Introduction:
In the cricketing world, anticipation is building as Afghanistan and Ireland prepare to engage in a thrilling multi-format series set to take place in the UAE from the last week of February. The Irish squad, led by Andrew Balbirnie in Test matches and Paul Stirling in limited-overs formats, has been carefully selected to include a mix of experienced players and promising talents. As the teams gear up for this exciting clash, let’s delve into Ireland’s squad announcement and the upcoming series schedule.
Test Squad Unveiled:
Ireland’s Test squad for the series features a blend of seasoned campaigners and four players who are poised to make their Test debut. Matthew Foster, Barry McCarthy, Theo van Woerkom, and Craig Young are the promising talents eager to showcase their skills on the Test stage. With Andrew Balbirnie at the helm of the Test team, Ireland aims to build a competitive side that can make an impact in the longer format.
The only previous Test encounter between Ireland and Afghanistan resulted in a convincing victory for the Afghan team by 7 wickets. However, with a refreshed squad and a mix of experienced and new faces, Ireland is keen to turn the tables in the upcoming Test match scheduled from 28th February to 3rd March in Abu Dhabi.
Limited-Overs Leadership and Squad:
For the ODIs and T20s, Paul Stirling takes over the captaincy responsibilities, showcasing the team’s trust in his leadership abilities. The ODIs, scheduled for March 7th, 9th, and 12th in Sharjah, promise to be closely contested battles between two competitive sides. The T20 series follows on March 15th, 17th, and 18th, offering fans a fast-paced and entertaining cricket spectacle.
Ireland’s squads for the ODIs and T20s consist of a mix of experienced players and exciting talents, aiming to bring a perfect blend of stability and dynamism to the limited-overs formats.
Series Schedule:
The series kicks off with the Test match in Abu Dhabi from 28th February to 3rd March, setting the stage for a gripping battle between bat and ball. Following the Test encounter, the teams move to Sharjah for the ODIs on March 7th, 9th, and 12th, promising cricket enthusiasts a feast of exciting 50-over contests.
The T20 series, scheduled for March 15th, 17th, and 18th in Sharjah, is expected to bring a high-energy conclusion to the multi-format series. With both teams aiming to assert their dominance in the shortest format, cricket fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the series.
Date |
Match Type |
Venue |
February 28 – March 3 |
Test |
Abu Dhabi |
March 7 |
ODI |
Sharjah |
March 9 |
ODI |
Sharjah |
March 12 |
ODI |
Sharjah |
March 15 |
T20 |
Sharjah |
March 17 |
T20 |
Sharjah |
March 18 |
T20 |
Sharjah |
All Squad:
Format |
Afghanistan Squad |
Ireland Squad |
Test |
Asghar Afghan (captain) |
Mark Adair |
|
Rahmat Shah |
Andrew Balbirnie (captain) |
|
Hashmatullah Shahidi |
Curtis Campher |
|
Ibrahim Zadran |
George Dockrell |
|
Munir Ahmad Kakar (Test debutant) |
Matthew Foster (Test debutant) |
|
Afsar Zazai (wicketkeeper) |
Graham Hume |
|
Nasir Jamal |
Andy McBrien |
|
Shahidullah Kamal |
Barry McCarthy (Test debutant) |
|
Bahir Shah Mohboob (Test debutant) |
James McCollum |
|
Yamin Ahmadzai |
PJ Moore |
|
Hamza Hotak |
Paul Stirling (Test squad and ODI captain) |
|
Zia Ur Rahman Akbar |
Harry Tector |
|
Wafadar Momand |
Lorcan Tucker |
|
Fazal Haque |
Theo van Woerkom (Test debutant) |
|
Amir Hamza |
Craig Young (Test debutant) |
Afghanistan ODI Squad:
Player |
Role |
Asghar Afghan (captain) |
Captain, Batsman |
Rahmat Shah |
Batsman |
Hashmatullah Shahidi |
Batsman |
Ibrahim Zadran |
Batsman |
Munir Ahmad Kakar |
All-Rounder |
Afsar Zazai (wicketkeeper) |
Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
Nasir Jamal |
Batsman |
Shahidullah Kamal |
Batsman |
Bahir Shah Mohboob |
Bowler |
Yamin Ahmadzai |
Bowler |
Hamza Hotak |
Bowler |
Zia Ur Rahman Akbar |
Bowler |
Wafadar Momand |
Bowler |
Fazal Haque |
Bowler |
Amir Hamza |
Bowler |
Ireland ODI Squad:
Player |
Role |
Mark Adair |
All-Rounder |
Andrew Balbirnie (captain) |
Captain, Batsman |
Curtis Campher |
All-Rounder |
Gareth Delany |
All-Rounder |
George Dockrell |
All-Rounder |
Matthew Foster |
All-Rounder |
Graham Hume |
Bowler |
Andy McBrien |
Bowler |
Barry McCarthy |
Bowler |
Neil Rock |
All-Rounder, Wicketkeeper |
Paul Stirling (ODI captain) |
Captain, All-Rounder |
Harry Tector |
Batsman |
Lorcan Tucker |
Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
Theo van Woerkom |
Bowler |
Craig Young |
Bowler |
Afghanistan T20 Squad:
Player |
Role |
Asghar Afghan (captain) |
Captain, Batsman |
Rahmat Shah |
Batsman |
Hashmatullah Shahidi |
Batsman |
Ibrahim Zadran |
Batsman |
Munir Ahmad Kakar |
All-Rounder |
Afsar Zazai (wicketkeeper) |
Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
Nasir Jamal |
Batsman |
Shahidullah Kamal |
Batsman |
Bahir Shah Mohboob |
Bowler |
Yamin Ahmadzai |
Bowler |
Hamza Hotak |
Bowler |
Zia Ur Rahman Akbar |
Bowler |
Wafadar Momand |
Bowler |
Fazal Haque |
Bowler |
Amir Hamza |
Bowler |
Ireland T20 Squad:
Player |
Role |
Mark Adair |
All-Rounder |
Ross Adair |
All-Rounder |
Andrew Balbirnie (captain) |
Captain, Batsman |
Curtis Campher |
All-Rounder |
Gareth Delany |
All-Rounder |
George Dockrell |
All-Rounder |
Graham Hume |
Bowler |
Josh Little |
Bowler |
Barry McCarthy |
Bowler |
Neil Rock |
All-Rounder, Wicketkeeper |
Paul Stirling (T20 captain) |
Captain, All-Rounder |
Harry Tector |
Batsman |
Lorcan Tucker |
Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
Ben White |
Bowler |
Craig Young |
Bowler |
Conclusion:
As Ireland and Afghanistan lock horns in this multi-format series, cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the unfolding drama and excitement that these encounters promise. With a carefully crafted squad and leadership strategy, Ireland is poised to make a statement against Afghanistan in the UAE. The stage is set for a riveting cricket spectacle that will captivate fans and showcase the evolving dynamics of international cricket.
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