Afghanistan vs Ireland 2nd T20I, Greater NOIDA: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Rashid Khan and Najibullah Zadran helped Afghanistan beat Ireland in the first T20I at Greater NOIDA by 11 runs in DLS Method. Afghanistan are now 1-0 up in the 3-match series. The remaining matches will be played at the same venue on March 8 and 10.

Paul Stirling (60 in 41 balls) and Kevin O’Brien (35 in 17) first added 63 in 36 balls after Ireland opted to bat. Stirling then added another 48, in 38 balls, with Andy Balbirnie (29 in 28) before Rashid Khan (4-0-22-3) struck thrice, while Gulbadin Naib returned 3-0-19-0. It was only some end-innings hitting from Harry Tector (29* in 17) that helped Ireland reach 172/6.

Hazratullah Zazai (23 in 15) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (28 in 13) then responded with an opening stand of 54 in 27 balls before Simi Singh (3-0-18-2) dismissed both and ran out Asghar Afghan. Ireland clawed back to 70/4 before Samiullah Zadran (28 in 29) and Najibullah Zadran (42* in 21) added 63 in contrasting styles.

Rain stopped the match just after Najibullah fell, leaving Afghanistan at 133/5 in 15 overs. However, despite losing the wicket, they had done just enough to win the match.

Given their track record and how they played in the first T20I, Afghanistan will be favourite in the second match as well.

Head to head

Afghanistan have won 13 and lost 3 T20Is against Ireland. This includes an ongoing streak of 11 wins as well as a 7-0 result on Indian soil.

Key players

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Rashid did justice to his reputation when he choked the Ireland middle order after the top order had plundered runs. He was named Player of the Match. Expect him to play key role here as well.

Paul Stirling (Ireland): An in-form Stirling can be as formidable as he can be attractive. With a rapid fifty already under his belt, Stirling will take field in the second match with additional confidence.

Likely XIs

Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Karim Janat, Asghar Afghan (c), Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Shapoor Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Ireland: Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andy Balbirnie (c), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Boyd Rankin, Craig Young.

Prediction

Afghanistan to win and take an unassailable 2-0 lead.