Ireland vs Afghanistan 2018: 1st ODI, Belfast - Match Preview

After producing an enthralling contest in the shortest version of the game, the action now shifts to the 50-over format. Though Afghanistan got the advantage of having some momentum on their side in T20Is, Ireland always enjoyed greater success in ODI games.

Both the teams have got their perks to get into the game. Afghanistan crushed the hosts in the T20I series and are eager to perform in ODI as well. Meanwhile, Ireland wants to make amends to their game and wrap the ODI series.

Seniors need to perform for Ireland:

Although the young guns are making the sound performances for Ireland, it is the seniors who are the cause of concern for the team. It has been a long time since an experienced player won the game for Ireland, and if they seek to alter results, they need to step up.

The likes of Paul Stirling, William Porterfield and their best man in the business, Kevin O’Brien should get back to their charm to do the job for Ireland. Meanwhile, the return of Nail O’Brien will boost the team’s morale.

Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman give Afghanistan an edge:

Coming to the visitors’ troop, Afghanistan has got the luxury of match-winners who can win it single-handedly for the team. The batting and bowling department looks quite substantial enough to tackle Irish men on their home track.

The greatest advantage for the team is the presence of their mystery bowlers. Both Rashid Khan and Mujeeb are exceptional with their bowling skills and also got the fire guns in their batting lineup.

All in all, the 50-over contest between both the sides is going to be a massive affair. It is the first ODI game for both teams after being involved in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018.

Head to Head:

In total, Afghanistan and Ireland played head to head in 19 ODI matches. Ireland won nine times while Afghanistan tasted victory in eight games. Rain has abandoned the rest two.

Match Details:

Date & Time – August 27th, 2018; 03:15 IST.

Venue – Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.

Weather forecast – Rain is on the cards. However, not a threating one to abandon the game.

Squads:

Ireland: Paul Stirling, William Porterfield(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Niall O Brien(w), Kevin O Brien, James Shannon, Gary Wilson, Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Peter Chase, Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh, David Delany

Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran, Sayed Shirzad, Ihsanullah Janat, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Wafadar