It's a dead rubber, as Ireland host Afghanistan in the third and the final T20I at the Bready Cricket Club in Bready, Northern Ireland on Friday, August 24, 2018. Afghanistan has already secured the three-match series after winning the first two T20Is by 18 runs and 81 runs respectively.
Afghanistan is leading the series 2-0 and on the verge of a historic whitewash. On the other hand, Ireland is off the track completely, both mentally and technically. With the ODI series coming up in a few days time, Ireland would consider this as an opportunity to turn things around.
Afghans in for a historic whitewash
Having already won the series 2-0, Afghanistan would be tempted to try some players from the bench and experiment. But the tourists might surprise everyone by picking the same line-up again and reinforce a series whitewash, which would be their second in T20Is this year after doing the same to Bangladesh in June.
Bit of a wet day here at @BreadyCC for the 3rd T20I between Ireland and Afghanistan. We’ll update you on whether play is possible a little later, but very wet under foot and further showers forecast. #BackingGreen #IREvAFG pic.twitter.com/ZYhbxTOQOo
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) August 24, 2018
Rashid Khan has been the star with the ball in the series so far picking up seven wickets, and he will once again play an important role in shaping Afghanistan's bowling attack.
Hazrafullah Zazai has been great batting form notching two back to back 70-plus scores. But, all eyes will be on the experienced middle-order and their performance.
Ireland in complete disarray
Ireland would be desperate. And why shouldn't they be? It has been that kind of series so far for them. Not being able to qualify for the World Cup, followed series loss against India and now Afghanistan.
There are some issues with the batting. Time and again, Ireland has failed to construct a vital partnership to reach a good score. Come to the third T20I, the hosts will hope for some resilience for their batsmen, else Ireland might have one of their most embarrassing series losses.
Changes in XI are not expected but, maybe some minute adjustment to the skill.
The scorecards of the two games being played in the Bready Cricket Club suggests that there has been some assistance for the spinners off the surface. The Afghani spinners have exploited that bit from the pitch, but that's not we can say Ireland. The weather forecast suggests some rains in the afternoon, but it won't be affecting the game match a lot.
