Afghanistan v Ireland ODI series: TV channels, schedule, team news - All you need to know

The Cricketer provides all the information over who, what, where, when, why, which channel and how wet it will be ahead of the three-match 50-over series...

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What it is?

Ireland round-off their white-ball tour of the United Arab Emirates with three ODIs against Afghanistan.

What's the schedule?

FIRST ODI: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (Thursday, January 21 -  6 am GMT, 10 am local time)

SECOND ODI: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (Sunday, January 24 - 6 am GMT, 10 am local time)

THIRD ODI: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (Tuesday, January 26 - 6 am GMT, 10 am local time)

What are Ireland's chances?

After the year of 2020 where Ireland's plans were firmly torpedoed by the global pandemic, the New Year promised to be far more tranquil. Or so they thought.

It should have kicked-off with a seven-match one-day international tour of the United Arab Emirates, four against the hosts and three more with Afghanistan as part of the World Cup Super League.

But it would be fair to say things haven't quite gone to plan. Ireland lost the first ODI by six wickets with an over to spare, as UAE reached the 270 target in a no-thrills chase. Nevertheless, it teed up the rest of the series nicely.

An outbreak of Covid-19 cases in the UAE camp - seven players tested positive - forced the entire squad into quarantine and led to the next two ODIs being pulled.

A fourth and final 50-over match was possible to round-off a strange series, with the tourists claiming a massive 112-run win, perhaps understandably, at a canter.

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Josh Little is available for the series

Thanks to a tour match against Afghanistan as they waited for UAE to be given the all-clear Andrew Balbirnie's side have just about avoided any ring-rust. 

After much uncertainty over their fate, Ireland have had what could be described to be a decent preparation phase ahead of the most testing and important leg of the tour. All eyes are on the T20 World Cup in India in October and November, meaning any experience the squad can get on slow, low pitches will only benefit them come the showcase but this is an opportunity to test the progress they made in England.

Paul Stirling proved once again that regardless of the surface he is more than capable against any attack. He went to his 10th ODI century in the first ODI against UAE and will again be key during the upcoming exchanges.

There is plenty of enthusiasm around a batch of young players who have Ireland's future very much in the palms of their hands. Curtis Campher enjoyed a breakthrough tour of England last summer, while the now-available Josh Little generates the sort of pace and bounce which makes him a threat on even benign pitches.

These two sides are certainly well-matched, but the conditions could well prove to be the difference. Ireland prevailed the last time they faced Afghanistan in the UAE in 2017 and any repeat four years on will represent a serious achievement.

Ireland's squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young 

What about Afghanistan?

This will be the first proper sighting of Afghanistan since the pandemic hit last year, with their calendar decimated by postponements with no contingency plans in place.

As is the case for many, the New Year brings with it fresh hope. Tests against Zimbabwe and Australia are pencilled in, as well an appearance at a sixth T20 World Cup.

That as much cricket is played as possible by the senior team is imperative if Afghanistan cricket is to avoid another dour financial year. The country's cricket board suffered countless losses, leading to reports of a request for financial help from the ICC.

Coaches, including Lance Klusener, had their pay cut and technical director and chairman of the selection panel Andy Moles was released completely due to a "lack of budget". The loss of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup from the schedule hurt.

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Mujeeb ur Rahman arrives directly from the BBL

On the field, a domestic schedule at least in part has been possible. The four-day Ahmad Shah Abdali competition was pulled, but players were able to play in the T20 Shpageeza Cricket League and the one-day Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional tournament, which concluded in October.

Though much of the squad have seen little cricket since then, their star names have kept busy. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman have appeared in the Caribbean and Indian Premier Leagues, and have most recently featured in the Big Bash League. Their importance to the cause is such that this ODI tour was put back a few days to allow them extra time to travel from Australia.

Like Ireland, much of this year will focus on making sure everything is in place for the World Cup in India, where Afghanistan could make a sizable impact. The Cricket Super League, however, is important in the interim with the top eight assured of a place at the 50-over 2023 tournament. 

The 3-0 defeat to West Indies in their last ODI outings, at the end of 2019, was rather humbling but they can be confident of at least bettering that return, even if Ireland are unlikely to roll over easily.

Afghanistan's squad: Asghar Afghan(C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Rahmat Shah, Naveen ul haq, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(VC), Yamin Ahmadzai, Usman Ghani, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Javed Ahmadi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf

How can I follow it?

Free Sports (Freeview 64, Sky 422, Virgin 533, TalkTalk TV 64, BT TV 64) will again show Ireland's matches, with all three ODIs available via the channel. Live coverage can also be accessed through the Free Sports Player

Radio Television Afghanistan will show the matches for fans back in Afghanistan.

Fancode are showing the series in India.

In the UAE, where the series is being contested, footage can be watched via Abu Dhabi Sports via Etisalat elife.

What will the weather be like?

The forecast is for clear skies and warm conditions throughout the series.

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