With the series already lost, Sri Lanka will look to avoid a whitewash. South Africa, on the other hand, will look for a win and a 5-0 whitewash, which will be perfect to round off their home season.
South Africa are playing a relatively inexperienced side under stand-in captain Farhaan Behardien and will be happy to get off the mark against a relatively experienced Sri Lankan side.
Eoin Morgan-led England have played some exciting cricket over the last year or so and this series will be no different.
Desert T20 may not have fanfare like IPL or BBL, but it certainly gives an opportunity for players of these Associate Nations to showcase their skills.
Syed Kirmani also believes that Virat Kohli is the right person to lead India in all three formats at the moment.
Angelo Mathews’ concern over Dushmantha Chammera’s fitness could also pave way for another fast bowler, who will be entrusted to partner Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep.
Virat Singh was unceremoniously dropped from the Indian squad ahead of the Under-19 World Cup 2016.
Ireland in 2017 will look to consolidate their position in the ICC Intercontinental Cup and also try to prove that they are no pushovers when they play some of the top nations in limited-overs fixtures.
In IPL 2016, out of their 14 matches, they won 7 and lost 7, finishing level on points with Mumbai Indians (MI), but behind them on net run-rate.
Travis Head scored 146 runs from his 3 innings at 48.66 in the three-match series against New Zealand.