Ire v Afg, 5th ODI Preview: Afghanistan aim at history; Ireland hope to level

The hard-fought series will take its decisive curve when hosts Ireland and Afghanistan clash for one last time in the 5th ODI at Belfast. The series has been very exciting so far. After the losing the first game due to rains, the series unfolded in a very interesting way with both teams displaying great competitiveness. After the four games, the visitors clearly seems to have dominated the hosts and have a potentially series-winning 2-1 lead.

The interest among fans following this game will at it highest considering the fact that one team will vie for a historic win in the first tour to Europe while the second will try to save their face by levelling the series. Both teams have been quite unpredictable and therefore it is tough to pick one favourite. But, hat the upcoming fixture assures is a highly entertaining contest between two of most fastly growing cricketing nations.

Ireland:

Ireland has a must win situation staring at their face. They have underperformed to some extent in the series, especially in the last game where they were skittled out for just 150 in reply to their opposition’s modest target of 230. The bowlers have been up to the mark but the batsmen nee sharpen their performances. William Porterfield, Sean Terry, Stuart Poynter at the top have very poor scores to their name and their poor form has hurt the team badly. The Afghanistan bowlers have taken full advantage of the fragility at the top.

In both the games they have lost so far, the trio has underperformed. Their quick departures have landed the team in big troubles. Ireland must sort out their batting problems if they wish to win the game and force a draw. The bowling has been way better that batting and will been the key to Ireland’s success tomorrow. Tim Murtagh will lead the attack while 23-year-old medium pacer Barry McCarty, who with 8 wickets is the highest wicket taker so far series, will share the new ball with Murtagh. Kevin O Brien and Peter Chase will play the supporting roles.

Probable XI:

William Porterfield (C), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Sean Terry, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter (WK), Andy McBrine, Gary Wilson, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Peter Chase

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan have been the superior team in the series. With a 2-1 lead, they now have a golden chance to script yet another historic series win. The Batting has been pretty much reliable with one or the other batsmen standing up to the occasion to rescue their team. But, consistency still lacks which makes them quite vulnerable.

A couple of good bowling spells from the opposition can prove to be fatal. They really haven’t posted any intimidating total on the board and have escaped largely due to the bowling heroics. The situation is quite similar to Ireland. Barring Mohammad Shahzad, no one at the top has contributed with the bat. Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari and Asghar Stanikzai must rise up to the occasion. The bowers have been the strength for the Afghans ad will play a crucial role.  All-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan will be the trump cards.

Probable XI:

Asghar Stanikzai (C), Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Noor Ali Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Mirwais Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Yamin Ahmadzai

Match details:

Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Time: The match begins at 3.15 pm