Afghanistan vs Ireland 2020: T20I Series Preview, Schedule and Squad News

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The two newest additions to Test cricket, Afghanistan and Ireland will return to their T20I routes across a three-match series this month.

The series will act as preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, when Ireland will be pressed to join the cricket betting favourites in the next round and Afghanistan will find it tough going in a group that also includes England, South Africa and India.

As much as Ireland and Afghanistan will be playing against each other here, they will also be testing themselves for their time in Australia.

The Irish have a poor T20I record against the Afghans and must overcome challenging sub-continental conditions to stave off the popular pick in cricket predictions for this series.


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Afghanistan vs Ireland – T20I Schedule

Afghanistan and Ireland have previously met 15 times in T20I cricket – and will add another three occasions across five days in India this month. The last time they contested a three-T20I series in Greater Noida was in 2017, when Afghanistan whitewashed Ireland.

1st T20I: Friday, 6 March 2020

Venue: Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida, India

Start time: 14:00 (IST) and 8:30 (GMT)

2nd T20I: Sunday, 8 March 2020

Venue: Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida, India

Start time: 14:00 (IST) and 8:30 (GMT)

3rd T20I: Tuesday, 10 March 2020

Venue: Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida, India

Start time: 14:00 (IST) and 8:30 (GMT)

Afghanistan vs Ireland – T20I Squads

Fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has not played for Afghanistan since March 2019, but is back in the T20I squad. Leg-spinner Qais Ahmad, who played for the Hobart Hurricanes in the recent Big Bash League in Australia, and Azmatullah Omarzai are also in the squad. Ahmad will be a good complement to fellow leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who has been freed of the captaincy. Asghar Afghan, meanwhile, is back as full-time captain across all formats.

Ireland overlooked fast bowler Mark Adair due to injury, but have included all-rounder Shane Getkate. Stephen Doheny was a late replacement for the ill Gary Wilson. Kevin O’Brien, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin and Paul Stirling are among an experienced core. Andy Balbirnie will continue to captain the team. Head coach Graham Ford will miss the tour after a “slip accident” in Dublin led to three broken ribs. Ryan Eagleson will assist acting head coach Rob Cassell.

Afghanistan vs Ireland – T20I Squads

Afghanistan Ireland
Asghar Afghan (captain) Andrew Balbirnie (captain)
Hazratullah Zazai Craig Young
Karim Janat Stephen Doheny
Usman Ghani Lorcan Tucker
Samiullah Shinwari Harry Tector
Azmatullah Omarzai Paul Stirling
Qais Ahmad Simi Singh
Mujeeb ur Rahman  Boyd Rankin
Shapoor Zadran Kevin O’Brien
Naveen ul Haq Barry McCarthy
Rashid Khan Josh Little
Gulbadin Naib Shane Getkate
Mohammad Nabi George Dockrell
Najib Zadran Gareth Delany
 Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Afghanistan vs Ireland 2020 – T20I Series Preview, Latest Odds and Predictions

Afghanistan and Ireland are priced at 1.40 and 3.00, respectively by bet365 in the latest odds to win this series. Afghanistan are offered at 2.75 to whitewash the Irish three-nil. They did exactly that at the same ground, across the same number of fixtures, three years ago. For longer odds, Ireland are priced at 17.00 to turn the tables for an unlikely three-nil win of their own. At the very least, they might only lose two-one at 2.62 in the T20I series odds.

It’ll be interesting to see how meaningfully Zadran can contribute to Afghanistan’s cause on his international return. His selection has effectively put him in contention for a berth in the squad for the T20 World Cup, so there will be a lot riding on his performances in this series against Ireland.

The decision to return the captaincy to Asghar and return Khan to the rank and file raised some eyebrows. The choice might empower Khan to impress with bat and ball again, but what it must not do is limit Asghar’s primary role with the willow. Time will tell how this pans out and its affect on Afghanistan cricket betting markets.

Other free cricket betting tips should look forward to big performances from Stirling, O’Brien and Rankin. The trio have heaps of experience for Ireland now – and really need step up when required the most. O’Brien is a superb all-rouder, while Stirling will be a big asset at the top of the order. His part-time spin will play a part in slow conditions, too. Rankin is really going to have to put his back into it – and use some slower variations – to get the most out of the decks expected in India.

In the early T20 World Cup betting odds, Ireland are priced at 501.00 to take the title. Afghanistan are offered at 51.00 to take the title in Australia. Both long odds, indeed, but certainly worth a wager before the odds start shortening closer to the tournament.


Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting company. 18+. Full terms and conditions apply. https://Begambleaware.org. https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

Bonus Terms

  • 12x rollover requirement on initial deposit.
  • Bets at odds of 1.20 or more will contribute.
  • Minimum deposit of ₹400.
  • Bets must settle within 30 days.
  • Bet Credit stakes not included in any returns.
  • Registration required.

Afghanistan vs Ireland 2020 T20I Series - FAQs

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⭐ Can I bet on Afghanistan vs Ireland in T20I cricket?

Yes, you can, via one or more of the best online cricket betting sites in India. We have handy reviews about some of these bookmakers.

✅ Who is Afghanistan's T20 captain?

Asghar Afghan has been reappointed Afghanistan captain across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. He has taken over from Rashid Khan.

⭐ Are Ireland in the 2020 T20 World Cup?

Yes, they are, but must first play Papua New Guinea, Oman and Sri Lanka in Round 1 in an attempt to move into the Super 12.

✅ Are Ireland and Afghanistan popular in cricket betting?

Ireland and Afghanistan are popular picks in cricket betting. They are a good alternative to betting on the bigger teams. Ireland and Afghanistan are among the newer teams in international cricket and with them come fresh odds and cricket predictions.

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Jonhenry dedicates his global gaming knowledge to the iGaming industry. He produces content about cricket, in addition to playing and training.