Ireland vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Afghanistan will look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the World Cup in the two-match ODI series against Ireland. They faced Scotland a few days ago as well but missed Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi who were plying their trade in the Indian Premier League for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ireland, on the other hand, couldn’t register a win in the tri-series involving Windies and Bangladesh.

They will be hoping to put up a better and improved show in this series before the fraternity gets busy in the World Cup. While there are no changes to their squad, William Porterfield will hope that the players come together and perform well against their nemesis. Also, Ireland are expected to keep faith in the same XI which played the final league game in the tri-series.

As for Afghanistan, the return of their class players Rashid and Nabi make them look an extremely strong unit. Even Mujeeb Ur Rahman is expected to play who didn’t have a great time at the IPL. However, he will be keen on gaining some confidence ahead of the mega event in this series.

Match Details

The first ODI of the two-match series between Ireland and Afghanistan will be hosted by the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

The match starts at 15:15 IST, 10:45 local time, 9:45 GMT.

The match will not be televised in India.

Weather Conditions

The forecast is not great in Belfast for a game of cricket to take place. While the temperature will hover around 12-14 Degrees Celsius, the heavens are expected to open up especially in the afternoon. There are 53% chances of rain after 2 PM and the rain threat continues for the rest of the day as well. It will remain cloudy the whole day.

Last five completed ODI matches: (Most recent- first)

Ireland – L, L, L, L, W

Afghanistan – W, W, L, W, L

Pitch Report

An ODI is being played at the venue for the first time since August 2018. It is not known to be a high-scoring pitch and the overcast conditions might make it tough for the batsmen to score runs as well.

Average first innings score: 205 ( Last five completed ODIs at the venue)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 2; Lost – 3

Probable Playing XI

Ireland

Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andrew Balbirnie, Wiliam Porterfield (C), Kevin O’Brien, Mark Adair, Gary Wilson (WK), George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh.

Bench: Tyron Kane, Lorcan Tucker, Andy McBrine.

Afghanistan

Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Noor Ali Zadran/Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib (C), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Dawlat Zadran/Hamid Hassan, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Aftab Alam.

Bench: Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Aftab Alam, Dawlat Zadran/Hamid Hassan, Noor Ali Zadran/Hazratullah Zazai, Samiullah Shenwari.

Team News

Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will play this series.

Power Picks:

Rashid Khan vs Ireland in ODIs:

Matches: 21

Runs: 429

Batting Average: 35.75

Wickets: 46

Bowling Average: 15.93

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Andrew Balbirnie, Asghar Afghan, Rahmat Shah, Paul Stirling, Rashid Khan.

Vice-Captain Options: Mohammad Shahzad, Tim Murtagh, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/ Small Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Mohammad Shahzad

Batsmen – Andrew Balbirnie, James McCollum, Asghar Afghan, Rahmat Shah (C)

All-Rounders – Paul Stirling, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi

Bowlers – Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin, Rashid Khan (VC).

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/ Mega Leagues:

Wicket-Keeper – Mohammad Shahzad

Batsmen – William Porterfield, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi

All-Rounders – Mark Adair, Kevin O’Brien, Mohammad Nabi (VC)

Bowlers – George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Hamid Hassan, Rashid Khan (C).

Expert Advice:

Don’t go by the scores amassed by the batsmen in the tri-series. This venue is known for assisting bowling with overcast conditions and the openers can be dismissed early.

Probable Winners:

Afghanistan are expected to trump the hosts in this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.