Published: Mar 16, 2017, 04:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 16, 2017, 05:25 PM (IST)
Afghanistan are on a winning spree. Pulling off their second whitewash in a three-match series during the T20Is, they trounced Ireland in the first ODI by 30 runs. They have ticked all the boxes, whereas the Irish camp needs to raise their game. With all to play for William Porterfield’s side, they lock horns with Asghar Stanikzai’s camp for the second ODI on Friday. The margin for error is decreasing with every loss, and Ireland will be itching for a comeback. Let us walk through the probable XI from both dens for this clash. Full Cricket Scorecard, Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Greater NOIDA
Afghanistan:
Top order: Mohammad Shahzad is what Virender Sehwag was for India. He takes on the bowlers right from the word go, without thinking of the consequences. He was due for a big innings in the series opener before being run-out for 43 off 41. He will hope for a much bigger contribution in the next game when he walks in to bat with Noor Ali Zadran, whose 71-ball 51 led his side to a competitive score. He held his end and struck a valiant 83-run stand with Rahmat Shah for the second wicket. Ali Zadran and Rahmat will hold the key in the middle overs with calculative risks and elegant strokeplay.
Middle and lower order: The Afghan camp tends to shuffle their middle order from time to time. Stanikzai came in at No. 4, scoring only 10 off 15 balls. He has not done anything significant and may drop down to No. 5 to accommodate Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi looked good in his run-a-ball stay on Wednesday, and his promotion can also make way for a left-hander at the top.
Samiullah Shenwari and Mohammad Nabi are handy all-rounders who turn the heat in the death overs. The duo did the same in the first game with vital knocks. Shenwari should come in at No. 6 ahead of Afghanistan’s floater Nabi.
The lower order will begin from Gulbadin Naib at No. 8. He would like to flaunt his strong arms and lead the late onslaught. Following Naib, Dawlat Zadran, Rashid Khan and Amir Hamza should complete the line-up.
Bowlers: There is no venom for the bowlers on Greater Noida’s track. Nonetheless, Afghanistan’s bowlers should be credited for curbing the run-flow in crucial junctures. Undoubtedly, Stanikzai will look up to the same set of bowlers for another victory on Friday. Rashid’s leg breaks Hamza’s wicket-to-wicket lines, Nabi’s occasional spin coupled with Naib and Zadran’s pace hold edge for their side. Zadran was exceptional in turning the game on its head on Wednesday and will look to carry on in the same stead.
There seems to be no reason for Afghanistan to change their XI unless someone gets injured. After all, why change the winning combination that remained calm under pressure situation in the first clash?
Ireland:
Top order: Ed Joyce and Paul Stirling should be once again in thick of the things for Ireland. Joyce had a poor show in the series opener. But given the amount of experience he has under his belt, Joyce cannot be overlooked on the basis of one failure. Stirling, on the other hand, played an attractive knock of 68 providing a solid foundation for the middle order. He looked in fine touch, playing with ease against both pacers and spinners alike. Skipper William Porterfield played a handsome innings of 119 but unfortunately failed to take his team over the line. All in all, these three complete an impressive top-order for Ireland.
Middle and lower order: The O’Brien brothers, Kevin and Niall, carry the onus of providing impetus in the time of trouble. Kevin was the best bowler taking three wickets, but with the bat he disappointed. And so did his brother. However, they will have to make amends if Ireland are to register their maiden victory of the gruelling tour.
Gary Wilson and Stuart Thompson succumbed under pressure in the first ODI. Thompson, meanwhile, was decent with the ball, but the management will be expecting more from these players for Ireland to avenge the T20I drubbing.
Bowlers: Ireland bowlers were thwarted by the Afghanistan batsmen since the first over. So, the Irish bowling department will have to get their priorities right while coming in to the second game. They missed out on the services of Boyd Rankin, who has been benched due to injury. Peter Chase was included as his replacement, but it proved costly for the visitors.
There has not been any official announcement from the Irish camp. If Rankin is match-fit, he will definitely replace the erratic Chase. Barring this, Tim Murtagh, Jacob Mulder and George Dockrell form a formidable bowling attack. All the same, they will have to play well as a cohesive unit for them to stage a win.
Afghanistan likely XI: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Stanikzai (c), Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Dawlat Zadran, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza
Ireland likely XI: Ed Joyce, Paul Stirling, William Porterfield (c), Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson (wk), Stuart Thompson, Peter Chase/Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh, Jacob Mulder and George Dockrell
