Match Details:
The 1st of the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Ireland will be played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM local time and 11:00 AM IST on January 21st.
Preview:
Ireland’s time some far in the United Arab Emirates has been difficult. To start it all off, they were handed a defeat by a comparatively weaker UAE team in the first ODI. Then came the long duration of uncertainty, as many UAE players tested positive for COVID-19 and the series was subsequently halted.
It was eventually reduced to a 2-match series and Ireland won the last game, which will give them a lot of relief. However, things will be way more tougher against Afghanistan. Not only have the team from Asia have named a strong squad, but some of their players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are also coming into this tournament on the back of a good Big Bash League campaign.
AFG vs IRL Weather Report for 1st ODI:
It will not be too hot here in Abu Dhabi, with the temperature ranging from 19-23 °C, but humidity will be 70%. Precipitation is not on the cards.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium is a balanced one, where spinners are likely to have a good time. Anything over 250 should be a competitive total here.
Average first innings score:
247 (Last 5 Complete matches played on this venue)
Record of chasing teams:
Won – 2, Lost – 3, Tie – 0
Injury and Availability News:
(Will be added when there is an update)
AFG vs IRL Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Afghanistan
Asghar Afghan (c), Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Javed Ahmadi, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Naveen-ul-Haq, Rahmat Shah
Bench:
Azmatullah Omarzai, Sayed Shirzad, Usman Ghani, Yamin Ahmadzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf
Ireland
Andy Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Harry Teckor, Kevin O’Brien, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young
Bench:
James McCollum, Mark Adair, Neil Rock, Josh Little
AFG vs IRL Top Picks for Today’s 11Wickets Match:
Mohammad Nabi had a decent season in the ongoing Big Bash League. In the 7 matches he played for Melbourne Renegades, Nabi scored 149 runs and also picked up 4 wickets.
Rashid Khan had a fantastic season for the Adelaide Strikers in the ongoing Big Bash League. He picked up 16 wickets and had an economy rate of under 7 runs per over.
Playing for the Brisbane Heat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a great time in Australia. He picked up 14 wickets and had an economy rate of just over 6 runs per over.
Paul Stirling was Ireland’s highest run-scorer in the series against UAE. He scored 135 runs, which included a phenomenal knock fo 131 not out.
Irish all-rounder Curtis Campher also had a good time in that series. He scored 80 runs at a strike rate of nearly 80 and also provided his team with a couple of breakthroughs.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Paul Stirling, Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan
Vice-Captain Options – Rashid Khan, Curtis Campher, Andy Balbirnie
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for AFG vs IRL 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters – Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c)
All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Curtis Campher
Bowlers – Rashid Khan (vc), Craig Young, Andy McBrine
12th Man – Simi Singh
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for AFG vs IRL 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters – Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien
All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi (c), Curtis Campher (vc), Simi Singh
Bowlers – Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Rashid Khan, Andy McBrine
12th Man – Gulbadin Naib
Expert Advice:
Simi Singh was not included in Ireland’s team for the first ODI against UAE, but he proved why it was a fatal mistake in the second match. He scored an unbeaten 54 and picked up 5 wickets in that game.
Today’s AFG vs IRL Probable Winners:
Afghanistan are expected to win this match.
