Afghanistan vs Ireland, 3rd T20I, Greater NOIDA: Preview, prediction, likely XIs

Having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series, Afghanistan will now eye a whitewash when they take field in the last match, against Ireland at the Greater NOIDA Sports Complex Ground.

Thanks to some spectacular six-hitting (12 in all), Afghanistan put up 184/4 in the second T20I. After a sedate start by the openers (57 in 52 balls), new captain Asghar Afghan (49 in 28) launched a furious onslaught. The six-fest never stopped as they got 108 in the last 8 overs. Craig Young finished with 4-0-27-1.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4-0-38-3) then got both openers cheaply before Andy Balbirnie (46 in 35) and Harry Tector (37 in 29) put up some resistance. Unfortunately, they failed to accelerate in the middle overs against Rashid Khan (4-0-26-1), and could eventually manage only 163/6.

Given the way the series has played out, Afghanistan should win here as well to complete a whitewash.

Head to head

Afghanistan hold a 14-3 lead here including an active streak of 12 wins. On Indian soil, Afghanistan’s record reads 8-0.

Key players

Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan): Back as captain, Afghan exploded in an assortment of savage strokes in the middle overs to help his side recover from 76/2 in 12 overs to 184/4. Expect more fireworks here as well.

Craig Young (Ireland): The only Irish bowler to impress in the second T20I, Young will be expected to deliver yet again with his pace and the sudden bounce he generates, often taking batsmen by surprise.

Likely XIs

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

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

Prediction

Afghanistan to complete a 3-0 whitewash.