AFG vs IRE: 2nd ODI Top Captain, Vice-captain Picks & Player Stats
Paul Stirling could be a rewarding choice as the captain or vice-captain of the match (Source: x.com)
After beating Ireland (IRE) by a 35-run margin in the opening one-day international, the Asian side Afghanistan (AFG) now faces the Irish challenge in the second of the three-match series. The clash is all set to be played on Saturday, March 09th, 2024, at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah at 5:00 PM IST. The final encounter will take place on Tuesday, the 12th at the same venue.
AFG vs IRE - Important Player Stats (Top 6 Players)
| Player | Series Stats | Average Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ramanullah Gurbaz | 121 Runs in 1 Match | 155 |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 60 Runs in 1 Match | 76 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 19 Runs and 2 Wickets in 1 Match | 75 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | 50 Runs in 1 Match | 72 |
| Harry Tector | 138 Runs in 1 Match | 165 |
| Lorcan Tucker | 85 Runs in 1 Match | 107 |
AFG vs IRE - Toss Factor
Teams batting first have enjoyed more success than the chasing sides at this venue. The Afghans also batted first and sealed the deal in the series opener. The skipper winning the toss will be looking to bat first and put runs on the board.
Scenario: If Afghanistan win the toss
If Afghanistan wins the toss, they will again look to bat first and put runs on the board like they did in the opening fixture. Sides batting first have had more success than the chasing teams in ODIs at this venue. The batting will again depend on the in-form opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Fazalhaq Farooqi, who picked up four wickets in the first game, will be the key bowler again.
Scenario: If Ireland win the toss
Paul Stirling will also like to bat first and put the Afghans under pressure then. Youngster Harry Tector was sensational in the first game and Stirling would hope that he continues his solid form in this match as well. The bowling will then rely on Mark Adair, Craig Young and Theo van Woerkom.
AFG vs IRE - Top Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Scenario: If Afghanistan Bats First
Ibrahim Zadran will be important for Afghanistan in the match (Source: x.com)
Ibrahim Zadran - Right-handed opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has been a consistent performer for the Afghanistan team especially in the one-day international format for some time now. The 22-year old youngster also struck 60 off 93 with four fours and two maximums in the first ODI.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz - The explosive wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz was at his absolute best in the opening fixture. The 22-year old hammered 121 off 117 with eight fours and six sixes which also earned him the Player of the Match award. Both the openers set the tone for the Afghan team in posting a big total on the board.
Scenario: If Ireland Bats First
Harry Tector - Like Zadran, Harry Tector has become an integral part for the Irish team in the 50-over format. The 24-year old right-handed middle-order player slammed a magnificent century in the series opener. Tector hit 138 off 147 with the help of nine fours and three maximums.
Lorcan Tucker - Wicketkeeper batter Lorcan Tucker has amassed 207 runs against Afghanistan in four ODIs at an average of 52. The right-hander also struck 85 off just 76 with eight fours and two sixes in the last match. Tector and Tucker would be valuable and good picks for this contest.
AFG vs IRE - High Risk, High Rewards
Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) - The hero from the World Cup 2023, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai batted higher up the order at no. three in the opener. The right-hander scored 19 off 20 and then picked up figures of 2/47 in ten overs. Omarzai is a risky but worthy choice for this category.
Paul Stirling (IRE) - Ireland captain Paul Stirling lost his wicket early last time out. The veteran and experienced campaigner will look to lead his side from the front by playing a significant knock this time around. Stirling's quickfire start can set the tone for the middle-order batters to follow.
AFG vs IRE - Stay Aways
Gulbadin Naib (AFG) - All-rounder Gulbadin Naib batted at no. seven and scored only eight runs in the first game. He then delivered an expensive spell of 1/38 in six overs at an economy rate of 6.30. Considering his batting position, Naib could well be given a miss.
Andrew Balbirnie (IRE) - Former captain and right-handed opening player Andrew Balbirnie has only one score of above 20 in his last five one-day international matches. Balbirnie played a scratchy knock of four off 18 in the first match. The 33-year old could be avoided for this fixture.
.jpg "Titas Sadhu's jaffa!")
 "Pawan")
