• Match: Afghanistan v Ireland, 3rd ODI Match, Afghanistan v Ireland in UAE, 2024
• Date and Time: March 12, 11:30 am GMT / 05:00 pm IST / 03:30 pm local
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

In the first ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland, Afghanistan showcased their batting prowess by posting a formidable total of 310-5. Despite their strong start, Ireland managed to contain Afghanistan’s batting lineup and restrict them to under 350, showing resilience in their bowling efforts.

However, Ireland’s batting response, particularly the partnership between Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker, demonstrated promise. Tector’s 138 and Tucker’s 85 kept Ireland in the game and posed a significant challenge to Afghanistan’s total. Had they stayed at the crease longer, the outcome might have been different.

Looking ahead to the second ODI, Afghanistan will need to be wary of Ireland’s batting strength and potential for a strong comeback. They’ll aim to maintain their momentum with a solid batting performance. On the other hand, Ireland will look to build on their batting positives from the first ODI and challenge Afghanistan further in the upcoming match.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Akhil, Noor Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, Graham Hume, Theo van Woerkom.

Who will win the toss? – Ireland
Who will win? – Afghanistan

It will be updated soon

Opting to chase on a favorable batting surface like the one seen in the previous match would be a prudent decision for the captain winning the toss. Defending a target on such a pitch can prove challenging due to the ease with which batsmen can score runs. By choosing to chase, the team can have a clearer target in mind and leverage the favorable batting conditions to their advantage, potentially enhancing their chances of success in the match.

Given the flat nature of the pitch and the minimal assistance it offers to bowlers, maintaining an impeccable line and length will be crucial for them to trouble the batsmen. As seen in the high-scoring affair of the first game, where nearly 600 runs were scored, the final match is also expected to be a high-scoring encounter. Batsmen will aim to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions to post imposing totals, underscoring the importance for bowlers to execute their plans with precision in order to contain the opposition’s scoring and tilt the balance in their favor.

In the third ODI, there’s no looming threat of rain, unlike the second game that was washed out. The temperature is forecasted to fluctuate between 25 and 18 degrees Celsius, providing comfortable playing conditions for the players throughout the match. With clear skies expected, both teams will have an uninterrupted opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for victory on a fair playing field.