Ireland vs Afghanistan – 5th T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs Afghanistan taking place? Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 – 15:30 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs Afghanistan taking place? Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
What is the expected weather for Ireland vs Afghanistan? 16-18c, cloudy but dry with light winds throughout the scheduled hours of play
What channel is Ireland vs Afghanistan on? This game will be televised in the UK live on BT Sport.
Where can I stream Ireland vs Afghanistan? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app
LAST MEETING
Afghanistan beat Ireland by 27 runs.
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
- A rain reduced fourth T20i saw Ireland bowled out for 105 as they once again failed to chase down the target set for them by Afghanistan, meaning that have now lost the 2-0 lead they previously possessed.
- Once again, George Dockrell was the shining star with the bat for the hosts, backing up his 58 not out in the third T20i with an unbeaten 41 off 27 balls here meaning that he is yet to be dismissed by Afghanistan across the entire series, having accumulated 134 runs without losing his wicket.
AFGHANISTAN
- After having been beaten in each of the first two T20i fixtures vs Ireland, Afghanistan have finally started to hit their stride, backing up victory on Friday with another win on Monday to level up what has been a fascinating series.
- After a surprisingly quiet and wicketless first three games for Rashid Khan, the superstar spinner bounced back in style last time out, scoring a rapid 31 from just 10 balls with the bat, before taking two crucial wickets with the ball.
THE PREDICTION
A thrilling comeback from Afghanistan across the series leaves these two nations set to fight it out in this fifth and deciding T20i. All the momentum is with the tourists and it’s understandable for Irish fans to think the worst in this situation. Ireland have come out on the losing side all summer long, until this series where it appeared that things had changed. However, the mental aspect of cricket cannot be underestimated and the memories of losing close contests against India and New Zealand earlier this summer may well be in the minds of the Ireland players. Most importantly in regards to this final T20i, Afghanistan’s bowlers look to have firmly regained the control in which they perhaps lacked across the first two matches and have since dominated Ireland’s top order. That winning mentality counts for a lot and in what should be an exciting finale, it is Afghanistan who are worth backing to extend Ireland’s white ball misery and emerge victorious.
