Nangeyalia Kharote in India (L) & Rashid Khan (Source: AFP Photos)
Afghanistan and Ireland are currently up against each other for a five-match ODI series in Bready and Belfast. The visitors, led by Rahmat Shah, have already won the series with two matches to spare.
The fourth ODI between the two sides will be held once again at Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club on Friday (August 12).
Afghanistan Show Full Authority Over Ireland
The ODI series opener between Afghanistan and Ireland was called off due to relentless rain at Bready Cricket Club, Bready. After that, there was a rain-curtailed 47-over-per-side match between the two sides, which Afghanistan won by 92 runs.
Moving to Belfast, the third ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland was a full 50-over match. There, Ireland were bowled out for 206 in 46.3 overs, and Afghanistan got the job done with three wickets and 31 balls to spare.
Openers: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Two of the best in the business, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, form a superb pair at the top for Afghanistan. There is no doubt they will keep their places unless there are sudden injury woes.
Zadran made an influential 97-ball 84 in the second ODI, which played an important part in their victory.
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Similarly, Gurbaz did his bit in the third ODI, smashing a brilliant 77-ball 71 to set the tone for Afghanistan. Therefore, expect them to go all guns blazing in the fourth ODI.
Middle-Order: Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Darwish Rasooli
Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi made in excess of 20 runs on both of their respective outings, but they failed to make it big. Captain Rahmat Shah and Darwish Rasooli, on the other hand, did not do much with the bat so far in Ireland.
Nevertheless, Afghanistan are unlikely to make any changes to their middle order as well. Instead, they would love to see one of them step up in the next outing.
All-Rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan
Azmatullah Omarzai, who just received punishment from the ICC for a Code of Conduct breach, took three wickets in two matches so far in Ireland.
Rashid Khan, on the other hand, is in the league of his own, with nine wickets in two outings, coupled with a fighting 43-ball 37, speaking volumes.
Thus, both of them, in all likelihood, will secure places in Afghanistan's playing XI vs Ireland for the 4th ODI.
Moreover, Omarzai could even be used as a second-choice pacer in the upcoming fixture, along with Yamin Ahmadzai.
Bowlers: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote/Fazalhaq Farooqi
Keeping Belfast’s conditions in mind, don’t be surprised if Afghanistan go with three spinners in the fourth ODI vs Ireland. If that happens, Mohammad Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan will be joined by Nangeyalia Kharote.
Kharote, in his last ODI, took four wickets in India in June. Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were his victims. Therefore, he has already shown what he can do against big boys, and if he has to join, Fazalhaq Farooqi might have to sit out.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI For 4th ODI vs Ireland
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah (c), Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote/Fazalhaq Farooqi
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