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Afghanistan is poised to face Ireland in the second One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series on March 9. This match holds critical importance for the Irish side, presenting a must-win situation to keep their series hopes alive after encountering a setback in the opening game.
Having secured a victory in the initial encounter, Afghanistan enters the second ODI with a surge of confidence, aiming to solidify their dominance and clinch an insurmountable lead in the series. Conversely, Ireland is determined to rebound from their previous loss and level the playing field.
ODI Stats and Records at Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
- Total matches: 256
- Matches won batting first: 134
- 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 has gained acclaim for its intimate dimensions, marked by short boundaries and a pitch that typically favours a slower pace. Despite the relatively sluggish nature of the pitch, the close proximity of the boundaries often works to the advantage of batters, enabling them to accumulate substantial runs at this venue. However, spin bowlers can exploit these conditions effectively in the latter part of the game. As a result, winning the toss may prompt the team captain to consider opting for chasing the target, acknowledging the potential challenges presented by spinners in the later stages of the match.
Sharjah Weather Forecast
The Sharjah weather forecast for the upcoming match suggests a significant likelihood of rain, with a 55 percent chance of precipitation and a brisk breeze blowing at 21 km/h. The temperature is anticipated to hover around 24 degrees Celsius, coupled with a humidity level of approximately 75%. While these conditions may pose potential interruptions to the game, spectators can still look forward to the match reaching its climax.
AFG vs IRE 2024, 2nd ODI – Probable Playing XI:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Theo van Woerkom, Graham Hume, Craig Young
