Ireland and Afghanistan meet in the fourth ODI of their five match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Play starts at 10:45 AM local time and 9:45 AM GMT. That is 1:45 PM in the UAE and 3:15 PM in India. Afghanistan lead 2-0, while Ireland must win to keep alive their chance of drawing the series.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Match Details
The Civil Service Cricket Club is also commonly known as Stormont. Belfast hosted the third game on 10 August and will stage the final two matches. Confirmed elevens will be announced at the toss, so supporters should check the official match centre before play.
Current Series Position Before the Fourth ODI
The first ODI at Bready was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Afghanistan then won the second game by 92 runs, scoring 299 for eight before dismissing Ireland for 207. Ibrahim Zadran made 84 and Rashid Khan took six for 34.
Afghanistan then won the Belfast ODI by three wickets. Ireland made 206, and Afghanistan reached 207 for seven in 44.5 overs. One more visiting victory would secure the series; Ireland need both remaining games for a 2-2 draw.
Why the Fourth ODI Matters
The fourth ODI carries pressure for both teams. Ireland are playing to save the series and need a more complete performance in front of their home supporters. A victory would also give the developing members of the squad valuable confidence against a higher-ranked opponent.
Afghanistan have already secured two strong results, but they will want to finish the main job rather than leave the series open until the final game. The match also offers both sides useful preparation as they continue planning for future ODI competitions and the 2027 World Cup cycle.
What Ireland Can Learn from the Third ODI
Ireland fought hard in the third match, but the top and middle order did not build a large total. They slipped to 128 for eight before the lower order took them past 200. Gavin Hoey made 36 and later took four for 34, while Mark Adair claimed two for 36.
Ireland need longer batting partnerships. Their 206 created pressure, but another 30 or 40 runs could have changed the result. The top order must respect the new ball, rotate the strike and avoid a cluster of wickets. One leading batter needs to play deep into the innings.
Ireland’s Batting Plan for a Must-Win Match
Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector provide experience in Ireland’s batting group. Cade Carmichael’s 62 in the second ODI showed that he can build an innings, while Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine and Lorcan Tucker offer middle-order options.
Ireland cannot allow dot balls to create panic against spin. Singles and twos can keep the score moving without needless risk. The batters need a clear plan against Rashid Khan and AM Ghazanfar, using strike rotation and carefully selected boundary shots.
Afghanistan Carry Strong Momentum
Afghanistan won the completed games in different ways. The second victory was comfortable, but the third required patience. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 71 before Ireland fought back, and Rashid Khan’s unbeaten 37 guided Afghanistan through a tense finish.
Afghanistan have power at the top, experience in the middle and lower-order depth. Their attack offers pace and spin. However, losing seven wickets while chasing 207 shows that accurate Irish bowling can create problems.
Rashid Khan Remains the Key Player
Rashid Khan has been the series’ leading influence. He took six wickets in the second ODI, then claimed three wickets and scored an unbeaten 37 in the third. He was Player of the Match twice. Ireland must score against him without offering easy wickets.
His lower-order batting can also rescue Afghanistan. Ireland must therefore keep applying pressure after dismissing the recognised batters.
Other Players to Watch
Rahmanullah Gurbaz can punish loose bowling, while Ibrahim Zadran’s 84 showed his ability to construct a longer innings. AM Ghazanfar took three for 29 in Belfast, and Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai offer new-ball options. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi bring middle-order experience.
Gavin Hoey enters with confidence after contributing with bat and ball. Stirling can provide a quick start, Balbirnie and Tector can hold the innings together, and Adair will be important with the new ball and at the death. Ireland need contributions from several players.
Squad Information and Selection Update
Ireland’s initial group included Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. As the original announcement covered the first three ODIs, readers should check Cricket Ireland for any update.
Afghanistan’s squad includes Rahmat Shah as captain, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Mohammad Nabi was rested.
Civil Service Cricket Club Conditions
The third ODI offers the best recent evidence about the venue. Afghanistan’s new-ball attack pressured Ireland, but the home bowlers later created a close chase. Disciplined bowling and patient batting can both succeed at Stormont.
The fourth-ODI pitch may not behave exactly like the previous one, so firm claims would be unsafe. Captains should study its grass, moisture and pace before deciding whether to bat or bowl.
Belfast Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecast suggests sunny intervals on Wednesday. Temperatures may be around 21 to 22 degrees Celsius near the 10:45 AM start and reach about 25 degrees later. The rain chance near the start appears low, although forecasts change.
Any morning moisture could influence the new ball. Teams should check the final forecast and ground conditions at the toss.
Toss and Powerplay Strategy
Afghanistan bowled first in the third ODI and used the new ball well. Chasing may look attractive again, but the toss winner should inspect the surface. Setting a target creates scoreboard pressure, while chasing provides a clear required rate.
Ireland must avoid a slow start followed by rushed shots. Afghanistan will want Gurbaz and Ibrahim to attack without exposing the middle order early. The side losing fewer powerplay wickets will have more freedom later.
Middle Overs Could Decide the Contest
Spin may shape the middle overs. Afghanistan can use Rashid and Ghazanfar, while Ireland may respond with Hoey, McBrine and Dockrell. Batters must read changes of pace and avoid playing across the line too early.
Fielding will also matter. One dropped catch or missed run-out can extend an important partnership. ODI matches often turn through such small moments.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Match Outlook
Afghanistan begin as the stronger side because of their 2-0 lead. Rashid, Gurbaz, Ibrahim and Ghazanfar have already influenced the series. However, Ireland’s third ODI fightback proves the contest is not one-sided.
Ireland’s route to victory is to build partnerships, manage Afghanistan’s spinners and take early wickets. Afghanistan will trust its disciplined attack and batting depth. Final conditions and confirmed teams should be checked before any prediction. With Ireland in a must-win situation and Afghanistan chasing the series, the fourth ODI should provide another competitive day in Belfast.