AFG vs IRE: 1st ODI Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

AFG vs IRE, ODI Series: Fantasy Tips for the 1st ODI (Source: x.com)

After claiming a historic victory over Afghanistan (AFG) in the one-off Test match, Ireland (IRE) now faces them in the limited-over series beginning with the one-day internationals. The first of the three-match ODI series takes place on Thursday, March 07th, 2024, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah at 5:00 PM IST. 

Ahead of the game, here is a look at the top player picks, pitch report, fantasy tips, predictions, and, the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.

AFG vs IRE - Head-to-Head Stats

The Asian side is slightly ahead in terms of victories as they have managed to win 16 out of the 30 ODIs played between the two sides. The Irish have won 13 times while one encounter ended up with no result.

AFG vs IRE - Pitch Report

There are times when the wicket can become slightly sticky that brings the spin bowlers into play despite the shorter boundaries. The results have favoured teams batting first but chasing would be a better idea at this small ground.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah (ODI Records)

Matches: 247
Matches won batting first: 130
Matches won batting second: 115
Tied: 2

Average first innings total: 224

Fantay Value from Pitch Report

• Top-order batters from either side would be beneficial.
• Spin bowlers from both teams are a must pick.
• Picking quality all-rounders will also be profitable.

AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Cricket Tips

Scenario - If Afghanistan Field First

The trio of Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad will be crucial for the Afghans. These three will look to pick up the most of the Irish wickets and restrict them to a low total. The batting will rely on the talented youngster Ibrahim Zadran, destructive wicketkeeper batter Rahmaullah Gurbaz and the veteran Rahmat Shah.

Scenario - If Ireland Field First

The Irish bowling will depend a lot on the trio of Craig Young, Mark Adair and George Dockrell. These are experienced players and they will have their work cut out against Afghanistan in these conditions. Skipper Paul Stirling would hope to lead his side form the front by playing a substantial knock right at the top of the order. Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector are also there to support Stirling especially in a big run-chase.

AFG vs IRE - Winner Predictions

Given the conditions and the loss that they suffered in the Test match, the Afghans look set to bounce back and register a victory in the opening one-day international match of the series.

AFG vs IRE - Top Player Picks

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) - Ibrahim Zadran is a right-handed opening batter and an ODI specialist. The 22-year old youngster has made a solid start to his 50-over career. Zadran also struck a half-century against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka last month. He is a worthy and reliable pick for this format.

Rahmat Shah (AFG) - Experienced campaigner Rahmat Shah is the first name on the team sheet for the Afghans in this format. The right-handed top-order player smashed two half-centuries (65 and 63) out of the three games played in Sri Lanka the previous month. The 30-year old is a definite pick for this category.

Harry Tector will be a key pick from the Irish side (Source: x.com)

Harry Tector (IRE) - Youngter Harry Tector is already the next big thing in Irish cricket. The right-handed middle-order player has cemented his place in the side, especially in the ODI format. The 24-year old is a talented batter with loads of potentital. Tector is an important pick for this category.

Andrew Balbirnie (IRE) - Former skipper Andrew Balbirnie opens the innings for Ireland. The veteran has played over 100 ODI and has scored over 3000 runs for his country in the 50-over format. His highest ODI score of 145* also came against the Afghans as he averages 33 against them with one hundred and four fifties.

AFG vs IRE - Differential Picks

Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be a game-changing choice for the match (Source: x.com)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a hard-hitting opening batter for Afghanistan. The 22-year old youngster is averaging 60.00 against the Irish in this format. He is a destructive batter who can change the momentum of the game in some time with his brutal hitting.

Paul Stirling (IRE) - Paul Stirling will be donning the captaincy hat for Ireland. The experienced campaigner has a solid record against the Afghans. The righr-handed opener is averaging 49 which includes three centuries and ten half-centuries. Stirling would hope to continue his form against the Asian side.

AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Expert Advice

Given the conditions and the probable-XIs of both teams, a comibnation of 1-4-3-3 looks ideal and perfect for this match.

AFG vs IRE - Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector
All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Mark Adair

Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-captain: Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan: 7 Players, Ireland: 4 Players

AFG vs IRE - Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Paul Stirling, George Dockrell
All-rounders: Gulbadin Naib, Gareth Delany
Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy

Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-captain: Paul Stirling

Afghanistan: 5 Players, Ireland: 6 Players