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AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey

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March 8, 2020 at 12:40 pm

AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | Greater Noida Pitch Report | AFG vs IRE 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Afghanistan vs Ireland 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 | AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Key Players

One of international cricket’s fledgling rivalries continues with another battle between these two teams, after a match that swung back-and-forth a couple of days ago.

Afghanistan, who have made incredible strides in recent years, have the chance to put more victories on the board. They have won their last 11 T20Is against Ireland, who are looking to have a good 2020 in T20 cricket, where they will be involved in the Qualifier in the World T20 later this year.

Defeat looked likely for the Afghans as they lost three wickets inside the powerplay, but Najibullah Zadran’s superb hitting ensured Afghanistan were in front by the time the rain came, and highlighted the depth the Afghans possess in T20 cricket.

So, who can Ireland bounce back or will Afghanistan win their eighth straight T20I over the Irish in India?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Hazratullah Zazai has caused plenty of hurt for Ireland in T20Is. He has 383 runs against them in six matches, at an average of 76.60 and SR 204.81.
This includes the second-highest individual T20I score of all-time: 162*, achieved one year ago in a game where Afghanistan scored 278/3.
Paul Stirling, who is coming off 60 (41) in the first T20I, has the most runs in AFG-IRE T20Is: 531 (avg. 35.40, SR: 147.09).
Mohammad Nabi was second-best behind Zazai vs Ireland last year, scoring 147 runs at 73.50, with a SR of 181.48. His overall record vs Ireland is strong: 15 games, 368 runs, avg. 36.80, SR 190.67.
Kevin O’Brien averages just 14.12 in 16 matches vs Afghanistan. But, his last three scores vs AFG in India have been good: 37 (25), 74 (47) and 35 (17).
So, the battle between Ireland’s and Afghanistan’s openers will be crucial, particularly given Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s hitting ability. He is striking at 150.95 in 27 T20Is, and is coming off 28 (13).
Najibullah Zadran was a contender for Player of the Match last game (42* off 21 balls). He strikes at 141.62 in 113 T20s, making him a key player in Afghanistan’s middle order.
Harry Tector could be a very important player in the middle order for Ireland. His 29* (17) brought Ireland back on track after losing their way. He strikes at 134.83 in 38 T20 matches.
Rashid Khan is far-and-away the leading wicket-taker in AFG-IRE T20Is. He has 32 in 11 matches at an average of 7.21, and is coming off a Man of the Match performance (3/22).
Mujeeb ur Rahman will be one to watch after going for 49 runs in the opening T20I. He has eight wickets vs Ireland in five games.
Boyd Rankin is Ireland’s top wicket-taker vs Afghanistan among active players (10 in eight games). He will be key.
As will Simi Singh, who took 2/18 last game.

Stats and Facts

Afghanistan have won the past 11 T20Is against Ireland. Overall, they have won 13 of 16 matches against the men in green.
Rashid Khan has 32 wickets in 11 games vs Ireland. The next highest wicket-taker is Mohammad Nabi with 15 in 16 games.
Andy Balbirnie will be key for Ireland, so has to improve his record vs Afghanistan: 6 matches, 91 runs, avg. 15.16, SR 115.18.

Key to an Afghanistan win

Afghanistan possess plenty of hitting ability. However, the key moving forward will be to avoid losing quick wickets, as partnerships can have damaging effects on the opposition. Can the hard-hitting openers set the perfect platform for the rest to follow?

Also, Rashid Khan, who has dominated Ireland in T20Is, will be key again. However, the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi will be out for better outings as they look to put the squeeze on Ireland. Also, can the seamers, particularly Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib remain as economical as possible?

AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | Greater Noida Pitch Report | AFG vs IRE 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Afghanistan vs Ireland 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 | AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Key Players — AFG vs IRE 2nd T20I Preview Dream11: Rashid Khan will be key.

Key to an Ireland win

How the Irish deal with Rashid Khan will be key to their chances of leveling the series. They often struggle against him, which leaves them with plenty to do against the other bowlers. So, if they can take 5-6 an over against him without too much damage, they will be in the game.

Also, regular early wickets last game had Ireland right in the game after Afghanistan’s fast start. However, the key will be to maintain this right throughout the innings, via building pressure through dots against Afghanistan’s hard-hitters. So, their fielding has to be much better.

Possible Playing 11

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Asghar Afghan (c), 4. Samiullah Shinwari, 5. Najibullah Zadran, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Gulbadin Naib, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Karim Janat, 10. Shapoor Zadran/Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

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, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Craig Young

Greater Noida Pitch Report and Conditions

Rain impacted the first T20I, but there should be no such concerns here with sunny conditions forecast.

The pitch looked a good one for batting in the opening T20I, and similar can be expected for this clash. The average first innings score is 190+ on this ground.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

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Match Prediction

A high-scoring game in prospect between two teams looking for good performances? There is a good chance of that happening.

Afghanistan’s strong record against Ireland should count for plenty. They are familiar with the conditions and look good for a 2-0 win.

T20 World Cup Final: AUS-W vs IND-W Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey

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March 7, 2020 at 11:07 pm

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T20 World Cup Final: AUS-W vs IND-W Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W Dream11 Prediction | Australia Women vs India Women Dream11 | MCG Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W Key Players

Here we are. One of the biggest (if not the biggest) women’s matches ever is about to get underway at the iconic MCG.

What a massive step forward for the women’s game. The game continues to go from strength to strength, and this step is one that has been anticipated for quite some time, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

A World Cup Final. Huge MCG crowd. International Women’s Day. It is set up perfectly.

And, it was meant to be that Australia are here. Battling the absence of Ellyse Perry, South Africa and rain all at the same time, the Australians prevailed, showcasing their ability – once again – to win matches without being at their best. One of the biggest days of their lives is upon them, so it remains to be seen how they handle this occasion.

India got through their Semi Final courtesy of rain, but take nothing away from their superb tournament. They topped a group containing both Australia and New Zealand without losing a single game, and will fancy their chances in front of what will almost certainly be a large Indian contingent at the MCG.