The first T20I of the three-match series between Afghanistan and Ireland is set to commence on March 15 (Friday). All the eyes will be on superstar player Rashid Khan who is making a comeback after last featuring in the World Cup. He underwent surgery for his back injury and missed all the internationals for Afghanistan since then. Moreover, he also stayed away from the T20 leagues including Pakistan Super League (PSL) and is now set to play for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
As for the rivalry between Afghanistan and Ireland, the latter side registered its first ever win in Tests. But Afghanistan came back well to win the ODI series 2-0 comfortably. With Rashid making a comeback, Afghanistan have the upper hand at the start of the series but anything can happen in the shortest format of the game. Sharjah is set to host all three matches of the series. Let us look at the pitch report of the venue.
Sharjah Pitch Report
The surface in Sharjah has changed significantly in the last couple of years. The venue that was known to be high-scoring earlier, has become very tough for the batters. The slow pitch has made scores around 140-150 also competitive and it remains to be seen if the trend will continue in the upcoming T20I series here.
Sharjah T20I Numbers Games
Matches Played - 45
Matches won batting first - 25
Matches won bowling first - 20
Average 1st inns score - 143
Highest total - 215/6 by AFG vs ZIM
Lowest total defended - 142 by WI vs BAN
Squads
Ireland Squad: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling(c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume, Joshua Little, Neil Rock, Gareth Delany, Ross Adair, Craig Young
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Wafadar Momand, Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan(c), Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Ishaq Rahimi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti
