AFG v IRE, 2nd ODI Preview: Upbeat Afghanistan aim to wrap up the series

There was a lot of talk amongst experts saying this contest between Afghanistan and Ireland will be a close one and entertain every cricket lover. But as it turned out, the Afghans proved to be too strong for a resilient and experienced Irish side, who registered so many memorable victories in the past. Only one of these sides can qualify for the 2019 World Cup and the battle is only getting intense with every match.

Mujeeb Zadran made a debut of a lifetime as he went on to register four wickets. The lad is just 16 years of age and is following the footsteps of his senior companion Rashid Khan, who went on to become a universal fame with his exploits in T20 Leagues. Mujeeb managed to rip the Irish top order apart and picked up some big names.

Ireland might not struggle much with the ball, but their batting is the main concern. Afghanistan’s bowling contingent can pose a serious challenge to the best of sides in the world. They have good pacers, world class spinners in Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan and some very talented youngsters like Mujeeb. This one might be an action replay of the first match as the momentum is very much with the Afghan side.

Toss: Ireland won the toss and opted to bat first

Afghanistan (Probable XI): Asghar Stanikzai (c), Mohammad Nabi, Shafiqullah Shafiq (wk), Javed Ahmadi, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Ihsanullah Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran

Ireland (Probable XI): William Porterfield (c), Boyd Rankin, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wk), Gary Wilson, Paul Stirling, George Dockrell, Tim Murtagh, Andrew Balbirnie, Stuart Poynter, Simi Singh

Focus will be on

Mujeeb Zadran (Afghanistan)

The entire world has cast their eyes on an associate nations’ cricket game only to watch this 16-year-old spin a web around the batters. The off-spinner completed his quota of 10 overs and had to bowl majority of his overs with the new ball. After a sensational display in the Under-19 Asia Cup, the lad got the perfect reward and he repaid his skipper’s trust with a performance of a lifetime.

Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)

Talk about Irish cricket, Kevin O’Brien smashing English bowlers to all parts in Bangalore is something that must be mentioned. He is one of the few players from his country who plays T20 leagues in different countries regularly. Their country is in a predicament right now and their chances of qualifying for the World Cup seems a bit grim. They need him to fire more than ever before.

Playing Combinations

Afghanistan

Javed Ahmadi and Ihsanullah Janat will be opening the innings for the hosts. With Rahmat Shah coming in at number three, Nasir Jamal comes in at number 4, followed by the very experienced Stanikzai. Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Shafiqullah Shafaq and Rashid Khan will follow in the middle order.

Spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran, and Nabi are the key to Afghanistan’s success. Rashid bowled splendidly in the BPL and Mujeeb, the 16-year-old, ripped apart all the lineups in the recently concluded Under-19 Asia Cup. Javed Ahmadi and Gulbadin Naib are the extra options for the skipper.

Ireland

The experienced duo of Paul Stirling and William Porterfield will take charge of the innings. Porterfield will be confident with the willow after a decent inning in the first outing. With the veteran Andy Balbirnie coming in at number 3, the likes of Stuart Poynter, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, and Simi Singh will form the middle order for the Irish.

The Irish attack looks strong with three frontline fast bowlers in Boyd Rankin, Jacob Mulder, and Tim Murtagh. Most of these players have been representing their country for a long time now and have enough experience to perform well in crucial situations. Kevin O’Brien will be one of the chief wicket-takers and the other bowling option is the spinner George Dockrell.

StatAttack

2 – Mujeeb Zadran became the 2nd player after Shahid Afridi to receive a man of the match award before turning 17 in ODI cricket and the youngest to bag the same on ODI debut.

138 – Afghanistan’s 138-run win is their biggest in terms of runs in ODI cricket. Their previous biggest win came off 106 runs via DLS against Zimbabwe earlier this year.