AFG vs IRE: Only Test Fantasy Predictions, Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks
AFG vs IRE, Test Series: Fantasy Tips for the Only Test (Source: x.com)
Ireland's (IRE) tour of the United Arab Emirates begins with a one-off Test match against the Afghanistan (AFG) side. The only Test is all set to be played on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi at 11:30 AM IST. Both sides will then play out a three-match one-day international and a three-match T20 international series in Sharjah. The tour concludes with the third and final T20I on Monday, March 18th in Sharjah.
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 Afghans and the Irish have met each other only once in the longest format of the game in Dehradun in the year 2019 when the Afghanistan side beat Ireland by a margin of seven wickets. That remains the only meeting between the two teams so far in the Whites.
| Match | Afghanistan Won | Ireland Won | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
AFG vs IRE Pitch Report
The 22-yard at Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi is a well-balanced one. Spin bowlers will enjoy the conditions as the game progresses. Batters will have to settle down before getting a big score under their belt.
This is will be the first Test at this venue
AFG vs IRE Fantasy Cricket Tips
If Afghanistan Fields First
Afghanistan has a relatively new bowling attack. The Afghans will heavily rely on their experienced duo of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. The latter will lead the side and will have his work cut out with the bat as well. The duo will be handling the middle-order as they look to help their side in posting a big total in the first innings.
If Ireland Fields First
Andy McBrine and Mark Adair will have to lead the bowling attack for the Irish. The pair will look to pick up wickets and restrict the Afghans to a low total in the first innings. Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie will have to do the bulk of the scoring for Ireland. Exciting youngster Harry Tector will also be the one to watch out for.
AFG vs IRE Winner Predictions
Considering the conditions and past solitary result. The Afghans will start favorites for this fixture. They may pip the Irish and claim a victory that will give them confidence heading into the white-ball series.
AFG vs IRE Top Player Picks
Rahmat Shah (AFG)
- Rahmat Shah is the leading run-getter for Afghanistan in the oldest format of the game. The veteran averages 36 with one century and five half-centuries to his name. Rahmat struck twin half-centuries against Ireland in Dehradun back in 2019. He will be a vital cog for the Afghans in this one-off game.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the Afghanistan side. The 29-year old is averaging 46 with one century and one half-century in this format. The left-hander smashed that lone fifty against the Irish side in the Dehradun Test. Shahidi will be hoping to lead his side from the front by also getting a substantial score.
Harry Tector (IRE)
- Youngster Harry Tector is already the second highest run-getter for Ireland in the Whites. The 24-year old right-hander averages 42.00 which includes four half-centuries. Tector is a crucial member in the middle-order for the Irish team.
Andrew Balbirnie (IRE)
- Andrew Balbirnie will be donning the captaincy hat for Ireland. The experienced campaigner has hit over 300 runs at an average of 23 with three fifties in Test cricket. He is likely to open the innings with Paul Stirling and would look to provide his team a strong and solid start in these challenging conditions.
AFG vs IRE Differential Picks
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
Having already proved his credentials in the one-day international format, Ibrahim Zadran has also a good record in the Test format. The right-handed batter is averaging 40 with one hundred and three half-centuries to his name. He could perfectly fit in this category for this fixture
Paul Stirling (IRE)
Paul Stirling has proved his worth in the shortest international format over the years now. The veteran and experienced campaigner will be opening the innings for Ireland. With only one 50-plus score in ten Test innings, Stirling is due for a big knock.
AFG vs IRE Fantasy Expert Advice
Given the playing conditions and the probable XIs of the two sides, a combination of 1-5-2-3 will be ideal for the game.
AFG vs IRE Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues
Wicketkeeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector
All-rounders: Rahmat Shah, Karim Janat
Bowlers: Zahir Khan, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy
Captain: Rahmat Shah
Vice-captain: Harry Tector
Afghanistan: 5 Players; Ireland: 6 Players
AFG vs IRE Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/Grand Leagues
Wicketkeeper: Ikram Ali Khil, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Noor Ali Zadran, Harry Tector, James McCollum
All-rounders: George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine
Bowlers: Zahir Khan, Nijat Masood, Mark Adair
Captain: Harry Tector
Vice-captain: George Dockrell
Afghanistan: 5 Players; Ireland: 6 Players
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