AFG vs IRE: 2nd T20I Top Captain, Vice-captain Picks & Player Stats

Harry Tector will be a key Irish pick for the match [X]Harry Tector will be a key Irish pick for the match [X]

After losing the opening T20 international by a 38-run margin against Ireland (IRE), Afghanistan (AFG) now faces them in the second of the three-match T20 international series. the clash is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates at 9:30 PM IST. The third and final encounter will be held the next day, Monday, at the same time and same venue. Rashid Khan and his men will hope to clinch the second T20I to also make it 1-1 heading into the decider.


AFG vs IRE - Important Player Stats (Top 5 Players)

Player
Series Stats
Average Fantasy Points
Harry Tector56 Runs in 1 Match119
Benjamin White4 Wickets in 1 Match124
Joshua Little3 Wickets in 1 Match97
Mohammad Nabi25 Runs in 1 Match46
Rashid Khan3 Wickets in 1 Match102


AFG vs IRE - Toss Factor

Though batting first side won the series opener, the skipper winning the toss will look to have a bowl first and have a target in front of him. Sharjah has shorter boundaries and the target could well be achieved.

Scenario: If Afghanistan win the toss

Even though batting first side won the opening T20 international, the Afghans will still look to field first here after winning the toss. Skipper Rashid Khan will again be a vital cog along with pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai. The run-chase will depend on the destructive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the veteran Mohammad Nabi.

Scenario: If Ireland win the toss

The Irish team will also look to field first. Benjamin White and Joshua Little were excellent in the first T20I as the duo picked up seven wickets in between them. They will hope to continue doing their job in the second game as well. The run-chase will rely on the in-form batter Harry Tector and the experienced pair of Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie.


AFG vs IRE - Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Scenario: If Afghanistan Bat First

Nabi could be a good pick for the game with his all-round abilities [X]Nabi could be a good pick for the game with his all-round abilities [X]

Mohammad Nabi - Veteran Mohammad Nabi scored 25 off 21 with the help of one four and one maximum in the first T20 international match of the series. The experienced campaigner will hope to handle the middle-order so he is a proper pick.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz - Explosive wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz didnt trouble the scorers in the first game. The right-handed opening batter won the Player of the Series award for his century and a half-century in the recently-concluded ODI series against Ireland. Gurbaz is due for a big knock under his belt.

Scenario: If Ireland Bat First

Harry Tector - Youngster Harry Tector is the most reliable and safer option. The 24-year old middle-order batter top-scored for his side in the first match. Tector struck an unbeaten 56 off 34 with seven fours and two maximums. 

Andrew Balbirnie - Former captain Andrew Balbirnie looked in good nick last time out. The right-handed opening player scored 22 off just 14 which included two fours and a maximum. The veteran will like to convert his start into a significant score this time around.


AFG vs IRE - High Risk, High Rewards

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) - Ibrahim Zadran hasnt quite able to perform in T20 internationals yet. The talented youngster has proved his credentials in the one-day international format. Zadran got out for 11 off 16 in the first T20I against Ireland. He is a risky but valuable pick considering his position and talent.

Paul Stirling (IRE) - Ireland captain Paul Stirling good a start in the series opener. The destructive right-hander played a scratchy knock of 25 off 27 with two fours and a six. Stirling is a risky but worthy pick for this category. He will look to lead his side from the front by getting a substantial score.


AFG vs IRE - Stay Aways

Sediqullah Atal (AFG) - Sediqullah Atal has made a poor start to his T20 international career. The 22-year old left-handed opening batter has scores of 11, 1, 5 and 1 under his belt so far in four T20I innings. The youngster could well be easily avoided for this fixture.

Lorcan Tucker (IRE) - Wicketkeeper batter Lorcan Tucker has also been poor in his last seven T20Is. His scores read as 4, 8, 12, 21, 0, 0, and 0. The right-handed top-order player is clearly not in the best of forms in this format and should be given a miss.