AFG vs IRE Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 2nd ODI match between Afghanistan vs Ireland?

Preview

Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 35 runs in the first ODI of the ongoing series. Wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a sensational knock of 121 runs, while his opening partner Ibrahim Zadran (60) supported him well. The duo stitched a partnership of 150 runs for the first wicket, which set the tone of the match. Notably, Zadran made 60 off 93 balls, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi hit 50* runs off 33 deliveries as Afghanistan posted 310/5 in the first innings.

During the chase, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker changed the complexion of the game after the top-order failed miserably, and brought Ireland close to the target. Tector smashed 138 runs, while Tucker (85) felt short by just 15 runs off a deserved hundred, but that wasn’t enough. However, it should motivate the team to produce a better show when they challenge Afghanistan on Saturday, March 9 at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah is known for its batting-friendly conditions. The surface helped the batters in the first ODI, and the same can be seen in the second match as well. Bowling first will be ideal, even though the toss won’t play a massive part.

Click Here: AFG vs IRE Live Score, 2nd ODI

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar

Ireland:

Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young

Probable Best Batter of the Match

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz is in remarkable form at the moment. He did well in the T20I series against Sri Lanka and managed to keep up with his form. The century in the last match should boost his confidence as Afghanistan would look to seal the series after a disappointing performance in the one-off Test.

Probable Best Bowler of the Match

Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up four wickets in the last match. The 23-year-old picked up 11 wickets in his last five matches, and that shows the calibre he possesses. He will be a threat with the new ball against Ireland in the second ODI.

Today’s Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match

Scenario - 1

Afghanistan win the toss and bowl

Powerplay Score – 40-50

First Innings Score - 270-290

Afghanistan  win the match

Scenario - 2

Ireland win the toss and bowl

Powerplay Score - 55-65

First Innings Score - 310-330

Afghanistan win the match