India, Aug. 5 -- The first ODI kicks off a pivotal five-match series as both teams commence their preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 qualification pathway. Ireland enters the contest after their historic 2-0 T20I series victory over India and will play their first ODI in nearly 15 months under new head coach Gary Wilson.

Afghanistan also began a new chapter, with Rahmat Shah taking charge as full-time ODI captain following Hashmatullah Shahidi's tenure. The visitors arrive with confidence after defeating Ireland 2-0 in their previous ODI series in Sharjah in 2024 and have won each of the last six ODIs between the two teams.

Ireland will be without Josh Little, Craig Young and Barry McCarthy due to injuries, creating a...