Afghanistan won the toss in the first Twenty20I and opted to bat first. It is always a good idea to consider Afghanistan as good candidate for this short format, as they have hitters, bowlers, and all-rounders. Their complete T20 squad can beat any opponent. As of now, everything is going well. At the end of 8 overs, they are at 63/1. In terms of batting attack, Ireland has a good one. It was a disappointing summer for Ireland, despite their performances at times. Anyway, It should be an interesting match.
I would say Afghanistan's decision to bat after winning the toss was correct. Afghanistan managed to collect 113 runs in 14 overs. Afghanistan's bowling line-up is very strong. If they are able to give a target of more than 170 then maybe the match will be under the control of Afghanistan. But if the target is like 150 then there is a possibility for Ireland to win.The last over went for 21 runs and i think this can be a momentum shift for the Afghanistan team. Ibrahim Zadran scored 2 sixes and 1 four in the last over and it was a treat to watch
The target of 169 runs is not a big target. But since Afghanistan's bowling line-up is strong, I think it should be enough to win. But if the bowlers fail to do their duty there is a possibility of defeat. Afghanistan mostly rely on their spin bowlers. Afghanistan's bowlers will struggle to perform well if the pitch is not spin-friendly. In this case, the result is also likely to go in Ireland's favour.
So far things are going good for Ireland. Both the openers Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie have given a solid start to the Ireland innings and they have scored 40 runs without any wicket loss. The required run rate at the moment is little over 8.5 but with wickets in hand, this is achievable.
Ireland would want this partnership to stay and make the target more within their reach.
