Afghanistan vs Ireland, 1st ODI, Preview: Visitors aim an improved show with change in format

Will Afghanistan's dominance continue?

Published - 27 Feb 2019, 16:48 IST | Updated - 27 Feb 2019, 16:48 IST

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Ireland continued to go down against Afghanistan in the shortest format of the game. Afghanistan batsmen didn’t show any mercy towards the opposition after a low-scoring first T20I. The next two matches turned out to be high-scoring with even the Irish men going hard against the opposition. But their failure against Rashid Khan was familiar and to be frank, expected.

However, William Porterfield has joined the squad for the ODI series and he has a calm head on the shoulders. His presence should make the team feel better and hope for a better show in the 50-over format. Moreover, it also gives Ireland to settle down and play out the spin threat of Rashid easily. Though Afghanistan are blessed with more spinners and they will be relentless in this contest as well.

Asghar Afghan will be delighted with the way the things have panned out for the team so far. Their batting has looked strong and with Mohammad Shahzad‘s return, it looks even better. Though they won’t take things for granted, especially with the World Cup around the corner. The main aim for them would be to build a strong team ahead of the tournament in this series.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Afghanistan struggled a bit with their pace battery in the Asia Cup and will be looking to plug that hole. Shahzad will open the innings along with Zazai while Rahmat Shah will bat at number three. The skipper Asghar and the Asia Cup hero Hashmatullah Shahidi will come in next. Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib are the all-rounders while Rashid Khan is also no mug with the bat.

Rashid will also lead the spin attack while he will be assisted by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Shapoor Zadran should return to the scheme of things as he cranks up a lot of pace. Aftab Alam and Dawlat Zadran might have to fight for a lone spot.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam/Dawlat Zadran.

Ireland

William Porterfield and Paul Stirling will open the innings as Andrew Balbirnie and Kevin O Brien will follow in the middle order. The top four will have to bat carefully as batting is not so strong for Ireland. James McCollum might be handed over his debut and he might bat at five while Stuart Poynter and Simi Singh are the other batsmen.

The bowling also bolsters for the visitors with Tim Murtagh’s inclusion while Boyd Rankin and George Dockrell continue to be part of the ODI side as well. Barry McCarthy has a chance to play as the fifth bowler with Kevin O Brien also capable of rolling his arm.

Probable XI: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Kevin O Brien, James McCollum, Stuart Poynter (wk), Simi Singh, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy.

Focus will be on

Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan)

Hazratullah Zazai was brutal in his assault in the T20Is and he would love to bat with the same form in the ODIs as well. Though he has struggled in two matches he played for his team and needs to learn the art of pacing his innings. If Zazai manages to bat long in this series consistently, he will definitely on the flight to England for the World Cup.

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

Paul Stirling’s form was the only major shining light for Ireland in the T20Is. He continues to hold the key for them. Stirling will have to play deep into the innings having stayed in India for a considerable period of time now. He is one of the better players of spin and to play 30 overs of spin bowling, Ireland will need their one of the top-order batsmen to score big.