AFG vs IRE: 1st T20I Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

AFG vs IRE, ODI series: Fantasy Tips and Teams for the 1st T20I [X]AFG vs IRE, ODI series: Fantasy Tips and Teams for the 1st T20I [X]

After winning the three-match one-day international series by a margin of 2-0, Afghanistan (AFG) now takes on Ireland (IRE) in a three-match T20 international series. The first encounter is all set to be played on Friday, March 15th, 2024, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates at 9:30 PM IST. 

Ahead of the game, here is a look at some of 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 

Afghanistan and Ireland have played each other 23 times. The Asian side has been the dominant one with 16 wins, while Ireland have won seven of these games. 

Matches
Afghanistan Won
Ireland Won
No Result
231670


AFG vs IRE - Pitch Report

The wicket at the Sharjah cricket stadium generally favours the batters. The batters enjoy the pitch especially in the first innings. As the game goes, it might slow down and help the spinners.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Ground Stats (T20I Records)

Matches: 35
Matches won batting first: 19
Matches won batting second: 15
Tied: 1

Average first innings total: 151

Fantasy Value from Pitch Report

The track at Sharjah supports the batters and they can score freely also considering the fact of shorter boundaries at the venue. The captain winning the toss may look to have a target in front of him.


AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Cricket Tips

If Afghanistan Field First

If the Afghans fields first, the duo of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb ur Rahman will be key for them in restricting the Irish side to a modest total. The pair will look to pick up early wickets and put the Ireland side on the backfoot. In batting, Rahmahullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai will hold the key.

If Ireland Field First

If the Irish side bowls first, the trio of Mark Adair, Craig Young and Joshua Little will be important for them. The seam bowlers will be crucial for Ireland as they look to restrict the Afghans to a low total. Batting will reply on the experienced players like Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector.


AFG vs IRE - Winner Predictions

After sealing the one-day international series 2-0, the Asian side Afghanistan will be favorites to win the opening T20 international match especially in these conditions.


AFG vs IRE - Top Player Picks

Gurbaz has been in decent form with the bat recently [X]Gurbaz has been in decent form with the bat recently [X]

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a destructive opening batter for the Afghans. The talented right-handed opener won the Player of the Series award for his knocks of 121 and 51 in the recent two ODI matches against Ireland. Gurbaz is clearly the man-in-form and as easy pick for this category.

Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG)

All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has become a vital cog for the Afghans in recent times in the limited-overs format. Since his solid performances in the World Cup 2023, Omarzai has become a regular in the playing XI. He also bats higher up the order now so should be a good pick.

Paul Stirling could be a good pick for this match (Source: x.com)Paul Stirling could be a good pick for this match (Source: x.com)

Paul Stirling (IRE)

Skipper Paul Stirling is an experienced campaigner and an explosive right-handed opening batter. The 33-year old opener has scored over 600 runs against the Afghans at an average of 28 which includes four half-centuries. 

Harry Tector (IRE)

Youngster Harry Tector was Ireland's highest run-scorer in the recently-concluded ODI series against the Afghans. The talented right-handed middle-order player scored 141 runs in two outings. Tector is a reliable and must-pick for this category.


AFG vs IRE - Differential Picks

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

Ibrahim Zadran is likely to open the innings with Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The 22-year old right-handed batter has proved his worth in the 50-over format. Zadran, who has lots of potentital, will look to make his case in the sohrtest international format now. He already has five fifties to his name in this format.

Andrew Balbirnie (IRE)

Former skipper Andrew Balbirnie will open the innings with Paul Stirling. The experienced campaigner has played close to 100 T20 internationals now (98). With ten half-centuries under his belt, Balbirnie could be the differential pick for this category.


AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Expert Advice

Given the playing conditions and the probable-XIs, a combination of 1-3-3-4 would be perfect for the game.


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

Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, George Dockrell
All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Mark Adair
Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Joshua Little

Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Vice-captain: Harry Tector

Afghanistan: 6 Players, Ireland: 5 Players


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

Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lorcan Tucker 
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy

Captain: Harry Tector
Vice-captain: Mohammad Nabi

Afghanistan: 5 Players, Ireland: 6 Players