Afghanistan will look to put the finishing touches on a dominant ODI series when they face Ireland in the fifth and final ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast, on Saturday, August 15. The visitors have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead after winning the fourth ODI by 42 runs and will now aim to complete a 4-0 series triumph. 

Afghanistan have been the superior side throughout the series, producing impressive performances with both bat and ball. Their latest victory was built around magnificent centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran, while Yamin Ahmadzai and Rashid Khan combined to restrict Ireland during the chase. Atal scored 143 and Zadran made 107 as Afghanistan posted 343/9 before bowling Ireland out for 301. 

With the series already secured, Afghanistan could consider rotating their squad. However, given the opportunity to complete a comprehensive series victory and maintain their momentum, the visitors are likely to retain most of their successful combination.

Here is Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI for the fifth ODI.

1. Sediqullah Atal

Sediqullah Atal should retain his place at the top of the order after producing a sensational performance in the fourth ODI.

The left-hander smashed a career-best 143 off 120 balls, including a combination of boundaries that put Ireland’s bowlers under sustained pressure. His innings also formed the foundation of Afghanistan’s huge total. 

Having found excellent rhythm in the series, Atal will be keen to finish the campaign with another substantial contribution.

2. Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran is expected to partner Atal at the top. He too was outstanding in the fourth ODI, scoring 107 off 118 deliveries.

The right-hander’s ability to construct long innings makes him an ideal partner for Atal’s more aggressive approach. Their 231-run partnership in the previous match demonstrated just how destructive Afghanistan’s opening combination can be when both batters settle in.

3. Rahmat Shah (c)

Rahmat Shah should continue to lead Afghanistan from the No. 3 position.

The experienced batter has been entrusted with captaincy during the series and has brought stability to the top order. With Afghanistan already securing qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rahmat can use the final match to further strengthen his leadership group. 

His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships will remain important if Ireland’s bowlers make early inroads.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi could continue in the middle order. The experienced left-hander provides another layer of stability and is capable of anchoring an innings if Afghanistan lose wickets in clusters.

With Atal and Zadran providing the attacking platform, Shahidi’s role could be to ensure that Afghanistan maintain their momentum through the middle overs.

5. Azmatullah Omarzai

Azmatullah Omarzai should feature as Afghanistan’s premier pace-bowling all-rounder.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the visitors considerable flexibility. Omarzai can provide the acceleration required during the final overs while also bowling useful spells with the new ball and at the death.

6. Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib is likely to retain his place as another experienced all-round option.

Naib’s presence gives Afghanistan additional batting depth and allows captain Rahmat Shah to manage his bowling resources according to the conditions. He can also be particularly useful when Afghanistan need quick runs towards the end of their innings.

7. Mohammad Ishaq (wk)

Mohammad Ishaq could continue behind the stumps and occupy the No. 7 position.

The wicketkeeper-batter provides Afghanistan with another aggressive option in the lower middle order. His ability to accelerate against tired bowlers could be valuable if the top order lays a strong foundation.

8. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan remains one of Afghanistan’s biggest match-winners and should retain his place despite the series already being decided.

The leg-spinner was instrumental in the fourth ODI, claiming 3/49 as Ireland’s chase eventually fell short. 

Rashid’s variations, accuracy and ability to take wickets in the middle overs make him a constant threat. Ireland’s batters will have to be particularly careful when he comes into the attack.

9. Yamin Ahmadzai

Yamin Ahmadzai was Afghanistan’s standout bowler in the fourth ODI and should retain his place.

He claimed four wickets for 71 runs, including several crucial breakthroughs during Ireland’s chase. 

His performance underlined his value as a strike bowler, and another disciplined spell could make life difficult for Ireland’s top order.

10. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi is likely to spearhead the pace attack. The left-arm seamer offers Afghanistan a different angle and has considerable experience in international cricket.

His ability to swing the new ball could be especially useful at Stormont, where early movement can make life difficult for opening batters.

11. Ziaur Rahman

Ziaur Rahman could complete the XI as another pace option. He bowled nine overs in the fourth ODI and provides Afghanistan with additional depth in their seam attack.

His role will be to maintain pressure from the other end while Ahmadzai and Farooqi search for breakthroughs.

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI

Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman