Ireland starts their World Cup qualifying push this week with a five-game ODI series against Afghanistan. The matches serve as crucial preparation ahead of next year's qualifying tournament, where Ireland will fight for a spot in the global event. The team's intensity is clear. They're locked in on the task ahead, treating these games as more than just warm-ups. Afghanistan presents a legitimate test. The visitors have developed into a competitive ODI side and will force Ireland to execute under pressure. How Ireland performs across all five matches will reveal whether their preparation strategy works. The squad needs these reps against quality opposition before qualifying begins. Every performance counts when your World Cup dream depends on the matches ahead.