Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd T20I Match Preview

Afghanistan (AFG) and Ireland (IRE) are gearing for the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series on March 17 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Ireland defeated Afghanistan in the opening game by 38 runs and have taken a 1-0 lead in the series.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first, with their star player Rashid Khan returning to lead the side. Ireland gave a target of 150 with Harry Tector being the standout performer, scoring a brilliant knock of 56 off 34 deliveries. Skipper Paul Stirling and opener Andy Balbirnie gave a good start to the Irish team. Rashid made a strong comeback,ending with figures of 3/19.

Also read: AFG vs IRE 2024, 1st T20I Review: Tector, White star as Ireland clinch opening T20I

Coming to chase a modest total, the Irish bowlers put pressure early on by picking the wickets of the Afghanistan openers early in the innings. Mohammad Ishaq and Mohammad Nabi did provide some hope but the visitors kept the Afghan side on the backfoot. Ben White was the best bowler for Ireland as he ended with four wickets.

With the win in the first T20I, Ireland will be confident going in for the upcoming clash and will look to add one more win to their account. On the other hand, after winning the ODI series, Afghanistan will be looking to come back strong in the next encounter.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates is known for having batting-friendly conditions, and they provide help to both batters and spin bowlers. The surface typically favors the team batting first, with an average first innings score of 151 in T20I matches played at this venue. Consequently, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan

Afghanistan have their hopes on experienced Rahmanullah Gurbaz alongside Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. On the bowling front, Afghanistan will look up to the talents of skipper Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi to make crucial breakthroughs during the match.

Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan (c), Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi 

Ireland

Ireland will be banking on their formidable batting lineup including Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, and Curtis Campher. In the bowling department, the team has Mark Adair, Ben White, Barry McCarthy, and Josh Little to provide crucial breakthroughs.

Predicted XI: Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Ben White 

Head-to-Head Record

AFG vs IRE, 2nd T20I Broadcasting details: