IRE vs AFG Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between Ireland vs Afghanistan?

Afghanistan finally got off the mark in the T20I series against Ireland as they handed hosts Ireland a 22-run defeat in the third T20I to keep themselves alive in the five-match series. Both sides will tussle in the crucial and potentially decisive fourth match of the series on the 15th of August in Belfast.

Ireland won the opening two matches and were looking to seal the series with a victory in the third T20I on Friday, 12th August, but the visitors threw a spanner in their plans and completed a comprehensive victory as they finally arrived in the series.

The Afghan batters laid the foundation of the victory for the visitors as they posted a daunting total of 189/5 in their 20 overs on the back of swashbuckling innings from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran. 

The hosts never looked like chasing the target as they kept losing wickets and fell short by 22 runs even after valiant efforts from George Dockrell and Fionn Hand. 

IRE vs AFG Match Details

Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Date and Time: 15th August at 8:00 PM IST and 3:30 PM Local Time

Telecast & Live Streaming: FanCode

IRE vs AFG Pitch Report

The third T20I saw a belter of a batting pitch at the Stormont ground as the batters enjoyed their time. The fourth match will also most likely assist the batters and the team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first to make full use of the conducive batting conditions.

IRE vs AFG Probable Playing XIs

Ireland:

Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Andy McBrine, Joshua Little

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

IRE vs AFG Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter of the match

Najibullah Zadran:

Although Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was named the Player of the Match in the previous encounter for his impressive innings at the top of the order, it was the incredible late blitz from Najibullah Zadran, which included five towering maximums, that put Afghanistan in the driver’s seat. The southpaw is renowned for his power-hitting abilities and will be a threat in the upcoming matches.

Probable best bowler of the match

Joshua Little:

Ireland’s young left-arm pacer Joshua Little’s reputation is growing with each outing as the 22-year-old was the most economical bowler for his side in the third T20I and scalped two wickets, taking his tally to seven wickets in his last five T20I appearances. Afghanistan will be wary of his exploits with the new ball in the upcoming fixtures.

Today’s Match Prediction: Ireland to win the match.

Also Check: Dream11 Team Prediction for IRE vs AFG

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