Afghanistan vs Ireland, ICCWCT20 2022, Today Match Prediction 28 October 2022

afg vs ire Match Prediction & Analysis

Afghanistan finds itself in a must-win situation as it takes on Ireland in the 25th game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022. The Afghans haven't won a game yet and had to share the points with New Zealand in the last game. Ireland meanwhile caused one of the upsets of the tournament as they defeated England in the last game.  

Ireland has always enjoyed a good record against Afghanistan at venues where the fast bowlers find aid from the wicket. The side would look to make the best use of its fast-bowling attack to win the game. Afghanistan has performed poorly so far, and they have to come up with a good show in this game to keep their hopes alive.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Afghanistan Preview

Mohammad Nabi's side shared the points with New Zealand in the last game, thanks to the rain. They had made a poor start losing their first game against England by 5 wickets. The side has struggled in these conditions as it doesn't suit their style of play. Ireland comes here with a massive win, and Nabi's men must give their best to upset the Irish side.   

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai must give the side a steady start, as this has been their problem outside Asia. Ibrahim Zadran and Usman Ghani did well against England, and they must add runs in the middle order with Najibullah Zadran. Nabi is a clean hitter and must do well down the order with Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan.  

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai haven't done well, and they will need to make early inroads into the game. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the most important bowlers for the side and must deliver the goods. The side would also need good spells from Nabi and Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:

Mohammad Nabi (c), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Ireland Preview

Andrew Balbirnie's side added to its giant-killer tag by defeating England by 5 runs under the DLS method in the last game. It was an all-round show from the team as all players chipped in with their contributions in the game. The Irish skipper would like to repeat the same magic and create a strong position for his side on the points table.  

Paul Stirling and Balbirnie have done well for the side in this tournament. A good start from the pair would add to the side's chances. They have a solid middle order with Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and Curtis Campher in good form. Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, and Mark Adair shall have to deliver a good show in this game.   

The bowling attack made an excellent comeback after their disastrous performance against Sri Lanka. Joshua Little and Mark Adair bowled good lines with the new ball, and they will need to do the same in this game. McCarthy and Fionn Hand were good with the ball in the middle overs, and the same would be expected from them. Delany and Dockrell add variety to this bowling attack.

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We shall see overcast skies on October 29. In all likelihood, there would be rain during the game. It will be harsh batting conditions, and batsmen shall need to play according to the merit of the ball. The side batting first would have to eye a score of 150 runs. 

Venue Details

Melbourne Cricket Ground has rewarded batsmen who occupy the crease and build their innings. The deep boundaries make it a big challenge for the batsmen. Fast bowlers have done well here, as there is always early assistance on the surface. Spinners also enjoy bowling at this venue as the deep boundaries offer them an extra cushion.

Toss: To Bowl

There have been very few instances where the sides successfully defended totals at this venue. The wicket is never easy to bat on at the start of the game. Both captains shall have it on their minds at the toss. The side winning it shall opt to bowl first, in all likelihood.