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The multi-format series between Afghanistan and Ireland commenced on February 28 with a one-off Test at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi. Following the red-ball Test, the series will progress to three subsequent matches, including ODIs and T20Is. It’s noteworthy that this series is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, as both nations are not among the top nine teams, a criterion for participation in the prestigious trophy.
Broadcasting blunder: Babar Azam’s unintended stint as Afghanistan’s captain
An unexpected twist brought this relatively low-profile series into the limelight during the first day of the match, thanks to an error by the official broadcasters. In a mistake that quickly circulated on social media platforms, the former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was mistakenly portrayed as Afghanistan’s Test captain, replacing the actual captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. The image, widely shared on platform X, displayed Andrew Balbirnie as Ireland’s captain, but Babar’s photo was inaccurately used for Shahidi. This error stirred surprise and reactions from fans, particularly from Pakistan.
Also READ: Afghanistan vs Ireland 2024, One-off Test: Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Babar’s current whereabouts
It’s essential to note that Babar is currently at the helm of Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. His leadership has guided Zalmi to three victories in five games this season so far, showcasing his prowess as a captain in the T20 format.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What is this, man? Since when did Babar Azam become Afghanistan captain? 🇦🇫🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️#AFGvIRE pic.twitter.com/K6XtDRPHbx
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 28, 2024
Afghanistan did what Pakistan couldn’t 😂 #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/rYz3p1gp8P
— Alisha Imran (@Alishaimran111) February 28, 2024
Babar Azam become Afghanistan Captain? 🇦🇫
Oo Bhai 🧐👀#BabarAzam #AFGvsIRE pic.twitter.com/w7a74j8DsV
— Muhammad Awais 🇵🇰 (@Awais_Ansari08) February 28, 2024
Babar Azam Afghanistan Captain 😭😭😭😭😭😭#BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam #AFGvsIRE pic.twitter.com/yHIaKAHdO4
— Definitely 56 (@FizaKhan753) February 28, 2024
Broadcast team named #BabarAzam as Afghanistan team Captain. Rediculous #AFGvsIRE #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/xAaqb79ZvS
— #ShabbirMalik (@ShabbirMalik90) February 28, 2024
BABAR Azam in Afghanistan v Ireland match!!!
King 👑 Babar Azam#BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 https://t.co/ACIyM6KPYw
— Saleem🇵🇰 (@Saleem_54Fan) February 28, 2024
Babar Afghani😂😂
— Qasim (@crickinfo1010) February 28, 2024
Babar 💚Afghanistan Captain 🔥
🚨ICC learned FAKE NEWS propaganda from PTI 😁 pic.twitter.com/sk9aQOcK6W
— Nawaz 💚 Maryam 💓 (@TayyabKhan9642) February 28, 2024
What is this, man? Since when did Babar Azam become Afghanistan captain? 🇦🇫🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️#AFGvIRE pic.twitter.com/bAtguBj0DW
— Cric KHQ (@mrzee7872) February 28, 2024
BABAR AZAM became the Afghanistan captain in Test Match against Ireland 😁😂#AFGvIRE #ICC pic.twitter.com/Xg1GiFfogv
— Ahmii🇵🇰🏏 (@Ahmii512) February 28, 2024
Babar Azam becomes captain of Afghanistan’s team 🥴🥴🥴.#HBLPSL2024 #hartaberfair #Perletti #PSL9 #whotfdidimarry #BabarAzam𓃵 #XDown #ไอ้ทอย #GrandeFratello #viralvideo pic.twitter.com/E9VCRNhjZ4
— Ateeq Ur Rahman (@AbbasiAteeq20) February 28, 2024
Mark Adair’s five-wicket haul dismantles Afghanistan
Afghanistan faced a challenging Day 1 in the one-off Test against Ireland at the Tolerance Oval. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan struggled to 155, with Ibrahim Zadran top-scoring at 53. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20) and Karim Janat (41*) contributed, but Mark Adair‘s five-wicket haul limited them.
In response, Ireland had a shaky start as captain Andy Balbirnie (12) and Peter Moor (2) fell early. Curtis Campher and Harry Tector stabilized with a 60-run partnership, but Zia Ur Rehman Akbar‘s spin led to Campher’s dismissal at 49. Debutant night-watchman Theo van Woerkom also couldn’t prevent another turning delivery from Zia, losing his wicket. Ireland finished the day on 100/4 with Tector and Paul Stirling at the crease.