In the one-off Test showdown between Afghanistan and Ireland at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi confirmed the Test debut of wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the match.
On the other side, Ireland introduced three debutants into their lineup, featuring medium-pace bowlers Craig Young and Barry McCarthy, along with left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Theo van Woerkom.
This historic Test marks the inaugural match played at the Tolerance Oval, thereby becoming the 122nd ground to host Test cricket. The pitch, shrouded in mystery due to its unknown characteristics, appeared notably dry, while the outfield was anticipated to be swift.
This encounter marks only the second Test meeting between Afghanistan and Ireland, with their first clash occurring in Dehradun back in 2019.
Since attaining Test status in 2017, Afghanistan has played eight Tests, securing victories against Ireland, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe once each. In contrast, Ireland has yet to taste victory in the Test arena, having lost all seven of their previous Test matches.
Afghanistan’s recent Test engagement was earlier this month against Sri Lanka, while Ireland’s last Test outing dates back to July 2023 against England.
The lineups for both teams are as follows:
Afghanistan:
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Noor Ali Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)
- Nasir Jamal
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (debut)
- Karim Janat
- Zia-ur-Rehman
- Nijat Masood
- Naveed Zadran
- Zahir Khan
Ireland:
- Peter Moor
- Andy Balbirnie (capt)
- Curtis Campher
- Harry Tector
- Paul Stirling
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Mark Adair
- Andy McBrine
- Barry McCarthy (debut)
- Theo van Woerkom (debut)
- Craig Young (debut)
Leave a Reply