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As the T20 World Cup draws closer, Ireland and Pakistan lock horns in the first of their three T20 internationals. This series presents a vital opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and gain momentum before the global showdown in the West Indies and the United States.
Ireland’s Hopes of Competing Well
Led by the seasoned campaigner Paul Stirling, Ireland aims to put up a strong fight against a formidable Pakistan side. Their recent series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe saw moments of brilliance, but inconsistency plagued their performances. Now, they are determined to make a statement on home turf and build confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan’s Preparation for England Tour
For Pakistan, this series serves as crucial preparation for their upcoming tour of England. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, they seek to solidify their squad dynamics. The absence of Mohammed Amir due to visa issues is a setback, but the team remains focused on the task at hand.
Players to Watch
Former captain Andy Balbirnie alongside Paul Stirling will spearhead Ireland’s batting, while all-rounders like Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany add depth to their lineup. On the other hand, Babar Azam’s leadership and batting prowess will be pivotal for Pakistan, supported by the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Predicted Playing XIs
Ireland:
- Paul Stirling (c)
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Curtis Campher
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Neil Rock
- Gareth Delany
- Mark Adair
- Barry McCarthy
- Craig Young
- Benjamin White
Pakistan:
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohd Rizwan (wk)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Imad Wasim
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abbas Afridi
- Naseem Shah
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Castle Avenue in Dublin offers a pitch conducive to seam and swing bowling, often limiting teams to modest totals. Cloud cover on match day could further assist bowlers, making early wickets crucial. With both teams opting to bowl first or second based on the conditions, the toss may not have a significant impact.
Prediction
Despite Ireland’s potential to compete well, Pakistan enters the contest as the favorites. With their depth in talent and experience, they are poised to clinch victory in the series opener, setting the tone for the remainder of the matches.
Prediction: Pakistan to win
