Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd ODI, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Combating the Afghan spinners will be the acid test for the Eurpean side, who currently seem clueless when one of them is operating.

Published - 01 Mar 2019, 21:06 IST | Updated - 01 Mar 2019, 21:06 IST

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Ireland’s struggles against the stupendous spin trio of Mujeeb-Rashid-Nabi continued as Afghanistan also continued their winning streak in the series. The visiting team is yet to taste success on this tour and their confidence level is getting tormented with every passing game.

It was a thoroughly clinical bowling display from the Afghan spinners in the 1st ODI. Mujeeb Ur Rahman gave away just 14 runs in his 10 overs and provided a nightmare of an afternoon for the Irish brigade. Gulbadin Naib and Dawlat Zadran were the pick among the fast bowlers.

Combating their spinners will be the acid test for the European side, who currently seem clueless when one of them is operating. If ever they wish to get a good score on board, they should try and find a way out of this stranglehold.

Pitch report

Once again the pitch will show its affection to the spinners and this combination will be a nightmare for the batsmen, the Irish in specific. Some dark clouds are expected to hover around and there could be some interruptions here and there.

Playing Combinations

Afghanistan

Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai will open the innings for Afghanistan with Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi coming in the middle order. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi will pose another serious examination for the Irish batsmen with Dawlat Zadran and Gulbadin Naib being their main fast bowlers.

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

Ireland

Veteran William Porterfield and Paul Stirling will open for the Irish with Balbirnie coming in at number 3. Kevin O Brien, James McCollum, Stuart Poynter and Simi Singh will be coming in the middle order. Ireland will land an experienced fast bowling combination which includes the likes of Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy.

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.