Afghanistan vs Ireland 1st Test Preview & Betting Tips - Hosts to win one-off test

Unlike the last one played in Dehradun, which Afghanistan won by seven wickets - this one will be played at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi, a city that has become one of the home bases for Afghanistan over the years because they don’t get to host matches at home due to security considerations.

This will be the first Test played at this venue, making it the 122nd venue to host men’s Test cricket.

The big miss for Afghanistan, of course, is Rashid Khan, the superstar leg-spinner who is recuperating from a back surgery. Rashid hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the 50-over World Cup in October-November last year, and is working his way back into full fitness, possibly in time for the IPL.

Rashid’s absence will be felt even more, given Afghanistan don’t have the services of Mohammed Nabi (retired from Tests), Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Qais Ahmed (both left out). 

Zia-ur-Rahman, the left-arm spinner, who went wicketless during their recent Test outing against Sri Lanka has retained his place, while there’s also place for an uncapped legspinner in Khalil Gurbaz.

On the batting front, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose stocks in international cricket has risen significantly over the past year, is in line to earn his maiden Test cap, while Bahir Shah, who averages a mighty impressive 60.90 in 40 first-class matches, has made a strong case to be picked.

Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, Nasir Jamal, Karim Janat, Khalil Gurbaz, Zahir Khan, Zia-Ur-Rehman, Nijat Masood, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai, Naveed Zadran

Ireland squad: Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Graham Hume, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young