Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Afghanistan vs Ireland Only Test Preview Dream11. AFG vs IRE Only Test Preview Dream11 Prediction

Afghanistan and Ireland in the whites. It is a sight we’d love to see more of. Both sides have a shot at glory, both in just their second Test match, making it a battle of will and determination, as much as skill. The Future Tours Program (FTP), in conjunction with the growing T20 leagues around the world might make it difficult for these two sides to get the exposure they need to develop at this level. However, both have a chance to impress here.

Afghanistan play their first ‘home’ Test in the same country as their only away Test! They found the going very difficult in their inaugural Test against India, which began with T20-style bowling that simply wasn’t going to hold up in Test cricket. However, plenty of eyes will be on their batsmen, who struggled in that Test, as well as the recent ODI series against Ireland. The team that will take the field in Dehadrun for this Test will carry the hopes of a nation behind them, and can put smiles on many people’s faces. Afghanistan, indeed, are a true inspiration.

So too are Ireland. They pushed Pakistan very hard in their only Test to date. Here, they came back twice to level the ODI series against a World Cup participant in foreign conditions. However, questions remain as to whether their spin attack can hold up to the demands of Test cricket in India. But, one thing is for sure – Ireland will give it their best shot. They have known no other way in their cricketing history. Will it be they who pick up their first Test victory?

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Key to an Afghanistan win

Afghanistan’s experienced batsmen – namely Mohammad Shahzad, Asghar Afghan and Mohammad Nabi – will be crucial to the cause. Batting long is important in Test cricket, and Afghanistan need to bank on the experience of those who have been around the scene for years. Also, can the likes of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi deliver for Afghanistan? Both are technically sound, and have the patience to enable others to bat around them and set up a strong score.

Also, while the batsmen struggled in the inaugural Test against India, so did the bowlers. Mujeeb ur Rahman is not available for this Test, but he along with Rashid Khan found it difficult to adjust to the Test format. Here, patient bowling is key, focusing on nailing stock deliveries before the occasional variation. Afghanistan’s seamers, including the impressive Yamin Ahmadzi, will be key in getting into Ireland’s top order, paving the way for the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi to challenge Ireland with spin.

Key to an Ireland win

How Ireland handle Afghanistan’s spin attack will be crucial to the result. William Porterfield had an underwhelming ODI series, but his experience in First Class cricket, albeit in different conditions, has to come to the fore. Andy Balbirnie, man of the series in the ODIs, will also be crucial at the top to enable Ireland to get into their innings. With Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien, Ireland’s first ever Test centurion, in the middle order, a strong start can render the Irish very competitive.

Also, with seam being Ireland’s bowling strength, the fitness, stamina and threat the seamers provide will be key. Tim Murtagh is superb in UK conditions, but how he adjusts to Dehradun will be something to keep an eye on. Can he get the ball moving? Will Boyd Rankin use his height effectively? Can the likes of George Dockrell outbowl Afghanistan’s spinners through patience and strategy? It is all to play for.

Possible Playing 11

Rashid Khan has an injured right middle-finger, but is expected to play. It remains to be seen whether Afghanistan replace Mujeeb ur Rahman with Zahir Khan or another seamer.

Afghanistan: 1. Mohammad Shahzad, 2. Javed Ahmedi, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi, 5. Afsar Zazai (wk), 6. Asghar Afghan (c), 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Yamin Ahmadzi, 10. Zahir Khan, 11. Sayed Shirzad/Wafadar Momand

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For Ireland, Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien have retired. Gary Wilson is still out with a condition that impacts his vision. The likes of Lorcan Tucker and James Cameron-Dow are in contention for selection.

Ireland: 1. William Porterfield (c), 2. Paul Stirling, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. Lorcan Tucker, 5. Simi Singh, 6. Kevin O’Brien, 7. Stuart Poynter (wk), 8. Stuart Thompson/Andy McBrine, 9. George Dockrell, 10. Tim Murtagh, 11. Boyd Rankin

Dream11 Prediction

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Official teams (new update)

Afghanistan: Asghar Afghan (capt.), Mohammad Shahzad, Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Wafadar Momand, Yamin Ahmadzai, Waqar Salamkhail

Ireland: William Porterfield (capt), Andy Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter (wk), Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• If there is a winner in this Test, that team will become the joint-second fastest behind Australia to achieve a Test win. Pakistan and England both won their second Test.
• Asghar Afghan’s last three scores for Afghanistan: 75, 54, 82*.
• Boyd Rankin is set to play his third Test. His previous two were for two different nations (England and Ireland).

Match Prediction

I give Ireland a massive chance in this match, given the First Class experience in their side.

However, conditions will suit Afghanistan, and they have enough in them to win.

Afghanistan to win their first ever Test!

Thanks for reading!

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Afghanistan vs Ireland Only Test Preview Dream11. AFG vs IRE Only Test Preview Dream11