Ire vs Afg – ODIs Injury-hit Ireland have selected Jay Mundra for the ODIs against Afghanistan

“We are particularly pleased to have Jay Mundra and Byron McDonough on the team,” national team player Andrew White said in a statement. “Both players have different attributes that we believe can make a real impact over the course of the series, while Gavin Howe provides a real threat through the middle with his ability to rotate the ball in both directions and create pressure on opposition strikers.

“From a batting perspective, Ben Calitz’s powerful and dynamic approach gives the team valuable options in the middle to lower order. His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset.”

But injuries remain a problem for Ireland. Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neal and David Delaney were not selected due to injuries or return-to-play protocols. Cricket Ireland (CI) said the squad could be shuffled for the last three ODIs if any player recovers.

This series against Afghanistan will also serve as a springboard for Ireland to build their squad for the men’s ODI World Cup qualifiers scheduled for 2027. The last time they played ODIs was in May 2025, in a 1-1 draw with West Indies.

“This is our first ODI in 15 months and in the intervening period, several players have put their hands up for selection and it’s a great place to be. We are letting go of players who we truly believe are good enough to be picked. However, we have full confidence in the team we have selected,” Wilson said. “We have chosen a team that reflects the way we want to play. We want to play in the conditions and situations in front of us but ultimately be dynamic and look for opportunities to put pressure on the opponent.

“With the ball, we want to constantly be looking for wickets and on the field we want to hunt down chances and be known for the never-say-die attitude that is synonymous with great Irish teams, of which we believe this is one.”