Afghanistan vs Ireland 2019, Only Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Afghanistan and Ireland will face off in the longest format of the game for the first time ever. Both the teams have played and lost the only Test match they’ve played so far. While Ireland threatened Pakistan in their opening game in the whites, Afghanistan were humbled by India in Bengaluru. Next five days will be definitely the enthralling contest between the two teams in Dehradun.

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi will be once again key for Afghanistan in this format as well. But dynamics do change with the change in format. Rashid was pummelled by India and he will be looking to make amends this time around. Ireland have more players with County experience in the format and the skipper William Porterfield will lead the way for them.

Match Details:

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and Ireland will be hosted by the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The match starts at 9:30 PM local time (IST) (4:00 AM GMT).

The game will be live on D Sport in India.

Recent Test form:

Afghanistan: Lost only Test played against India.

Ireland: Lost only Test played against Pakistan.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Spinners enjoyed success during Ranji Trophy. Pitch was on the slower side during ODI series.

Probable XIs:

Afghanistan:

Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Ihsanullah Janat, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan, Sayed Shirzad.

Bench: Ikram Alikhail, Nasir Jamal, Wafadar Momand, Sharafudin Ashraf, Waqar Salamkhail.

Ireland:

William Porterfield (C), Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Simi Singh, Stuart Poynter (WK), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, James Cameron Dow, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin.

Bench – Barry McCarthy, James Mccollum, Lorcan Tucker, Stuart Thompson.

Injury and Availability News:

Zahir Khan and Sayed Shirzad added to the Afghanistan squad.

Power Picks:

Zahir Khan in FC cricket:

34 wickets from 7 matches at an average of 13.14 and a strike-rate of 22.2.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Rahmat Shah, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan

Vice-Captain – Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Kevin O’Brien, Zahir Khan, Andy McBrine, James Cameron Dow

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Mohammad Shahzad

Batsmen – Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Kevin O Brien, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie

All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi, George Dockrell

Bowlers – Rashid Khan, James Cameron Dow, Zahir Khan (VC).

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Stuart Poynter

Batsmen – Asghar Afghan (VC), Rahmat Shah, Kevin O Brien, Paul Stirling

All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi, George Dockrell, Simi Singh

Bowlers – Rashid Khan (C), Andy McBrine, Sayed Shirzad.

Expert Advice:

Based on toss result and pitch report, quite a few crucial decisions can be made. Zahir and Rashid will be crucial if Afghanistan bat first on a turner. James Cameron Dow will be dangerous on a similar surface if Afghanistan bowl first.

Probable Winners:

With spinners expected to dominate, Afghanistan have the upper hand but they can’t take anything for granted against Ireland.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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