Afghanistan vs Ireland – International Test Match Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is Afghanistan vs Ireland on and what time does it start? Afghanistan vs Ireland will take place on Wednesday 28th February, 2024 – 06:00 (UK)
Where is Afghanistan vs Ireland taking place? Afghanistan vs Ireland will take place at Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
What channel is Afghanistan vs Ireland on in the UK? Afghanistan vs Ireland will be televised in Ireland live on ‘Premier Sports Ireland’
THE LOWDOWN
AFGHANISTAN
Hashmatullah Shahidi leads Afghanistan into this one-off Test against Ireland, which should see one of their star white-ball players make his red ball debut for the hosts. Wicket-keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a regular in both Afghanistan’s ODI and T20i sides and is set to transition into the Test team here. Spin-bowler Rashid Khan remains out through injury and his availability for the upcoming ODI and T20i series is yet to be determined.
IRELAND
Ireland are led by Andrew Balbirnie and the foundation of their side is now fairly experienced in Test cricket with the likes of Harry Tector, Mark Adair and Curtis Campher to name just three players, all having played red ball cricket for Ireland previously. However, conditions won’t be easy for them in Abu Dhabi on a pitch that may deteriorate as the game goes on and endurance will be key to their success.
THE PREDICTION
Afghanistan will need to bowl well against a very credible looking Irish batting unit on paper. But their players are used to playing in the conditions both teams are faced with in the heat of Abu Dhabi. Ireland lost all of their four Test matches played in 2023, all of which were every from home. Therefore, backing Afghanistan to get the better of them has to be favoured.
TIP: AFGHANISTAN TO WIN
