Afghanistan Cricket Team. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Ireland defeated Afghanistan in the opening game by 38 runs and have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. Afghanistan won the toss and opted to field first, with their star player Rashid Khan returning to captain the team. Ireland set a target of 150 runs, with Harry Tector standing out by scoring an impressive 56 off 34 deliveries. Skipper Paul Stirling and opener Andy Balbirnie provided a solid start for the Irish side. Rashid Khan made a strong comeback, finishing with figures of 3/19. In their chase of a modest total, the Irish bowlers created early pressure by dismissing the Afghanistan openers quickly. While Mohammad Ishaq and Mohammad Nabi showed some resistance, the visitors maintained control over the Afghan team. Ben White was the standout bowler for Ireland, claiming four wickets. With a win in the opening T20I of the series, Ireland will enter the next match with confidence, aiming to secure another victory. On the other hand, following their success in the ODI series, Afghanistan will be eager to bounce back strongly in the upcoming encounter.

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Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, offering assistance to the batters. However, it also tends to assist the spin bowlers as the game progresses. The pitch tends to benefit the team batting first, with an average initial innings score of 151 in T20I games held at this venue. As a result, the captain who wins the toss is expected to opt for batting first.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan

Afghanistan have a well-rounded lineup featuring strong batting with Gurbaz, Atal, Zadran, and Nabi, supported by reliable wicket-keeping from Ishaq. The bowling attack is led by the formidable Rashid Khan, backed by pace from Naveen-ul-Haq and Farooqi, with additional support from Ahmadzai and Kharote. Overall, a balanced combination is poised for competitive performance in the upcoming game. Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan (c), Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Ireland

Ireland also boast of a strong batting lineup led by Stirling and Balbirnie, with Tucker providing stability behind the stumps. Adair and McCarthy spearhead the bowling attack, supported by Little and White's spin options. Delany's all-round abilities add depth to both batting and bowling. Predicted XI: Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Ben White Head-to-Head Record Matches Played 24 Afghanistan won 16 Ireland won 08 First Meeting February 01, 2010 Last Meeting March 17, 2024 AFG vs IRE, 3rd T20I Broadcasting details: Date Sunday, March 18 Time 9:30 pm IST Broadcast Fancode (app and website)