Ireland Bowl First, Hand ODI Debuts to Calitz, Moondra and McDonough

Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss and elected to bowl in the second ODI against Afghanistan at Bready, with the hosts handing ODI debuts to Ben Calitz, Jai Moondra, and Brydon McDonough.

The toss was delayed by nearly 90 minutes because of a wet outfield, resulting in the match being reduced to 47 overs per side.

Three New Faces for Ireland

Ireland introduced three debutants as they reshaped their XI for the crucial contest.

Ben Calitz, who has already represented Ireland in 11 T20 Internationals, made his ODI debut and slotted into the side as a specialist batter despite also being a wicketkeeper.

Left-arm fast bowler Jai Moondra earned his maiden ODI cap after impressing during Ireland's T20I series against India in June, where his performances caught the selectors' attention.

Joining him was right-arm seamer Brydon McDonough, who received his first international opportunity after claiming eight wickets at an average of 31.25 in the Inter-Provincial Limited Over Cup, Ireland's domestic 50-over competition.

Afghanistan Begin New Era

Afghanistan were led by Rahmat Shah, who took over the ODI captaincy following Hashmatullah Shahidi's decision to step down from the role.

The visitors retained a strong lineup featuring experienced campaigners Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Series Still Awaiting First Result

The five-match ODI series remains 0-0 after the opening match at Bready was abandoned without a ball being completed because of persistent rain.

That washout also confirmed that Ireland will have to progress through the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup Qualifier in their bid to reach the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Playing XIs

Ireland: Paul Stirling (capt), Andy Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben Calitz, Mark Adair, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Brydon McDonough.

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (capt), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Mohammad Saleem, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

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