Anticipation is soaring as Afghanistan prepares to face Ireland in the inaugural One Day International (ODI) of a thrilling three-match series scheduled for Thursday, March 7. The action is set to unfold at the prestigious Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
Afghanistan, having faced a recent setback in the preceding one-off Test, is poised for redemption and eager to rebound in the ODI series. Meanwhile, Ireland aims to extend its triumphant streak from the red-ball format into the white-ball arena, seeking continued success in the forthcoming clash.
ODI Stats and Records at Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
Total matches: 255
Matches won batting first: 133
Matches won bowling first: 120
Average first innings scores: 223
Average second innings scores: 191
Highest total recorded: 364/7 (50 Ov) by Pakistan vs New Zealand
Lowest total recorded: 54/10 (26.3 Ov) by India vs Sri Lanka
Highest score chased: 285/2 (47.5 Ov) by Australia vs Pakistan
Lowest score defended: 138/9 (50 Ov) by Pakistan Women vs Sri Lanka Women
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Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is renowned for its compact dimensions, characterized by short boundaries and a pitch that tends to be on the slower side. Despite the sluggish nature of the pitch, the proximity of the boundaries often proves advantageous for batters, allowing them to amass significant runs at this venue. Nevertheless, spin bowlers can capitalize on these conditions in the later stages of the game. Consequently, winning the toss might prompt the team captain to opt for chasing the target, recognizing the potential challenges posed by spinners later on in the match.
Sharjah Weather Forecast
Sharjah weather forecast (Image Source: Twitter)
The weather forecast for Sharjah during the match indicates an ideal playing environment, with no anticipated rain and a gentle breeze of 13 km/h. The temperature is expected to remain around 24 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a humidity level of approximately 57%. These favourable conditions suggest a smooth and uninterrupted game, providing an optimal setting for players to showcase their skills.
AFG vs IRE 2024, 1st ODI – Probable Playing XI:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Allah Ghazanfar
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Theo van Woerkom, Matthew Foster
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