Match Details:
The 2nd ODI series between Afghanistan and Ireland will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM local time and 11:30 AM IST on January 24th.
Preview:
Afghanistan and Ireland are all set to take on each other for the second ODI of the three-match series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Afghanistan are looking pretty good with their team combination with the young debutant stepping up and scoring a huge century in the first ODI.
They suffered a mini-collapse in the middle order though but were good enough to recover from that and give a target above 280. Naveen-ul-Haq gave a good bowling performance with Mujeeb and Rashid taking two wickets each. Overall, they would be looking for a much better outing of their middle order and wrap up the series in the second ODI.
On the other side, Ireland did give a fight and will be looking to continue to do it to make it 1-1. However, everyone in their batting lineup contributed and fought till the end to chase a hefty target of 288. They would like to get a better start from their new-ball bowlers and carry the momentum forward to restrict the opposition from scoring quick runs.
Overall, their exciting young bunch of players are their major strength and looking pretty confident to level up the series this weekend.
AFG vs IRE Weather Report for 2nd ODI:
Another stunning day awaits in front of us for the second ODI. The temperature will be around 19-22 Degree Celsius throughout the match with zero chances of rain.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium becomes slower with time in the second innings. Winning the toss and batting first would be perfect on this pitch. Anything above 250 is nearly impossible to chase.
Average first innings score:
287 (Considering ODI Matches in 2021 at this venue)
Record of chasing teams:
Won – 0, Lost – 1, Tie – 0
Injury and Availability News:
(Will be added when there is an update)
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AFG vs IRE Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Bench:
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sayed Shirzad, Usman Ghani, Yamin Ahmadzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf.
Ireland
Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andy Balbirnie (C), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Gareth Delany, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young.
Bench:
James McCollum, Mark Adair, Neil Rock, Josh Little.
AFG vs IRE Top Picks for Today’s Dream11 Match:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant century in his debut in the last game. He scored 127 at a SR of 100 with 9 sixes and 8 fours. He will open the innings once again and has high probability to score big.
Andy McBrine took 5 wickets at an economy rate below 3 in the first ODI. He will be a key for Ireland to stop quick runs in the middle overs as off break spinners is just above 4 at this venue in last 10 years.
Rashid Khan scored a brilliant half-century at a SR of 183.33 and also took 2 wickets with the ball in the first ODI. Rashid Khan averages 43.3 at this venue with a SR of 180.6 in his ODI career.
Paul Stirling scored a brilliant century in the last series against UAE and averages 87 in ODIs this year so far. He will be opening the innings and has a healthy average above 50 in the powerplay. Also he will be a key as openers get the best conditions to bat on against the new ball.
Lorcan Tucker scored a brilliant 83 in the first ODI. The wicketkeeper-batsman is looking in good touch and will be crucial for Ireland in the second ODI as well.
Mohammad Nabi is the most experienced player in this Afghanistan side. He averages 45.6 against the off break spinners in ODIs and will be a key to tackle the spin the middle overs.
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Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Paul Stirling, Rashid Khan, Lorcan Tucker
Vice-Captain Options – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for AFG vs IRE Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (VC), Lorcan Tucker
Batters – Paul Stirling (C), Andy Balbirnie, Rahmat Shah
All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi, Curtis Campher
Bowlers – Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Andy McBrine
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for AFG vs IRE Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters – Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling
All-Rounders – Simi Singh, Mohammad Nabi, Curtis Campher
Bowlers – Rashid Khan (C), Andy McBrine (VC), Mujeeb Ur Rehman
Expert Advice:
Considering the nature of the pitch, it is advisable to take more spinners in your fantasy teams. Openers also have a good chance to make runs against the new ball.
Today’s AFG vs IRE Probable Winners:
Afghanistan are expected to win this match.
