Afghanistan vs Ireland, One-Off Test Match Preview

Afghanistan (AFG) gear up to face Ireland (IRE) in a landmark one-off Test set to commence on Wednesday, February 28, in Abu Dhabi. Following a crushing defeat by 10 wickets in the one-off Test against Sri Lanka earlier this month, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will aim for better and an all-round performance from his troops. He'll be hoping that the unavailability of their ace spinner, Rashid Khan, doesn't haunt them during the game. 

Conversely, Ireland, who haven't played a Test since the summer of last year, must acclimatise swiftly to the conditions and will be aspiring to display a solid performance against Afghanistan. With Afghanistan missing two key spinners, the visitors perceive this encounter as a golden opportunity to secure their inaugural Test victory. Expectations are high as both teams brace themselves for a battle of skill and strategy, promising an exciting spectacle for the cricketing fraternity to witness.

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

Set to unfold at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the one-off Test showdown between Afghanistan and Ireland beckons. Afghanistan draws confidence from their prior victory at this venue, setting the stage for an intriguing clash. Anticipated to favour batsmen yet offer spinners assistance, the pitch forecasts an engaging contest. Notably, the skies are expected to remain clear throughout the match, ensuring uninterrupted play for both sides.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan:

In the batting lineup, Afghanistan pin their hopes on newcomer Ibrahim Zadran alongside experienced campaigners Noor Ali Zadran, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz for crucial contributions. On the bowling front, Afghanistan look to the talents of Naveed Zadran, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masood, Khalil Gurbaz, and Zia Ur Rahman to make decisive breakthroughs during the match.

Predicted XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Naveed Zadran, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masood, Khalil Gurbaz and Zia Ur Rahman.

Ireland:

Ireland see this match as a prime opportunity to showcase their proficiency in subcontinental conditions. Banking on a formidable batting lineup including Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, James McCollum, Paul Stirling, Peter Moor, Lorcan Tucker, and Curtis Campher, Ireland will aim to amass substantial runs. In the bowling department, the team looks to Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young, and Andy McBrine to deliver crucial breakthroughs during the game.

Predicted XI: Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie (c), James McCollum, Paul Stirling, Peter Moor, Lorcan Tucker (wk) Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young and Andy McBrine.

Head-to-Head Record:

AFG vs IRE, One-Off Test Broadcasting details: