BELFAST, Aug 12: Ireland and Afghanistan faced off in the fourth ODI of their five match series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont on Wednesday, with both teams looking to strengthen their position before the final match.
The fourth contest was scheduled as part of Afghanistan’s tour of Ireland, which began on August 5. The series includes five 50-over internationals, with the final match scheduled for August 15 at the same Belfast venue.
Afghanistan entered the contest with a strong record in previous ODI meetings against Ireland. The two sides have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with Afghanistan holding the advantage in their overall head-to-head record.
Ireland’s squad for the series is led by Paul Stirling, while Afghanistan have relied on several experienced international performers during the tour. Ireland also handed a first senior ODI call up to Byron McDonough, while Jai Moondra and Ben Calitz were included among the uncapped players.
The match at Stormont forms part of a busy international cricket schedule in August, with both sides using the series to assess players and combinations ahead of future assignments.
The fifth and final ODI is scheduled for August 15, giving both teams another opportunity to finish the series strongly.