IRE v PAK, 2nd ODI Preview: Pakistan seeking a whitewash

Pakistan will be hoping for a whitewash in the second ODI of the IRE v PAK series after having clinched an important 255-run win in the first ODI at Malahide. That said, they will also be hoping to give some of their fringe and squad players a chance to make a claim to fame with the England ODI series just around the corner.

Pitch Conditions

Although the wicket is expected to remain the same, the grass on the wicket is expected to decrease as compared to the first match. However, the wicket is also expected to have enough for the batsmen and bowlers should the batsmen have the patience to wait out the new ball in the opening few overs.

Team Analysis

Ireland

The 255-run loss against a side that is struggling in ODIs as well is certainly something that would not have gone down too well with the management. Although it would be a premature step to ring in the changes for Ireland, it would be clear that they would be expected to play with more responsibility and respect, something they seldom showed in the first ODI.

The spotlight as far as Pakistan would be concerned will certainly be on 23-year old Irish pacer, Barry McCarthy. The pacer concluded with figures of 4/62 and impressed in bits and pieces despite bring slightly expensive in the final few overs of the innings.

Also read – Ready to play till I’m 50: Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan

With most of the initial banter on the match being around Pakistan and their steady decline from the top labyrinths of One Day International Cricket, Pakistan put up a magnificent performance. Sharjeel Khan, in particular, was simply amazing with the bat after having broken the plethora of records he had while Imad Wasim showed what he can do in those conditions with a wonderful five-wicket haul.

Sharjeel Khan will certainly hog most of the limelight while a sliver of the spotlight will also be on Imad Wasim, who will be an important piece of the puzzle when Ireland is concerned.

Telecast on PTV Sports

Match starts from 14:45 PKT

Also read – Mohammad Azharuddin’s valuable tips for Virat Kohli to counter swing

Playing XI (Probable)

Ireland: William Porterfield (C), Stuart Poynter (WK), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Kevin O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Tim Murtagh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Peter Chase, Niall O’Brien

Pakistan: Azhar Ali (C), Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Umar Gul, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam

StAttack

1. The team batting first at Malahide has won the match four out of the last five times.

2. Niall O’ Brien needs 36 runs to complete 2000 runs in One-Day international cricket.

3. Kevin O’ Brien (2604) and skipper William Porterfield (2565) are fighting over the ones to conclude as Ireland’s top run-getter in ODIs.

4. Porterfield also requires 9 more matches to become the second player to complete 100 ODI matches. Kevin O’Brien is the other player with 101 matches.

5. Sharjeel Khan’s 152 notched up in 86 deliveries was the third fastest ever 150 in ODI history.