Last Updated on 7 days by Charbel Coorey
Afghanistan vs Ireland 1st T20I Preview Dream11. AFG vs IRE 1st T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction
One of international cricket’s fledgling rivalries kicks off again, with T20Is the start of a tour that also includes the opportunity for both these sides to pick up their first ever Test victory.
Afghanistan return to the scene of their magnificent 3-0 series win over Bangladesh last year. Since then, they have earned automatic qualification to next year’s World T20, and can now continue building on their excellent promise in this format. They have won seven T20Is in a row against Ireland, including a comfortable 2-0 win away from home last year, which makes them strong favourites in Dehradun. Will they prove to be too good?
Ireland just ended their own losing streak, beating the Netherlands last week in a thrilling T20I. Andy Balbirnie, who was man of the match, has challenged the men in green to transfer that effort to this series. However, a huge test awaits Ireland against an Afghanistan side growing more and more with many of their players involved in T20 leagues. Can they cause a first up upset?
Key to an Afghanistan win
Afghanistan’s spinners were magnificent in their victories over Bangladesh and Ireland last year. Their quick arm actions and variations is something they can look to take advantage in this one, with the Irish struggling badly against spin in recent times, including their home series against India. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman are now established T20 bowlers, and you know what you will get with the experienced and wily Mohammad Nabi. Will these three deliver 12 damaging overs that leave Ireland struggling for momentum? What impact will Afghanistan’s seamers have? A huge opportunity awaits for skipper Asghar Afghan to put the squeeze on Ireland.
Also, will it be a strong night for Afghanistan’s batsmen? Hazratullah Zazai was outstanding in the T20Is against Ireland last year, and will be key in delivering a strong start for his side with Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the series. Usman Ghani is another player who has shown promise in the Afghanistan shirt, and if the top order can set up a platform for the likes of Shafiqullah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan have what it takes to bat Ireland out of the match.

Key to an Ireland win
It is easier said than done, but how Ireland adjust to the conditions will be crucial. Their battle against Afghanistan’s spinners will arguably decide which way the game goes, so a proactive, confident approach with good use of the feet is the order of the day. Andy Balbirnie, superb in Oman, will be key at the top, along with Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien in giving Ireland a foothold in the game. Can the likes of Simi Singh and Stuart Poynter help keep Ireland afloat in those all-important middle overs?
Also, can Ireland effectively target Afghanistan’s batting, which is their weaker suit? A big ask awaits Ireland’s spinners to compete with Afghanistan’s, which makes the powerplay overs crucial for Ireland to get into the game. The likes of Stuart Thompson and George Dockrell will be key against Afghanistan’s top order, and if Ireland can get powerplay wickets, they can look to build further pressure in the middle overs.

Possible Playing 11
Mohammad Shahzad is out for Afghanistan, which will likely see Usman Ghani and Hazratullah Zazai open the batting.
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Usman Ghani, 3. Shafiqullah (wk), 4. Asghar Afghan (c), 5. Naijbullah Zadran, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Samiullah Shenwari, 8. Karim Janat, 9. Rashid Khan, 10, Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Zahir Khan/Sayed Shirzad
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For Ireland, Paul Stirling will continue to lead the side with Gary Wilson still looking to overcome a vision problem.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling (c), 2. James Shannon, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. Kevin O’Brien, 5. Simi Singh, 6. Stuart Thompson 7. Stuart Poynter (wk), 8. George Dockrell, 9. Harry Tector, 10. Andy McBrine, 11. Peter Chase/Boyd Rankin
Dream11 Prediction
With Dream11 now changing its deadline to official match time, the following team can be edited upon official team announcements.

Stats and Facts
- Afghanistan have won their last seven T20Is against Ireland. The last time Ireland beat Afghanistan in a T20I was back in 2013.
- Only three players remain from that XI for Ireland: Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell.
- Head-to-head: Played 12 Afghanistan 9 Ireland 3.
Match Prediction
It really is great to see both these sides in action.
However, in conditions which suit Afghanistan, I expect them to be too strong in the first T20I.
Afghanistan to take a 1-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
Afghanistan vs Ireland 1st T20I Preview Dream11. AFG vs IRE 1st T20I Preview Dream11 Prediction