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DEHRADUN – Despite a spirited performance with the ball in Thursday’s opening One-Day International, Ireland know that more runs are required on the board if they are to register their first win over Afghanistan on this tour when the two sides meet on Saturday.
Speaking after Thursday’s first ODI, Ireland captain William Porterfield said:

“It was a tough wicket, and there was no way to hit the ball fluently. I think 220 to 230 would have been a good chase, but we left ourselves short with the bat.”

The first match had seen 17-year old spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman collect superb figures of 3-14 from his 10 overs. For Ireland, only Paul Stirling (89) and George Dockrell (37) were able to make scores of note – the pair’s seventh-wicket partnership of 76 played a key role in helping Ireland muster a total of 161.

While Ireland’s bowlers fought hard – Simi Singh displayed exceptional control with his off-spin to return figures of 1-19 from his 10 overs – Gulbadin Naib’s 61-ball 46 helped Afghanistan get through a tricky period in the middle overs to claim the win and take a series lead.

Other positives that emerged from Ireland’s display, were some impressive bowling performances from Boyd Rankin and Barry McCarthy. Rankin was amongst the wickets, removing both Mohammad Shahzad and Rahmat Shah, while McCarthy’s first seven overs conceded just 21 runs before some big-hitting from Naib dampened the look of his figures.

Key battle – Ireland’s top order vs Mujeeb

Much of Ireland’s hopes for a competitive total were dampened early on by the excellence of Mujeeb, whose variations left him with figures of 3-2 from his first four overs. With the other threat of Rashid Khan to deal with as the innings progresses, Ireland’s top-order batsmen must find a way to ensure that they survive any early damage from Afghanistan’s teen sensation.

An Irish cricket link to Dehradun

The venue for the series, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, was opened in December 2016. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering and Construction, the same company that is the sponsor for the Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Ireland Academy.

While the ground has hosted six T20 internationals, this is the first one-day international fixtures being played at the ground.

A livestream will be available, with details posted on Cricket Ireland social media channels.

There is expected to be scattered showers early on Saturday morning, however no rain is forecast during playing hours, although overhead conditions will be cloudy.

Squads

Afghanistan series – ODI Squad
William Porterfield (Captain), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker

Afghanistan series – Test Squad
William Porterfield (Captain), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker

Tour Schedule (upcoming matches)

• 2 March: Afghanistan v Ireland – 2nd ODI – start time of 1pm (local time) or 7.30am (GMT)
• 5 March: Afghanistan v Ireland – 3rd ODI – start time of 1pm (local time) or 7.30am (GMT)
• 8 March: Afghanistan v Ireland – 4th ODI – start time of 1pm (local time) or 7.30am (GMT)
• 10 March: Afghanistan v Ireland – 5th ODI – start time of 1pm (local time) or 7.30am (GMT)
• 15–19 March: Afghanistan v Ireland – Test Match – start time of 10am (local time) or 4.30am (GMT)

Taha Hashim, Wisden
Ireland are looking to square the series after being outplayed in the first ODI
No
Connaught