Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
AFG vs IRE 3rd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AFG vs IRE 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Afghanistan vs Ireland 3rd T20I Dream11 | AFG vs IRE 3rd T20 Key Players | Greater Noida Pitch Report
Death. Taxes. Afghanistan beating Ireland in a T20I.
Afghanistan’s latest win was their 12th straight against the Irish in this format, and eighth straight against them in India. It makes one scratch their head and wonder where Ireland’s victory might come from, as they continue to fall short against a side that has their measure.
Ireland have often been unable to contain Afghanistan’s batting throughout the whole innings, before they bleed wickets to spinners. While they have had their positive moments, Ireland need to turn this into more prolonged dominance if they are to leave this tour with a win to their name.
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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Hazratullah Zazai has been unable to replicate the huge performances he put on last year. He has made two scores in the 20s this series.
- He still has an excellent record vs Ireland to build on: 411 runs, avg. 68.50, SR 186.81.
- Paul Stirling holds a huge key to Ireland’s hopes. He is the leading run-scorer for Ireland against Afghanistan (543) and has the most runs at Greater Noida in T20Is (155).
- Asghar Afghan was run-out without facing a ball in the first T20I. But, in the second, he turned the game with 49 (28).
- Can Mohammad Nabi build on his 27 (17)? He has the fourth-most runs in AFG-IRE T20Is (395, avg. 35.90, SR 188.09).
- Najibullah Zadran is yet to be dismissed this series: 42* (21) and 16* (9).
- Interestingly, the top three run-scorers this series are from Ireland: Andy Balbirnie (75), Paul Stirling (72) and the impressive Harry Tector (66).
- Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman have both won a Player of the Match award this series. They have taken four wickets each.
- Rashid has 13 wickets in five games on this ground, and 33 in 12 games vs Ireland. He is far-and-away the leading wicket-taker in AFG-IRE T20Is (next is Nabi with 15).
- Craig Young was Ireland’s most economical bowler (min. two overs) last game (6.75, with one wicket).
- Ireland’s bowlers have taken just six wickets in two games. The onus is on Boyd Rankin and Simi Singh (two wickets each) to lead the way.
Stats and Facts
- Ireland have lost their last three T20Is and last 12 vs Afghanistan.
- In 12 innings vs Ireland, Rashid Khan has only ever finished wicketless once.
- The average first innings score on this ground is 187.6 in five T20Is.
Possible Playing 11
Afghanistan may want to test their bench strength as the series has been won. The likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq may get a run.
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Asghar Afghan (c), 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Samiullah Shinwari, 7. Gulbadin Naib/Azmatullah Omarzai, 8. Rashid Khan 9. Karim Janat, 10. Shapoor Zadran/Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
Ireland need wickets with the ball, so could look at the makeup of their bowling attack.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Kevin O’Brien, 3. Andy Balbirnie (c), 4. Gareth Delaney, 5. Harry Tector, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. Simi Singh, 8. George Dockrell, 9. Josh Little/Barry McCarthy, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Craig Young
Greater Noida Pitch Report and Conditions
There are no issues from a batting perspective at this ground. The average first innings score is nearly 190 in five T20Is, suggesting that this pitch is a beauty for batting.
The weather forecast is for mostly clear.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:

Option 2:

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Match Prediction
Ireland have shown good form in patches, but Afghanistan always seem to have their measure.
It is difficult to see how Afghanistan lose this match, particularly given how different batsmen contribute and how well their spinners are bowling.
Thanks for reading!
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