Ireland vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Afghanistan were given a late reality check by Ireland in the first ODI on Sunday. A 72-run loss in the series opener must’ve made the Asian team realise that they can’t take things for granted in the World Cup as well. Afghanistan are a side which learns and evolves quickly and they have only one game to do it now before heading to England. Ireland, however, will be high on confidence after registering their first win of the summer and will be keen on making it 2-0 and win the series.

Afghanistan would be thinking of not making a wholesale of changes and give their batsmen yet another chance to come to the terms with the conditions. If the overcast conditions appear during the World Cup as well, they would be better prepared for the challenge. Having said that, a more experienced Hamid Hassan could get a go in this game. Ireland won’t be looking to change the winning combination and hope for a similar outing again.

Match Details

The second ODI of the two-match series between Ireland and Afghanistan will be hosted by the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

The match starts at 10:45 local time, 15:15 IST, 09:45 GMT.

Live streaming will be available on Cricket Ireland’s official Youtube channel.

Weather Conditions

Though it will be cloudy throughout the day in Belfast, there won’t be much rain. A shower might interrupt the game once but that shouldn’t be a concern at all. There is only a 7% chance of rain. The temperature will hover around 12-14 Degrees Celsius.

Last five completed ODI matches: (Most recent- first)

Ireland – W, L, L, L, L

Afghanistan – L, W, W, L, W

Pitch Report

Once again, the score around 250 would be par on this pitch. The first ODI saw more assistance to fast bowlers but that might not be the case in this game with better conditions on offer. It will also be interesting to see what teams will do after winning the toss.

Average first innings score: 202 ( Last five completed ODIs at the venue)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 2; Lost – 3

Probable Playing XI

Ireland

Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andrew Balbirnie, Wiliam Porterfield (C), Kevin O’Brien, Mark Adair, Gary Wilson (WK), George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh.

Bench: Tyron Kane, Lorcan Tucker, Andy McBrine.

Afghanistan

Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Nabi, Dawlat Zadran/Hamid Hassan, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam.

Bench: Najibullah Zadran, Dawlat Zadran/Hamid Hassan, Noor Ali Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari.

Team News

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Paul Stirling vs Afghanistan in ODIs:

Innings: 25

Runs: 1032

Average: 43

100s: 1

50s: 9

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Paul Stirling, Rahmat Shah, Andrew Balbirnie.

Vice-Captain Options: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mark Adair, Asghar Afghan, Kevin O’Brien.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/ Small Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Mohammad Shahzad

Batsmen – Asghar Afghan (VC), Rahmat Shah, William Porterfield, Andrew Balbirnie

All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair

Bowlers – Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Boyd Rankin.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/ Mega Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Gary Wilson

Batsmen – Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hazratullah Zazai (C), Andrew Balbirnie

All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi, Kevin O’Brien (VC), Paul Stirling

Bowlers – Aftab Alam, Rashid Khan, Tim Murtagh.

Expert Advice:

Don’t go by the performances in the previous game and keep faith in Afghanistan batsmen.

Fancy taking a risk? Make Mark Adair either captain or vice-captain. He looks a decent bet if conditions are helpful.

Probable Winners:

Afghanistan are expected to level the series but it won’t be easy as Ireland will be eyeing a series win.

*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.