Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Afghanistan
Ireland
Afghanistan
Ireland
Ireland eye strong start against Afghanistan in ODI series opener at Abu Dhabi
Expect Ireland to pull off a close win over Afghanistan and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
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Afghanistan and Ireland will lock horns in the opening game of the three-match one-day series played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 21st January (Thursday).
Since 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan performances have dipped sharply in the limited-overs cricket. Reinstated as the captain of the one-day side, Asghar Afghan will be hoping that the side can turn things around in this three-match one-day series.
On the other hand, Ireland previous series against UAE was called off after a number of UAE players contracted the coronavirus. The side has an idea of the conditions as they played their only one-day game against Ireland before Covid-19 cases brought bilateral series to a complete halt.
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The selectors have gone for a full-strength side for the three-match one-day series against Ireland. Spinners Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have flown to UAE after their BBL stint with their respective franchises.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Javed Ahmadi, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi are experienced players in the limited-overs squad for Ireland series.
In the batting department, the onus will be on the experienced batting trio of Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan and Hashmatullah Shahidi to make notable scores in this opening fixture.
Since May 2019, middle-order batsman Rahmat Shah has been topped the batting charts for Afghanistan. In 15 ODIs, Rahmat Shah has accumulated 537 runs at an average of 35.80 with one century and three half-centuries.
Besides Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan and Hashmatullah Shahidi have put in decent scores for Afghanistan in the 50-over format.
Given the conditions will suit the spinners, the onus will be on the spin trio of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to provide vital breakthroughs.
Gulbadin Naib, Naveen ul Haq and Yamin Ahmadzai are available pace options for Afghanistan.
Asghar Afghan, Javed Ahmadi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Andrew Balbirnie-led unit will take heart from the fact that they have already played a 50-over game at this venue.
In the batting department, the side will be relying on their in-form opener Paul Stirling to produce a notable score in this fixture. Since 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Paul Stirling has been topped the batting charts for Ireland in limited-overs format. The 30-year old has accumulated 839 runs in 15 ODIs at an average of 59.92, which includes three centuries and six half-centuries.
Besides Stirling, Captain Andrew Balbirnie has shown excellent form with the bat in this period and scored 604 runs in 15 matches at an average of 40.26 with three centuries and two half-centuries.
Ireland will be hoping that the likes of Kevin O’Brien, Harry Tector and wicket-keeper Lorcan Tucker can contribute with crucial runs in this opening encounter against Afghanistan.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Craig Young, Barry McCarthy and Mark Adair to make crucial breakthroughs.
Surprisingly, Pacer Mark Adair has put in impressive performances for Ireland in the past 12 months. He has topped the bowling charts for Ireland with 17 wickets at an average of 37.82.
Kevin O'Brien, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, Curtis Campher, Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Andy Balbirnie
Hr | Temp | Rain | W. speed | W. direction | Clouds |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
00h | 19 | 0 mm. | 1.33 k/h | From: NW | 0% |
03h | 20 | 0 mm. | 1.4 k/h | From: SW | 0% |
06h | 22 | 0 mm. | 2.51 k/h | From: SSW | 0% |
09h | 22 | 0 mm. | 6.9 k/h | From: WNW | 0% |
12h | 21 | 0 mm. | 8.68 k/h | From: NW | 16% |
15h | 20 | 0 mm. | 10.38 k/h | From: NW | 24% |
18h | 20 | 0 mm. | 10.72 k/h | From: NW | 14% |
21h | 19 | 0 mm. | 10.95 k/h | From: NW | 0% |
Traditionally, the pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is excellent for batting. The spinners generally get some assistance off the pitch. The weather forecast for Thursday game is going to be sunny with moderate breeze
Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is going to host the opening game between Afghanistan and Ireland.
Ireland will take heart from the fact that they have won three matches out of five played in the UAE against Afghanistan
Both the teams will be looking to win the toss and bat first. First innings score at Sheikh Zayed Stadium is around 248 runs.
Based on squad analysis, Ireland will start as slight favorites after having played one game against UAE earlier this month. With likes of Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie in splendid form with the bat, the side will be looking to put in another strong batting performance against Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will be relying on their strength i.e. spinners to outfox the Ireland batsmen in this contest.
Expect Ireland to pull off a close win over Afghanistan and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
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