination 1: Small League (Safe / Head-to-Head Team)
- Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lorcan Tucker
- Batters: Ibrahim Zadran (VC), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael
- All-Rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan (C), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gavin Hoey
Team Balance: 6 Players from Afghanistan / 5 Players from Ireland
Dream11 Combination 2: Grand League (High Risk - High Reward)
- Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (C)
- Batters: Paul Stirling, Harry Tector (VC), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran
- All-Rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mark Adair
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar, Jai Moondra
Team Balance: 7 Players from Afghanistan / 4 Players from Ireland
Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 3rd ODI?
While Ireland will benefit from familiarity with conditions at Stormont, Afghanistan holds the edge in spin bowling quality and middle-order depth. If Afghanistan's top-order handles the initial seam movement, Rashid Khan and Allah Ghazanfar are well-positioned to control the match.
Match Winner Expectation: Afghanistan to win and extend their series lead to 2–0.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where will the Ireland vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI 2026 be played?
The 3rd ODI will take place at the Stormont Cricket Ground (Civil Service Cricket Club) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Q2. What time does the 3rd ODI start in India?
The match is scheduled to start at 3:15 PM IST (10:45 AM local time in Belfast) on August 10, 2026.
Q3. Who are the top Captain choices for Ireland vs Afghanistan Dream11 team?
The top captaincy picks are Rashid Khan (6/34 in the previous match), Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ibrahim Zadran.
Q4. Where can I stream Ireland vs Afghanistan live in India?
Indian viewers can stream all matches of the series live on the FanCode app and website.