On paper, this might not be the most compelling cricket match of the year. However, the stakes continue to remain high for both teams with ranking points as well as the series result on their agenda in the second match at The Village, Malahide (Dublin).
While Ireland are targeting a full member scalp and the resultant drawn series, Pakistan will be wary of their position in terms of qualification for the next World Cup. Following a dominant performance in the previous match, another strong showing should be a confidence boost ahead of a tough battle against England.
Sharjeel Khan’s brutal hitting might be a step in the right direction for the visitors’ ODI revival. Not mindful of the question marks surrounding his temperament, the opener produced an 86-ball 152 and paved the way for their biggest ever victory in the 50-overs format.
On the other hand, the Irish batting lineup could not utilize the fairly placid surface and succumbed to scoreboard pressure. With similar conditions expected, they might want to follow the age-old adage of constructing noteworthy partnerships to move on from their ignominious 82 all out.
Acknowledging the stiff task ahead, skipper William Porterfield felt, “It's a tough learning curve for the younger lads coming into the team. It is a tough school coming in to bowl at the best players in the world.”
Match Details:
Venue – The Village, Malahide (Dublin)
Date – 20th August, 2016 (Saturday)
Time – 1045 local/0945 GMT (1515 IST)
Recent Form:
Ireland – LWLWL
Pakistan – WLLLL
Team Talk
Ireland
Although the prospect of rebounding from a demoralizing loss is never easy, the hosts cannot afford to make too many changes since they have only 13 players at their disposal. However, promising seam bowler Craig Young should make his ODI comeback after being overlooked for more than 10 months. Peter Chase appears the most likely candidate to make way.
Pakistan
The team management will be closely monitoring the workload of Mohammad Amir and in all likelihood might hand a breather to the left-arm pacer. Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah are in contention to get tuned to white-ball cricket while the experienced Umar Gul should retain his place after an impressive new-ball spell. Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan could also get a look-in incase Sarfraz Ahmed is rested.
Possible Lineups
Ireland: Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, William Porterfield (c), Niall O'Brien, Kevin O'Brien, Gary Wilson, Stuart Poynter (wk), Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young
Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Azhar Ali (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah/Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Hasan Ali
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