IRE vs AFG: Afghanistan's Predicted Playing XI Against Ireland, 3rd T20I

Afghanistan take on Ireland in the third T20I on August 12 in Belfast. They lost their first two games and are trailing the series 0-2. The series is an important one for the Asian side ahead of their Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaign later this year.

Afghanistan has just not been good enough in the first two games. Rashid Khan not getting wickets and Mohammad Nabi not giving his all-round performance has contributed to the team’s loss. He lamented yet another loss and the reasons behind it.

“30 runs short on the board. Didn’t build partnerships, lost wickets back to back. The pitch was seaming, that’s why we started with the fast bowlers. We missed few balls in the fielding as well. Hopefully, we’ll be good in the next match. We’ll try our best, work on mistakes with the bat” said the Afghanistan skipper.

Meanwhile, in this article, we take a look at their predicted playing Xi for the third T20I. All the remaining three games are must-win for the side.

IRE vs AFG: Afghanistan’s Predicted Playing XI Against Ireland, 3rd T20I

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)

Gurbaz is the wicketkeeper-opener for Afghanistan. He has a lot of potentials but is yet to translate the potential into constant performances. He will hope to score runs in the remaining three games.

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Hazratullah Zazai

Zazai who has the highest individual score of 162 in T20Is against Ireland was not given a game in the first two games. He can be brought back into the XI in place of Usman Ghani who was dismissed cheaply.

Hashmatullah Shahidi

Shahidi is one of the key players in the middle-order. He often anchors the innings but has not found his range so far in the series. He will bat at number three.

Najibullah Zadran

The talented left-hander is another key player in the middle-order. He scored just eighth in the previous game but is a far better batsman than his numbers suggest.

Mohammad Nabi (C)

Nabi slots in at five. With three games remaining, he has to perform with the bat as well besides his exploits with the ball.

Rashid Khan

Rashid has not performed to his best in the series so far with both bat and ball. With his side needing to win all three games, he should bring out his best in the last three games. He makes up Afghanistan’s top six.

Karim Janat

The seaming all-rounder can clock speeds of over 140 and score crucial runs when his team needs them the most. Janat slots in at number seven.

Naveen-ul-Haq

The bowler can be the second seamer in the lineup. He is highly rated within the team as someone with a cool and calm head on his shoulders.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Along with Nabi and Rashid, he forms the core of this Afghanistan side. He will need to support the rest of the bowlers to help his side win the final three games.

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Farooqi is another seamer who is highly rated within this Afghanistan unit of players. He is another player who needs to translate his potential into consistent performances.

Noor Ahmad

Noor sums up Afghanistan’s likely playing XI for the third T20I against Ireland. They need to win this game to keep the series alive.

Also Read: IRE vs AFG Head-to-Head Records, Ireland’s Head-to-Head Record Against Afghanistan – Afghanistan Tour Of Ireland 2022, 2nd T20I