Afghanistan vs Ireland Match Prediction & Betting Tips
It’s been a World Cup brimming with upsets so far, but these two teams are closely matched! It’s been tricky picking our best Ireland vs Afghanistan betting tips, but we’ve given it our best shot in our full match preview below!
The match gets underway from 9.30 am IST on Friday 28th October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Check out our full match preview below to uncover the best live cricket satta rates and some great value in a battle of the underdogs!
Afghanistan vs Ireland Betting Tips - Afghanistan To Win
Our Afghanistan vs Ireland betting tips revolve around a win for Afghanistan - Ireland were brilliant against England, but had the help of some bad weather to win the match via the Duckworth Lewis method. They were woeful against Sri Lanka, too.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, were brushed aside by England in their opener, before not getting a chance to play against New Zealand on Wednesday due to rain.
This clash may come down to individual quality of a team member - and in Rashid Khan, Afghanistan have the ace in the pack!
You can back Afghanistan at odds of 1.57, while Ireland are available at odds of 2.36. For better returns from our free cricket betting tips, check out our full match betting preview below.
Best Bet: Rashid Khan Top Afghanistan Wicket Taker
He’s been the best spinner in international cricket for the best part of a decade, bamboozling the best in the business with his wily approach. He has taken 119 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 14.06 and an economy rate of 6.22.
He is once again back on top of the ICC Bowling World Rankings - displacing Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood in the latest update to the list.
The spin wizard has more wickets against Ireland than against any other side, claiming 37 scalps in 18 matches at an incredible average of 11.05.
It’s Time for the Real Afghanistan to Stand Up!
We know this team has enough talent to beat a big team in this tournament - but when they face the sides they’re expected to beat, they have to deliver.
The opening defeat to England was deeply disappointing - the batting unit could not get to grips with the skiddy Sam Curran, who claimed 5/10 in an innings limited to 112 all out.
In the aftermath of the defeat, skipper Mohammad Nabi acknowledged a more challenging score will be required to give their brilliant spinners a chance!
Nabi said: “We thought 145 would be a good total to fight. This is our plan - put a good total on the board. We have good spinners - me, Rashid and Mujeeb - who play the Big Bash here. We'll learn and we hope we improve in the next game,”
There are no new injury concerns for Afghanistan to deal with - they are likely to be unchanged.
Player to Watch: Mohammad Nabi
The skipper enjoys a solid record against Ireland, having scored 424 runs at an average of 24.94, and an amazing strike rate of 173.77.
The Afghanistan batting unit is collectively struggling at the moment, and Ireland have some threatening pace options. He is likely to get a bat, and at 9.6, he’s attractively priced to top the run-scoring rankings for his side.
Predicted Playing XI
Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Ireland Bask In Giant-Killing Glory
We have been here before - Ireland beating England and all the odds at a World Cup. The Three Lions were sluggish and complacent, but that is not to take away from the performance of the team from the Emerald Isle.
Despite challenging conditions, they were quick out of the blocks - putting pressure on England’s bowlers in the first ten overs, despite losing the toss.
They have their captain to thank for reaching 157 all out - Andrew Balbirnie smashed 62 runs from 47 balls, but modestly piled praise on the whole team in the aftermath.
He told reporters: "It's amazing and it's emotional because we've never played a game of cricket here. To come here and play the tournament favourites, with so many big names, and put on a show in front of friends and family and so many people around the world is very satisfying. To do this at one of the most amazing cricket grounds in the world is pretty special."
Player to Watch: Barry McCarthy
He bagged 1/20 from three overs against England, and the Durham player is likely to be front and centre of Ireland’s bowling attack once more!
He likes bowling against Afghanistan in this format, having taken nine wickets from seven matches at an average of 25.66.
You back him to take the most wickets for Ireland at odds of 5.8.
Predicted Playing XI
Andy Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy.
Afghanistan vs Ireland Head-to-Head
In 23 Twenty20 match ups between these two sides, Afghanistan dominate proceedings, with 16 wins to Ireland’s seven.
Afghanistan like batting first in this fixture - they average more than 168 when setting a score, winning ten of their 16 games by setting a score.
The Rain Keeps Falling in Melbourne
The wet weather continues its unwanted stopover in Melbourne - we could be in for another truncated affair. A point apiece would not do either of the teams any good in pursuit of a qualifying place.
Conclusion
We think Afghanistan should have enough in the locker to get over the line, provided the wet weather stays away enough for a game to take place!
