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Fans are gearing up for the commencement of the three-match T20I series between Ireland and Pakistan, slated to begin on May 10. As the cricketing world’s focus shifts towards the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA, this series assumes paramount importance for both teams in refining their strategies and finalizing their squad combinations.
A Glimpse into World Cup face-off
Of particular interest is the fact that both Pakistan and Ireland find themselves placed in the same group for the T20 World Cup, intensifying the significance of their encounters. The teams are scheduled to clash on June 16 at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, setting the stage for a captivating showdown.
Venue and leadership
All three T20Is will unfold at the scenic Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin. The Irish squad will be led by the seasoned campaigner Paul Stirling, while the reins of the Pakistani side will be in the capable hands of Babar Azam.
Player dynamics
However, both teams face challenges on the personnel front. Mohammad Amir‘s participation remains uncertain due to unresolved visa issues, casting a shadow over his availability for the series. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Haris Rauf is set to make his comeback after a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to injury.
On the Irish side, the absence of pacer Joshua Little looms large, as he is currently engaged in IPL 2024 commitments with the Gujarat Titans (GT), adding a layer of complexity to Ireland’s bowling lineup.
Also READ: Ireland announces squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
Ireland’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan:
- Andrew Balbirnie: A solid middle-order batsman known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor an innings. Balbirnie brings stability to the Irish batting lineup and has the capability to accelerate when needed.
- Paul Stirling (c): The charismatic captain of the Irish team, Stirling is a dynamic opening batsman who possesses the knack for scoring quick runs at the top of the order. His aggressive style of play often sets the tone for the team’s innings.
- Lorcan Tucker (wk): A talented wicketkeeper-batsman, Tucker adds depth to the Irish batting order while also providing stability behind the stumps. He is known for his sharp glovework and ability to contribute crucial runs down the order.
- Harry Tector: A promising young all-rounder, Tector is a vital cog in the Irish setup with his ability to chip in with both bat and ball. He has shown glimpses of his potential and is poised to play a significant role in the team’s success.
- Curtis Campher: A versatile cricketer, Campher is known for his ability to perform with both bat and ball. He has made a strong impression since making his debut and is considered a valuable asset to the Irish team in both the limited-overs formats.
- George Dockrell: An experienced campaigner, Dockrell is a seasoned spinner who adds variety to the Irish bowling attack. His accurate left-arm spin and ability to contain batsmen make him a key player in the team’s plans.
- Gareth Delany: A dynamic all-rounder, Delany is known for his explosive batting and handy leg-spin bowling. He has the ability to change the course of a game with his aggressive strokeplay and can also contribute with crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
- Mark Adair: A pace bowler with the ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch, Adair is a key component of the Irish bowling lineup. His knack for picking up wickets at crucial junctures makes him a valuable asset to the team.
- Barry McCarthy: A skilled fast bowler known for his ability to bowl tight lines and generate bounce, McCarthy adds potency to the Irish pace attack. He is capable of bowling long spells with control and is known for his ability to extract movement from the pitch.
- Benjamin White: A promising young spinner, White has shown glimpses of his talent with his accurate bowling and subtle variations. He is seen as a player with immense potential and is expected to play a key role in the team’s spin department.
- Craig Young: A seasoned campaigner with ample experience, Young is a reliable pace bowler known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. He provides crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and is known for his consistency in line and length.