Ireland and Afghanistan are set to meet in the fourth match of their five-game One Day International series on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast.
The Afghanistan tour of Ireland 2026 has brought the two familiar ODI rivals together for a five-match series running through the first half of August. The opening two matches were scheduled at Bready before the series moved to Stormont in Belfast for the final three games.
The fourth ODI is scheduled to begin at 10:45 AM local time in Belfast, which is 9:45 AM GMT and 3:15 PM IST.
For both sides, the series offers valuable 50-over cricket and an opportunity to test combinations, assess newer players and develop their ODI plans. Afghanistan have arrived with an experienced core featuring Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and new ODI captain Rahmat Shah, while Ireland have Paul Stirling back as captain alongside established names such as Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker and Mark Adair.
Here is everything you need to know about the Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI 2026, including the date, start time, venue, series schedule, squads, players to watch and live-score information.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI 2026: Match Details
Match: Ireland vs Afghanistan, 4th ODI
Series: Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Format: One Day International
Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
Local start time: 10:45 AM
GMT: 9:45 AM
India time: 3:15 PM IST
Teams: Ireland and Afghanistan
The fourth ODI is part of a five-match series. It is also the second game of the series scheduled to be played at Stormont after the third ODI on August 10.
The match is a standard ODI contest, meaning each side can bat for a maximum of 50 overs unless weather or other interruptions lead to a reduction in playing time.
When Is Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI?
The Ireland vs Afghanistan fourth ODI will be played on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The scheduled start is 10:45 AM local time in Belfast.
For supporters following the game from India, the match is scheduled to start at 3:15 PM IST. In GMT, the scheduled starting time is 9:45 AM.
As always with cricket in Ireland, supporters should keep an eye on official match-day updates in case weather conditions cause a delayed toss or change in playing hours.
The first match of this series demonstrated why that is important. The opening ODI at Bready on August 5 was washed out without a ball being bowled.
Where Is Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Being Played?
The fourth ODI will take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast.
The venue is one of Ireland’s established international cricket grounds and has hosted Ireland in multiple international series.
According to current match listings, the ground has an approximate capacity of 6,000 spectators.
Conditions in Belfast can create an interesting challenge for visiting teams. Seam movement and overhead conditions can sometimes give fast bowlers opportunities, while batters who adjust to the pace of the surface can build substantial innings.
However, it is important not to assume exactly how the pitch will behave before match day. Weather, preparation and previous use of the surface can all affect playing conditions.
The toss could therefore become an important part of the tactical discussion ahead of the fourth ODI.
Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026 Schedule
The tour consists of five One Day Internationals.
The official Cricket Ireland and ICC schedule lists the series as follows:
1st ODI – August 5, 2026
Ireland vs Afghanistan
Venue: Bready
Scheduled start: 10:45 AM local time
2nd ODI – August 7, 2026
Ireland vs Afghanistan
Venue: Bready
Scheduled start: 10:45 AM local time
3rd ODI – August 10, 2026
Ireland vs Afghanistan
Venue: Stormont, Belfast
Scheduled start: 10:45 AM local time
4th ODI – August 12, 2026
Ireland vs Afghanistan
Venue: Stormont, Belfast
Scheduled start: 10:45 AM local time
5th ODI – August 15, 2026
Ireland vs Afghanistan
Venue: Stormont, Belfast
Scheduled start: 10:45 AM local time
There is currently a discrepancy across some third-party cricket listings concerning the final match. Cricket Ireland and the ICC list the fifth ODI for August 15, while some Cricbuzz listings have displayed August 14. Fans planning around the fifth game should therefore use the official Cricket Ireland schedule and check again closer to the match.
The fourth ODI date itself is consistently listed as August 12, 2026.
What Happened in the First ODI?
The five-match series began at Bready on August 5, 2026, but weather prevented the teams from getting their campaign underway properly.
The first ODI was washed out without a ball being bowled.
That meant both teams moved into the second match with the series still level and with one fewer completed game available to establish an advantage.
For Ireland, the washout also carried broader significance because of their ODI World Cup qualification situation.
What Happened in the Second ODI?
The second ODI was played at Bready on August 7, 2026, and Afghanistan produced the first completed-match victory of the series.
Weather again had an impact, with the match reduced to 47 overs per side.
Afghanistan scored 299/8 from their 47 overs before dismissing Ireland for 207 in 33.4 overs, winning by 92 runs.
The outstanding individual performance came from Afghanistan’s star spinner Rashid Khan.
Rashid took six wickets for 34 runs, playing the central role in Ireland’s batting collapse.
Afghanistan’s batting effort had earlier been given a foundation by their top order, including Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, before the visitors built a total that proved beyond Ireland’s reach.
The result gave Afghanistan a 1-0 series lead after two matches.
Third ODI Context Before the Fourth Match
The third ODI is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2026, at Stormont.
At the time of writing, that match is taking place, so its final result should not be treated as confirmed in a preview of the August 12 fixture.
This is important for readers looking for the latest series score.
The outcome of the third match will determine the precise series equation heading into the fourth ODI. If Afghanistan extend their advantage, Ireland could enter the August 12 contest under considerable pressure. An Ireland victory, meanwhile, would significantly change the complexion of the five-match series.
Readers should check the latest scorecard before the fourth ODI for the updated series position.
Ireland Squad for Afghanistan ODI Series
Ireland initially announced a 14-player squad for the first three ODIs.
The squad was:
Paul Stirling (captain)
Mark Adair
Andrew Balbirnie
Ben Calitz
Curtis Campher
Cade Carmichael
George Dockrell
Gavin Hoey
Andrew McBrine
Liam McCarthy
Byron McDonough
Jai Moondra
Harry Tector
Lorcan Tucker
An important distinction needs to be made when discussing the fourth ODI: Cricket Ireland’s original announcement explicitly covered the first three matches.
The board said player fitness would be assessed after those matches before deciding whether squad changes were required.
Therefore, the final Ireland squad or playing XI for the fourth ODI should not be presented as confirmed until Cricket Ireland provides the relevant update.
Several players were unavailable when the initial squad was selected because of injuries or return-to-play protocols. Those names included Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany.
The return of captain Paul Stirling was one of the major developments before the series. Stirling had suffered a knee ligament injury during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup and subsequently missed Ireland’s home T20I series against India.
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Afghanistan Squad for Ireland ODI Series
Afghanistan named a 15-player squad for the five-match ODI series:
Rahmat Shah (captain)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Ibrahim Zadran
Sediqullah Atal
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Darwish Rasooli
Azmatullah Omarzai
Ikram Alikhil
Nangyal Kharotai
Rashid Khan
AM Ghazanfar
Yamin Ahmadzai
Saleem Safi
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi
One notable omission is experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
Afghanistan instead have a combination of established international players and younger options as they continue shaping their ODI setup.
Rahmat Shah Begins a New Captaincy Era
The Ireland series represents an important chapter for Afghanistan because Rahmat Shah is beginning his tenure as ODI captain.
He was appointed Afghanistan’s new Test and ODI captain in July 2026, replacing Hashmatullah Shahidi in the leadership role.
Rahmat is one of Afghanistan’s most experienced ODI batters and has long been an important part of their middle order.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was appointed vice-captain, giving Afghanistan another senior international player within the leadership group.
This five-match Ireland series is Rahmat’s first assignment as Afghanistan’s ODI captain, adding another storyline to the tour.
Paul Stirling’s Return Is Important for Ireland
For Ireland, the return of Paul Stirling is equally significant.
Stirling has been one of Ireland’s most recognizable international cricketers for many years and brings considerable experience at the top of the batting order.
His return from a knee injury also restores an experienced leader to a squad containing several less-established players.
Ireland entered the series having gone around 15 months without playing an ODI, making the Afghanistan matches particularly useful as the side returns its focus to 50-over cricket.
The challenge for Stirling and Ireland is to combine that experience with the emerging players who have pushed themselves into international contention.
Players to Watch in Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI
Rashid Khan
It is difficult to begin anywhere other than Rashid Khan.
The Afghanistan spinner demonstrated his influence emphatically in the second ODI by taking six wickets.
Rashid’s ability to attack the stumps, change pace and force batters into mistakes makes him a threat throughout the middle overs.
Ireland will need a clear strategy for playing him if they want to construct competitive totals consistently.
Paul Stirling
Stirling’s experience makes him a crucial player for Ireland.
As an opening batter, he can influence the direction of an innings during the first powerplay. His leadership will also be important when Ireland are defending totals or dealing with difficult passages of play.
Harry Tector
Harry Tector has developed into an important part of Ireland’s batting unit.
His ability to construct an ODI innings could be especially useful against Afghanistan’s varied bowling attack.
Ireland may need Tector to provide stability through the middle overs, particularly when Rashid Khan and Afghanistan’s other spin options are operating.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Gurbaz gives Afghanistan an aggressive option at the top of the order.
As a wicketkeeper-batter and the team’s new ODI vice-captain, he carries significant responsibility in this Afghanistan side.
If Gurbaz gets through the opening phase, his attacking style can put pressure on Ireland’s bowlers.
Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran has become another important figure in Afghanistan’s top order.
He can provide a more controlled presence alongside Afghanistan’s attacking batters and played a role in laying the foundation for their second-ODI total.
His approach can be particularly valuable in 50-over cricket, where maintaining wickets through the early and middle stages creates opportunities for acceleration later.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi returned to Afghanistan’s ODI squad for this tour and gives them an important left-arm pace option.
In Irish conditions, his ability with the new ball could be particularly relevant.
Movement early in the innings could put Ireland’s top order under pressure before Afghanistan introduce their spinners.
Mark Adair
Mark Adair remains an important all-round option for Ireland.
His bowling experience gives Ireland a wicket-taking seam option, while his ability to contribute lower down the order adds depth to the batting lineup.
Ireland’s Main Challenge: Handling Afghanistan’s Spin
Afghanistan’s spin bowling is likely to remain one of the central tactical themes of the series.
Rashid Khan’s six-wicket performance in the second ODI was the clearest example.
For Ireland, the challenge is not simply surviving against Rashid. They must also find ways to keep the scoreboard moving.
Allowing too many dot balls can create pressure on the batter at the opposite end and eventually force riskier shots.
Using the crease, rotating strike and identifying the correct deliveries to attack could therefore be important parts of Ireland’s batting plan.
The conditions at Stormont may differ from Bready, but Afghanistan’s spin threat remains significant regardless of venue.
Afghanistan Must Adapt to Irish Conditions
Afghanistan may have a dangerous spin attack, but Ireland’s home conditions provide their own challenges.
Overcast weather and moisture can create assistance for seamers, particularly with the newer ball.
That places responsibility on Afghanistan’s top order to negotiate Ireland’s pace attack before looking to accelerate.
The likes of Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi give Afghanistan considerable batting experience, but conditions can still change quickly.
The first two games at Bready also demonstrated the potential influence of weather during the series.
Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont: What to Expect
Stormont is a familiar venue for international cricket in Ireland.
Unlike the first two matches, which were scheduled at Bready, the final part of the series moves to Belfast.
The fourth ODI is the second of the scheduled Stormont matches, so both teams should have recent information about conditions from the third game.
That could influence selection and tactics.
If seam movement was prominent in the third ODI, teams may consider strengthening their pace resources. If the surface instead proved favorable for batting or spin, that information could influence the balance of the XIs.
The previous match at the same venue should therefore provide one of the strongest indicators of what to expect on August 12.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Probable Playing XI
Because Ireland’s original squad announcement covered only the first three matches and the fourth-ODI XI has not yet been officially announced, any predicted lineup must be treated as provisional.
Based on players involved earlier in the series, Ireland’s options include Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Ben Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine and Liam McCarthy.
Afghanistan’s options include Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Nangyal Kharotai and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
The official playing XIs will only be confirmed around the toss.
Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI Live Score
Fans who cannot watch the entire match can follow the Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI live score through major cricket score services.
The match is listed by Cricbuzz for live scores, scorecards, ball-by-ball commentary and match information.
ESPN’s cricket coverage also lists the fourth ODI at Stormont for August 12.
Live-score pages generally become more useful once the toss takes place and the official playing XIs are announced.
Fans should look for:
- Toss result
- Confirmed playing XIs
- Innings score
- Batter and bowler statistics
- Fall of wickets
- Partnerships
- Required run rate during a chase
- Full scorecard
- Match result
The fourth ODI is scheduled to begin at 9:45 AM GMT / 10:45 AM Belfast time / 3:15 PM IST.
Where to Watch Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI
Broadcast and streaming availability can differ by country.
Current listings show the Afghanistan tour of Ireland 2026 among cricket tours available through FanCode’s schedule in India.
Cricket Ireland has also provided live online coverage of matches, although geographical restrictions can depend on broadcasting rights.
Supporters should check the official Cricket Ireland channels and the authorized broadcaster or streaming service for their region on match day.
Avoid relying on unofficial streams, as rights and regional availability can change.
Why the Fourth ODI Matters
The fourth game arrives at an important stage of a five-match series.
With the first match washed out and Afghanistan winning the second ODI, every completed game becomes more significant.
By August 12, only the fourth and fifth matches will remain.
That creates a straightforward competitive situation: there is very little time left for either team to recover from a poor performance.
For Ireland, home conditions and familiarity with Stormont provide an opportunity to challenge an Afghanistan side that has become increasingly established in international white-ball cricket.
For Afghanistan, the series is a chance to begin Rahmat Shah’s ODI captaincy era positively and continue developing the squad around a strong core of international players.
The Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI on August 12, 2026 promises to be another important chapter in a competitive rivalry between two teams that have played plenty of memorable white-ball cricket against each other.
Final Thoughts
Afghanistan enter the series with a formidable combination of experienced batting, high-quality spin and a new leadership structure under Rahmat Shah. Rashid Khan remains their biggest match-changing bowling threat, while Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi provide quality across different phases of an ODI.
Ireland, meanwhile, have Paul Stirling back at the helm and will look to players such as Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker and Mark Adair for experience. The inclusion of newer names in the original squad also gives Ireland an opportunity to develop greater depth in the 50-over format.
The move from Bready to Stormont adds another tactical element to the series. Both teams will have played the third ODI at the Belfast venue just two days earlier, giving them recent information about the pitch and conditions before the fourth match.
With the match scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 at 10:45 AM local time, supporters should check the latest official updates for the toss, confirmed playing XIs, weather information and any squad changes.
Once play begins, the Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI live score and full scorecard will provide ball-by-ball updates as the two sides continue their five-match ODI battle in Belfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI 2026?
The fourth ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Where will Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI be played?
The match will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast.
What time does Ireland vs Afghanistan 4th ODI start?
The scheduled start is 10:45 AM local time, 9:45 AM GMT and 3:15 PM IST.
How many ODIs are Ireland and Afghanistan playing?
The Afghanistan tour of Ireland 2026 consists of five ODIs.
Who is Ireland’s captain?
Paul Stirling returned to captain Ireland for the series after recovering from a knee injury.
Who is Afghanistan’s ODI captain?
Rahmat Shah is Afghanistan’s new ODI captain. The Ireland series is his first ODI assignment as skipper.
Who is Afghanistan’s vice-captain?
Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is Afghanistan’s ODI vice-captain.
Is Rashid Khan playing in the Ireland series?
Yes. Rashid Khan was selected in Afghanistan’s squad and produced a six-wicket performance in the second ODI.
What happened in the first ODI?
The opening match at Bready on August 5, 2026 was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.
Who won the second ODI?
Afghanistan won the second ODI on August 7, 2026 by 92 runs after scoring 299/8 in a rain-reduced 47-over match and dismissing Ireland for 207.
When is the fifth Ireland vs Afghanistan ODI?
Cricket Ireland and the ICC list the fifth ODI for August 15, 2026 at Stormont. Some third-party listings have shown August 14, so supporters should prioritize the official Cricket Ireland schedule for the final fixture.
