AFG vs IRE: 1st ODI Top Captain, Vice-captain Picks & Player Stats
Ibrahim Zadran will be a key player for the Afghanistan team (Source: x.com)
After winning the one-off Test match against Afghanistan (AFG), the Ireland (IRE) team is all set to face them in the limited-overs series beginning with the 50-over format. The first of the three-match one-day international series is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 07th, 2024, at the historic and iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates at 5:00 PM IST.
AFG vs IRE - Important Player Picks (Top 6 Players)
| Player | Country |
|---|---|
| Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan |
| Rahmat Shah | Afghanistan |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghanistan |
| Andrew Balbirnie | Ireland |
| Harry Tector | Ireland |
| Curtis Campher | Ireland |
AFG vs IRE - Toss Factor
Teams batting first have registered more victories in ODIs in Sharjah. But keeping in mind the dimensions of the ground, shorter boundaries and all, the skipper winning the toss will look to bowl first in this contest.
Scenario: If Afghanistan wins the toss
If Afghanistan wins the toss, they will look to field first. Though sides batting first have won more ODIs at this venue but considering the shorter boundaries, ground dimensions, the skipper will look to bowl first and have a target in front. The trio of Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Noor Ahmad will be crucial for the Afghans in picking up the wickets and restricting the Irish to a modest total. The batting will rely on Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah.
Scenario: If Ireland wins the toss
Captain Paul Stirling will also look to bowl first at this venue. Craig Young, Mark Adair and George Dockrell are vital for the Irish side if they field first. The trio will have their work cut out as they hope to be amongst the wickets. While chasing, former captain Andrew Balbirnie and youngster Harry Tector have to be at their best to guide their side home.
AFG vs IRE - Top Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Scenario: If Afghanistan Bat First
Ibrahim Zadran - The 22-year old opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has made a great start to his ODI career. The talented right-handed player is averaging 49 with five hundreds and six fifties. Zadran also struck a half-century against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka last month.
Rahman Shah will be a key player for Afghanistan in the series (Source: x.com)
Rahmat Shah - Veteran and experienced campaigner Rahmat Shah is a guranteed pick for this category. The 30-year old also has a good record against the Irish in this format. The righr-handed top-order player has amassed 885 runs at an average of 37 with two tons and five fifties.
Scenario: If Ireland Bat First
Andrew Balbirnie - Former skipper Andrew Balbirnie opens the innings with Paul Stirling for Ireland. Balbirnie's highest ODI score of 145* came against the Afghans itself. The right-handed batter is averaging 33 with one hundred and four half-centuries against them in ODIs. Balbirnie looks a safer and valuable pick for this category.
Harry Tector can be a game-changing choice for the match (Source: x.com)
Harry Tector - Young Ireland star Harry Tector is a definite pick for this category. The 24-year old handles the middle-order as he has cemented his place in the team after quality performances since his debut. Tector is a must pick for captain/vice-captain category.
AFG vs IRE - High Risk, High Reward
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) - Hard-hitting wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens the innings for the Afghans. The explosive right-handed player can take the game away from the opposition within some time with his brutal hitting. Gurbaz is a risky but a worthy pick also considering his position in the line-up.
Paul Stirling (IRE) - Veteran Paul Stirling will be leading this Ireland team. The destructive right-handed player will open the innings with Balbirnie. Stirling is similar to Gurbaz with the style of play. Stirling will look to lead his side from the front by playing a significant knock.
AFG vs IRE - Stay Aways
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG) - Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi had a disastrous Sri Lanka tour last match. The left-handed middle-order player registered three single-digit scores of 7, 9, and 5 in three ODI matches. The 29-year old batter is looking out of form as he can well be avoided for this fixture.
Lorcan Tucker (IRE) - Wicketkeeper batter Lorcan Tucker bats lower down the order and he averages only 21 in the one-day international format. Considering his position in the line-up and also ODI record, Lorcan Tucker could well be given a miss.
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