Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd T20I, Preview: Strong Afghan contingent look to pile more misery on the visitors

There will be back-to-back action on Saturday and Sunday as both sides will wind up with the T20 segment of the tour.

Published - 22 Feb 2019, 20:26 IST | Updated - 22 Feb 2019, 20:26 IST

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Despite throwing a resilient fight, Ireland were not on the same level as their opponents Afghanistan in the first game between these sides on Thursday. The spin-trio of Afghanistan combined in a grandiose way to knuckle down the Irish and they registered a comprehensive 5-wicket win.

There will be back-to-back action on Saturday and Sunday as both sides will wind up with the T20 segment of the tour. While the Afghan contingent look pretty confident with most of their players having great experience from the T20 leagues, they cannot undermine the ability of Paul Stirling and his team.

Not a lot of runs are expected from both sides in this game. If the track turns out to be another spinners’ paradise, its needless to say Afghanistan will be on top sheerly by the quality they possess in the spin department.

Playing Combinations

Afghanistan

The swashbuckling Hazratullah Zazai will open alongside Asghar Afghan with Samiullah Shenwari, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Najibullah Zadran coming in the middle order. The spin trio of Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan will be on the spotlight with the fast bowling options being Karim Janat and Fareed Malik.

Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan (C), Samiullah Shenwari, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Najibullah Zadran, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Malik

Ireland

Skipper Paul Stirling and the experienced Kevin O’Brien will open the innings with Andrew Balbirnie, Stuart Thompson, Simi Singh and George Dockrell forming the crux of the middle order. Boyd Rankin and Peter Chase will be their key exponents in the fast bowling department with Stuart Thompson, Shane Getkate and Joshua Little being the other bowling options for Stirling.

Probable XI: Paul Stirling (C), Kevin O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, Stuart Thompson, Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Stuart Poynter (wk), Joshua Little, Boyd Rankin, Peter Chase

Focus will be on

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Arguably the finest cricketer Afghanistan has produced till date, Mohammad Nabi has a huge role to play as this big tour progresses. The all-rounder did his bit with the willow and cherry on Thursday and once again will be expected to deliver a power-packed performance. When he gets going, Afghanistan look like an unbeatable force.

Kevin O’Brien (Ireland)

He first came into the spotlight with that gobsmacking century against England in the 2011 World Cup and since then, there were many high expectations but he couldn’t really get right up there. If he can be half as good as what he was in that dreamland game all those years ago, this can turn out to be a memorable series for the Irish all-rounder. He is also the only cricketer in both lineups to have a Test century to his name.