AFG vs IRE, 2nd T20: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 23rd, 2019

It was a case of so near yet so far on Thursday for Ireland as they scuffed a golden chance to get one over a formidable Afghanistan side. Mohammed Nabi put in a good all-round performance along with Rashid Khan and Najibullah Zadran to give them the lead in this three-match series. The Irish succumbed in the middle overs which opens up the debate over Kevin O'Brien's position in the order.

Afghanistan look good for another win but it is easier said than done especially with the likes of Boyd Rankin and Paul Stirling in the opposition ranks.

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Squads to choose from

Afghanistan

Asghar Afghan(C), Farid Malik, Hazratullah Zazai, Najeeb Tarakai, Najibullah Zadran, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Shafiqullah, Karim Janat, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Sayed Shirzad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zahir Khan, Zia-ur-Rehman.

Ireland

Kevin O'Brien, Paul Stirling(C), Shane Getkate, Simi Singh, Stuart Thompson, Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Stuart Poynter, Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell, Harry Tector, Joshua Little, Peter Chase.

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Playing XI Updates

Afghanistan

After a good performance in the first T20I, no changes are expected of the Afghanistani side looking to seal the series on Saturday. Karim Janat proved to be expensive with the ball which was even worsened by a three-ball duck. His place is in danger with the likes of Usman Ghani and Sayed Shirzad waiting for the opportunity.

Possible: Ashgar(C), Zazai, Nabi, Shafiq(WK), Zadran, Janat, Shenwari, Rashid, Ashraf, Malik and Mujeeb.

Ireland

Better performances are expected of the middle order after a dismal show on Thursday. An extra spinner could be called up in the form of Andy McBrine at the expense of Stuart Thompson, who pulled his hamstring in the previous match. Paul Stirling is due for a big score and is the prized wickets the Afghan would be after.

Possible XI: Stirling (C), Kevin, Balbirnie, Simi, Poynter(WK), Getkate, McBrine/Tucker, Dockrell, Chase, Rankin and Little.

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Match Details

Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd T20I

23rd February 2019, 6:30 PM IST

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions

Wicket-keeper: Both keepers, Shafiq and Poynter bat deep down the order and capable of delivering a few lusty blows towards the end of the innings, rendering both of them as good selections. With Stuart Thompson seemingly injured, Poynter could have the extra responsibility of playing higher up the order as well which could give him the nod as the preferred wicket-keeper.

Batsmen: Paul Stirling is a must-have in the side while the likes of Ashgar Afghan and Hazratullah Zazai eager to come good after failing in the first T20. Andy Balbirnie is also a good option to go for after a successful Oman Quadrangular Series.

All-rounders: Mohammed Nabi and Simi Singh are great assets to have in the side with their all-round abilities. Both of them are key selections to the team while one of Kevin O'Brien or Samiullah Shenwari would suffice in adding another batting option capable of scoring runs at a quick rate.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman are two of the best spinners in the world and have justified that claim with impressive performances in the BBL and the first T20I as well. Both of them are must-haves in the team while two of Peter Chase, George Dockrell and Joshua Little would be more than handy picks.

Captain: After a brilliant show in the first T20-I, Mohammed Nabi should be backed to come up with another one of this specials while Hazratullah Zazai could tee off after glimpses of his ability were on show in the BPL 2019.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Stuart Poynter (WK), Ashgar Afghan, Hazratullah Zazai, Paul Stirling, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammed Nabi, Simi Singh, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Joshua Little and Peter Chase. Captain: Hazratullah Zazai

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Shafiqullah Shafiq (WK), Paul Stirling, Ashgar Afghan, Hazratullah Zazai, Kevin O'Brien, Mohammed Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, George Dockrell and Joshua Little. Captain: Paul Stirling