AFG vs IRE: 2nd ODI Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks
AFG vs IRE, ODI Series: Fantasy Tips for the 2nd ODI (Source: x.com)
After defeating Ireland (IRE) by a margin of 35 runs in the opening one-day international, Afghanistan (AFG) now faces them in the second of the three-match series. The encounter is all set to be played on Saturday, March 09th, 2024, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah at 5:00 PM IST. The third and final ODI will take place on Tuesday, the 12th at the same venue.
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 Afghanistan is ahead in terms of results against the Irish. The Afghans have managed to register 17 victories in the 31 matches played between the two sides. Ireland has won 13 while one ODI ended with no result.
| Matches | Afghanistan Won | Ireland Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 17 | 13 | 1 |
AFG vs IRE - Pitch Report
The Sharjah Stadium has smaller boundaries and the pitch does help out the batters. Though, the spin bowlers can also have their say on this surface. A high-scoring game could be on the cards.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah (ODI Records)
Matches: 248
Matches won batting first: 131
Matches won batting second: 115
No Result: 2
Average first innings total: 224
Fantasy Value from Pitch Report
- Middle-order players could be profitable
- All-rounders from either side will give valuable points
AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Cricket Tips
If Afghanistan Field First
Seam bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi was superb in the opening one-day international. The left-arm pacer picked up figures of 4/51 with one maiden in ten overs. Azmatullah Omarzai also snared two scalps for 47 runs in his ten-over spell. The duo will again be looking to do the same job in the second game. The run-chase will again be depend on Rahmanuallah Gurbaz, his opening partner Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi.
If Ireland Field First
Mark Adair had a forgettable outing in the first match. The pacer conceded 79 runs for no wicket in ten overs. He would hope to bounce back and restrict the Afghans to a low total. Theo van Woerkom picked up figures of 3/55 and will like to be amongst the wickets again in the second match. The batting department will be handled by the centurion from the first ODI, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker.
AFG vs IRE - Winner Predictions
The Asian side, the Afghans may well claim a victory again here and seal the series. They survived the Tector-Tucker show and registered a win that gave them a lead in the first match. They are again favorites to clinch the series.
AFG vs IRE - Top Player Picks
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
The explosive wicketkeeper batter won the Player of the Match award in the first ODI for his splendid century. The right-handed opening batter hammered 121 off 117 which included eight fours and six maximums. The 22-year old looked in solid touch and is a must pick for this contest as well.
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
Gurbaz's opening partner Ibrahim Zadran is a complete 50-over format player. Zadran has cemented his place in the side especially in this format with his consistent performances. The right-handed player struck 60 with the help of four fours and two sixes in the opening fixture.
Harry Tector (IRE)
Ireland's young sensation Harry Tector was at his absolute best in the last game. The right-handed middle-order batter smashed 138 off 147 which included nine fours and three maximums. The 24-year old is a guranteed and no-brainer pick for this fixture as well.
Lorcan Tucker (IRE)
Wicketkeeper batter Lorcan Tucker also played a solid knock last time out. The right-handed middle-order batter slammed 85 off just 76 with the help of eight fours and two sixes. Tucker and Tector would be ideal picks ahead of the second one-day international.
AFG vs IRE - Differential Picks
Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) - All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai batted at no. three in the opening ODI. The right-handed player got start as he scored 19 off 20 with one maximum. He also picked up figures of 2/47 in his ten-over spell. He could be the differential pick considering the fact that he batted higher up the order.
Paul Stirling (IRE) - Skipper Paul Stirling got out cheaply for just five runs in the first game. The explosive right-handed opening player bats similarly to that of Gurbaz. The experienced campaigner Stirling can take the game away from the Afghans once settled. He will look to lead his side from the front by getting a substantial score that also helps Ireland in leveling the series 1-1.
AFG vs IRE - Fantasy Expert Advice
Given the strength of the two teams, a 2-4-2-3 or a 1-4-2-4 combination will be ideal for the game.
AFG vs IRE - Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues
Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Harry Tector
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Craig Young, Theo van Woerkom
Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-captain: Harry Tector
Afghanistan: 7 Players, Ireland: 4 Players
AFG vs IRE - Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues
Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell
All-rounders: Gulbadin Naib, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Mark Adair, Graham Hume
Captain: Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-captain: Paul Stirling
Afghanistan: 5 Players, Ireland: 6 Players
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