Pakistan will face Ireland in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin and aim to bounce back after a humiliating defeat in the first game.
The series opener saw Ireland dominate Babar Azam and his men, with the hosts securing a comprehensive five-wicket victory.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a challenging target of 183 runs, which Ireland successfully chased down, buoyed by impressive performances from Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, and George Dockrell.
Craig Young emerged as Ireland's most prolific bowler, taking crucial wickets including those of Azam Khan and Babar Azam.
Despite a promising start, courtesy of fireworks from Babar and Saim Ayub, Pakistan's middle order collapsed, leaving them struggling. Iftikhar Ahmed's quickfire cameo salvaged their innings, allowing them to reach the 160-run mark.
Looking ahead to this match, Pakistan will hope for a more aggressive approach from their top order, especially Babar and Rizwan, while players like Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan need to provide impetus in the middle overs.
Similarly, on the bowling front, Pakistan need Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi to make crucial breakthroughs, a task they failed to accomplish in the series opener.
Likely lineups
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
Ireland: Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Ben White
Prediction
Despite losing the first T20I, given the balance and strength of their team, we are backing Pakistan to rebound with a victory in this match.
