Ireland finally sparked some life in the ongoing series by winning the third ODI comprehensively by 4 wickets. With three matches already over the series stand still at one apiece as the 2nd ODI was washed out after heavy rains pouring down on the day.
Ireland were more than clinical in the last encounter as they managed to chase an impounding score of 256 runs with 4 wickets in hand and an over to spare. Their chase was led by Andrew Balbrine who did nothing relevant in the first ODI but made a breathtaking unbeaten 145 off 136 deliveries which included 8 fours and sixes.
His innings made the real difference in the chase as the second best scorer for the team was left-arm spinner George Dockrell who got 54 off 77 and played a vital hand in the chase. Afghan spinners who reigned supreme in the opening ODI looked clueless as they could only manage three wickets between them from 29 overs.
Now with the series even-stevens, the result of this game will definitely matter a lot on the context of the series before the final ODI takes place on March 10.
Ireland won: 02
Afghanistan won: 03
When – March 08, 01:00 PM IST
Where – Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dehradun, Uttrakhand
Ireland Squad:
Afghanistan Squad:
Ireland
William Porterfield, Simi Singh, Boyd Rankin, Kevin O Brien, Stuart Poynter, Tim Murtagh, James Cameron-Dow, Andy McBrine, George Dockrell, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie
Afghanistan
Hazratullah Zazai, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan, Samiullah Shenwari, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran
Players to watch out:
It was a remarkable comeback from Ireland in the last ODI to even the series. For Afghanistan, the key players in this game would be Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Shahzad etc in the batting unit.
In their bowling department, the impetus would be on the two spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.
For Ireland, their batting will revolve around the likes of Paul Stirling and A Balbirnie. The likes of William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien will be crucial as well.
The bowling department will depend upon the likes of Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell and Tim Murtagh.
Risky Bets:
Note: Make AFGH vs IRE Dream11 Team as per your discretion from the squad listed in the article.