Do you want to create your own fantasy team, place bets, or guess the next Ireland against Afghanistan match at Stormont? Then you must understand the game that this stadium performs. The Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast is among the more balanced stadiums in the world of cricket. Seamers have early movement however batters get settled as the surface gets easier.
This pitch report will give those who love cricket, fantasy players and bettors all the information they require for the 5th and 4th ODIs that will be played between Ireland and Afghanistan. Here’s what you’ll leave with:
- A complete analysis of the pitch’s behaviour over ODI, T20, and Test cricket.
- Win patterns and trends that help to form the basis of smart predictions.
- Tips for Fantasy games such as Dream11 and My11Circle and market analysis for betting.
Let’s look at the numbers, the story and the plan of action that is behind Ireland’s major international venues.
Table of Contents
Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast Introduction & Venue Overview
The Civil Service Cricket Club sits in the Stormont region in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the principal international cricket ground in the country and has played host to top-of-the-line matches for decades. The stadium is spacious and atmospheric, as well as close to the action, qualities that make it a popular choice for travelers.
Here are the main details about the venue in an overview:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast |
| Location | Belfast, Northern Ireland (Ireland) |
| Established | 1949 |
| Capacity | ~6,000 spectators |
| Ends | Dundonald End, City End |
| Time Zone | UTC +01:00 (BST) |
| Home Team | Ireland |
Upcoming Matches: Afghanistan Tour of Ireland 2026
Two ODIs dominate the present schedule and both are into the middle of the Irish summer:
- 4th ODI: Ireland vs Afghanistan – 12 August 2026, 9:45 AM IST
- 5th ODI: Ireland vs Afghanistan – 14 August 2026, 9:45 AM IST
With back-to-back 50-over matches at the same venue pitch conditions will play an important part. Afghanistan will bring a risky spin attack and a frenzied batting, while Ireland have the luxury of their own home conditions and a sea of seam-friendly skies. The surface’s accuracy will decide the outcome of both games.
Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast Venue Facts & Historical Background
Ground History
Civil Service Cricket Club opened in 1949, and has since developed into Northern Ireland’s most prestigious international cricket venue. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of formats and teams, providing us a wealth of data to analyse.
Some of the notable series and matches that have been held here include:
- Afghanistan tour in Ireland across several years, including fixtures with limited-overs.
- India tour in Ireland and T20Is planned for 2026.
- New Zealand tour of Ireland with Test cricket in 2026.
- Women’s T20Is and ODIs as well as matches that involve England Women as well as Sri Lanka Women.
This mixture of women’s, men’s white-ball, red-ball and cricket means that the field has been tested in each situation. This variety allows us to discover the nature of the pitch rather than relying solely on only a few games.
Infrastructure & Facilities
The stadium may be small in terms of size, but its facilities can support international top-level cricket:
- Capacity for Seating: Around 6,000 creating a cozy atmosphere where fans can sit close to the edge of the.
- Pitch Type: Traditional grass surface with seam-friendly characteristics.
- Floodlights They are designed for night-time fixtures for daytime.
- Drainage An advanced drainage system which lets you play return quickly after showers.
A word of caution: Belfast weather is unpredictable. Even with a strong drainage rain delays and reduced-overs games are nevertheless possible. However, the ground is an ideal venue for fast-paced, competitive cricket.
Quick summary: Established in 1949, this 6,000-capacity facility has a classic grass pitch as well as floodlights and dependable drainage. It is the perfect place for a balanced, enjoyable game of cricket.
Civil Service Cricket Club Pitch Report
General Pitch Behaviour
The field at Stormont is one that encourages patience and skill equally. Its character changes when a game unfolds This is precisely the reason it is able to produce such competitive games.
Here’s how it usually behaves:
- Nature: Balanced, with a slight tilt towards bowlers in the beginning.
- Seam and Swing The new ball moves for seamers particularly in overcast weather.
- Batting Progression The pitch gets softer as the innings progresses and makes stroke play more comfortable.
- Spin Role Spinners are able to control the middle overs however sharp turn is not as effective.
The key takeaway is easy. Start by bowling first. keep your quicks to be fresh in the initial 15 overs. Bat first and the top players has to endure the early movement to earn a profit later.
Format-Wise Pitch Analysis
Different styles tell a different story about this level. Let’s break each down.
ODI Pitch Behaviour
The 50-over format here favors controlled bowling and well-paced games. Teams that chase have a slight advantage when the ball ceases to move.
| ODI Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~201 runs |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | ~182 runs |
| Batting First Wins | 19 of 44 |
| Bowling First Wins | 21 of 44 |
| Highest Total | 320/8 (England Women vs Ireland Women) |
| Lowest Total | 45/10 (Ireland Women vs England Women) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 261/7 (Ireland Women vs Sri Lanka Women) |
| Lowest Total Defended | 148/9 (Ireland vs Kenya) |
Insights: A score between 200 and 240 is competitive in ODIs in this region. To get to 250+ is a challenge but it is achievable when the top-order settles down and establishes a foundation.
T20 Pitch Behaviour
Twenty-over cricket in Stormont is less scoring than other modern venues. Bowlers are in the game until the final overs.
| T20 Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~129 runs |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | ~114 runs |
| Batting First Wins | 15 of 35 |
| Bowling First Wins | 19 of 35 |
| Highest Total | 190/5 (Bangladesh vs Ireland) |
| Lowest Total | 53/10 (Nepal vs Ireland) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 180/4 (New Zealand vs Ireland) |
| Lowest Total Defended | 43/7 (Ireland vs Bermuda) |
Information: A total of 150-170 is a good number in T20s in this case. Because bowlers remain efficient throughout, grabbing wickets in the final overs is essential.
Test Pitch Behaviour (Limited Data)
The data on red-ball is sparse with just two matches played. However, the trend is towards run-ins when the weather is clean.
| Test Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Test Matches | 2 |
| Batting First Wins | 1 |
| Bowling First Wins | 1 |
| Average 1st Innings | 350 |
| Average 2nd Innings | 214 |
| Average 3rd Innings | 214 |
| Average 4th Innings | 158 |
| Highest Total | 490/8 (New Zealand vs Ireland) |
| Lowest Total | 179 (Ireland vs New Zealand) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 158/6 (Ireland vs Zimbabwe) |
Note: In Tests the pitch may be unpredictable, but generally remains safe for batting in clear, sunny skies. Cloud cover can alter everything for seamers.
Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast Weather & Atmospheric Conditions
Typical Belfast Weather in August
The weather is probably the biggest factor for this particular venue. Belfast summers are hot and typically cloudy. It directly impacts how the ball performs.
| Weather Factor | August Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 12degC to 20degC |
| Humidity | 75-85% |
| Wind Speed | 7-10 km/h |
| Cloud Cover | Often, the sky is overcast. |
| Rain Probability | 20-30 20-30% (lower during the afternoon and more clear later in the evening) |
Impact on the Match
These conditions influence the majority of tactical decisions the captain takes:
- Dew Factor Low, because of the cool weather and early morning starts.
- Swing and Seam The latest ball can be more swung in overcast skies.
- Interruptions by rain: Possible, and more disruptive in multi-day cricket.
- Chasing Advantage A little, as the pitch is settling as the game progresses.
Try this: Before the toss, look at the sky. If the sky is cloudy, anticipate that fast bowlers will take over the powerplay. Boost up your seamers. If the sun’s shining you can allow the batters to score easily.
Quick summary: Cool, humid, and often cloudy – Belfast weather boosts swings early and rewards teams that can read the weather correctly.
Batting & Bowling Records at Civil Service Cricket Club
Top Batting Performances
The highest scores here demonstrate what’s possible when batters can weather the initial storm and begin building long innings.
ODI:
- 261/7 261/7 Ireland Women against Sri Lanka Women (successful chase)
- 255/5 — Ireland Women vs Sri Lanka Women
T20:
- 180/4 180/4 New Zealand vs Ireland (successful chase)
- 152/5 -domestic North West fixture
Test:
- 490/8 — New Zealand vs Ireland
Top Bowling Performances
Bowlers have had some devastating runs at Stormont particularly when the ball is moving around.
ODI:
- 45/10 -45/10 – Ireland Women were beaten by England Women
- Multiple five- and four-wicket hauls from pacers
T20:
- 53/10 -53/10 – Nepal was bowled out by Ireland
- 43/7 — Ireland vs Bermuda
Test:
- 179 all out — Ireland vs New Zealand
Pace vs Spin Breakdown
Recent matches have made one thing evident seam bowling is the norm on this particular ground.
| Bowling Type | Share of Fantasy Points |
|---|---|
| Pacers | 67% |
| Spinners | 33% |
The finer details matter too:
- Right-arm quick: Dominant in the early overs.
- Left-arm seam Useful through middle of the overs.
Insight: For fantasy teams, make sure you have 3-4 pacers, focusing on players who bowl during both the powerplay as well as the death overs.
Toss Strategy & Match Trends
Toss Decisions
Captains have distinct preferences at this stadium and their decisions reveal the way in which the pitch is played.
- The ODI game: 64% of captains opted to play first. The winner of the toss was able to win only 36% of games.
- T20: 78% of captains opted to bat first. The winner of the toss took home 56% of the matches.
- Test: In the limited information available 100% of captains decided to play first.
Win Patterns
These are the ways that the results are broken into formats:
| Format | Batting First Win % | Chasing Win % |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 40% | 60% |
| T20 | 77.8% | 22.2% |
Note the split. In ODIs, teams that chase have more success. The pitch is less difficult and the goal becomes more clear. In T20s, establishing the score is more effective due to bowlers being in danger and defending the score under the lights is a huge advantage.
Try this: If you’re anticipating the outcome of an ODI here, go with the team that bowls first. For T20s you should go with the team who wins the toss and bats.
Quick summary: Seamers dominate the points, chase wins in ODIs, and hitting first to win T20s. You must match your strategy with the format.
Fantasy Cricket Tips: Dream11, My11Circle & More
Key Players to Target
Your strategy for fantasy should reflect what the venue is actually like. Make sure you choose the skill sets that are most effective under the conditions.
Batsmen:
- Top-order batters who manage swing well. Think Ireland’s openers, as well as the top three players in Afghanistan.
- Players who can rotate their strike throughout the middle of overs.
Bowlers:
- Right-arm fast bowlers that play in the death overs and powerplay.
- Left-arm pacers who pounce on middle overs.
- Spinners are capable of bowling straight, economical lines.
All-rounders:
- Players who can contribute using both bat and ball are particularly important in T20s.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Your armbands should be flexible according to the conditions:
- Captain (batting-friendly day): A reliable top-order batsman.
- Captain (overcast day): A strike bowler who plays the ball with a new one.
- Vice-Captain A regular all-rounder or experienced death-over specialist.
Team Composition Suggestions
Use these plans as an initial guideline, and alter according to the weather and toss.
ODI XI:
- 3-4 bowlers
- 3-4 batsmen
- 2-3 all-rounders
- 1-2 wicketkeepers
T20 XI:
- 3-4 bowlers
- 3 batsmen
- 3-4 all-rounders
- 1 wicketkeeper
Golden rule: Prioritize pacers over spinners and top-order batters over middle order.
Betting Insights & Predictions
The following analysis provides insight into the general trends in venues and their form. Always be cautious and only in areas that are legal. Platforms such as Reddy Anna Book and the Reddy Anna Book and Reddy Book Club are only for the purpose of providing market context.
Match Winner Prediction
- Favorite: Depends heavily on team structure and the result of toss.
- Underdog Value Ireland on its own can be a problem for Afghanistan particularly in seam-friendly conditions.
- The most important factor is Weather and toss remain the two most significant swing factors.
Based on the ODI trend, support the side that bowls first the toss is in their favor and the skies are cloudy over Stormont.
Top Batsman & Bowler Markets
Top Batsman:
- Ireland’s top players due to their home advantage as well as a familiarity with the pitch.
- The batsmen from Afghanistan are experienced, especially when the pitch is settling.
Top Bowler:
- Ireland’s pacers, who take advantage of early swing.
- Spinners from Afghanistan, a danger in the middle of overs.
Total Runs & Wickets Markets
Based on the scoring patterns of the past These ranges are most likely to:
| Market | Expected Range |
|---|---|
| ODI Total Runs | 200-240 |
| T20 Total Runs | 140-160 |
| ODI Wickets per Innings | 12-16 |
| T20 Wickets per Innings | 10-14 |
A common mistake to steer clear of: Don’t overrate spins in this arena. The data clearly favors seam, which is why betting or drawing around spinners as the primary risk rarely pays off here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the Civil Service Cricket Club pitch report for the Belfast venue?
The Civil Service Cricket Club pitch in Stormont, Belfast is a smooth surface that favors bowlers in the beginning, before becoming more accommodating for batters. Seamers are able to move using the new ball, especially in the presence of cloud cover while the pitch becomes more level as the innings advances. Spinners are able to control middle overs, but their sharp turns are limited.
2. What is the Stormont pitch in Belfast behave when bowling and batting?
The Stormont pitch conditions reward patience: make it through the first spin and seam, and run scoring becomes much more straightforward. The new ball can be a challenge to fast bowlers during the initial 15 overs, which is why top-order batters need to be aware. When the surface is sanded the stroke play can be opened up and totals increase.
3. Do captains bowl or bat first at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast?
In ODIs played on this Belfast cricket ground using the bowl first method is the best decision as chasing teams win about 60% of the time. This is the reason 64 percent of ODI captains have decided to play first. In T20s however it’s the opposite bat first and wins 78% of the time So setting a maximum is the most effective option.
4. What is the mean score of the Civil Service Cricket Club in T20s and ODIs?
In ODIs, the typical first-innings score is about 200 runs, with 200-240 being considered competitive. In T20s the average first-innings total falls to 129 runs which means 150-170 is an impressive score. Bowlers are relevant in the two formats at this venue.
5. What do Belfast weather affect Stormont pitch?
Belfast the weather during August can be hot humid, humid and often overcast, which can increase the movement of seams and swings in the beginning. Temperatures vary from 12degC to 20degC. There is a 20-30 percent possibility of rain and a little dew. If the sky is cloudy during the toss, anticipate fast bowlers to take the lead in the powerplay. clear skies favor batters.
6. Do you think the Belfast cricket pitch better suited for spin bowling or pace?
Pace bowling is clearly the dominant sport at the Civil Service Cricket Club, making up 67 percent of bowling fantasy points against 33% for spinners. Right-arm fast bowlers are a success in the early innings, while left-arm seamers can be effective throughout the middle. Spin serves as a back-up instead of taking the lead in attacking.
7. What are the top fantasy tips to use for the Belfast pitch on Dream11 and My11Circle?
For some fantasy tips at Belfast take your team with 3-4 good pacers, focusing on those who bowl during the powerplay or death overs. Include swing-proof top-order batters as well as two or three all-rounders to provide balance. Favor pacers over spinners, and top-order batters over middle order.
8. Who do I choose as my captain in fantasy cricket for the Civil Service Cricket Club?
Select your captain based on the conditions of the toss. If it is cloudy choose with a strike bowler who can move the ball in a new direction in a clear, friendly day for batting, select an experienced top-order batsman. As vice-captain, an all-rounder or an experienced death-over specialist will give you a steady score.
9. When are the Ireland vs Afghanistan ODIs at the Civil Service Cricket Club in 2026?
The Ireland against Afghanistan ODI 2026 fixtures in Stormont will be the 4th ODI, which will be played on August 12 2026 as well as the 5th ODI, which will be played on the 14th of August 2026, both beginning at 9:45 AM IST. Both 50-over games will take place in the same Belfast venue during the Afghanistan tour of Ireland. Weather and pitch conditions will play an important impact on both outcomes.
10. What are betting market forecasts regarding the Belfast pitch?
Based on the trends in the venue, ODI totals typically land between 200 and 240 and T20 totals are typically between 140 and 160. Expect around 12-16 wickets per ODI innings, and 10-14 for T20s, as seamers dominate the market for wickets. The toss and the weather are the two main influences on the outcome, so keep the team that bowls first in cloudy ODI conditions. Also, always be cautious in areas that are legally permitted.
