The Pakistan cricket team has had a bad run in three recent series including the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home which ended in a 2-2 draw with the first match washed out due to rain. The Ireland series which Pakistan won by 2-1 and the recently concluded four-match T20I series against England which they lost by 2-0 with two games washed out due to rain.
The biggest shock and upset for Pakistan was the first T20I loss at the hands of the Irish. This was the first time that Ireland had beaten Pakistan in a T20I and a big blow for Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The two countries will meet again in the T20 World Cup 2024 in a group match on June 16 at the Central Broward Stadium, Lauderhill Florida.
Robin Uthappa, a former Indian batter, believes Ireland can again cause an upset for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Pakistani fielding will cause them great loss in the match against Ireland.
“It’s just that Pakistan have been one of those teams where, in a tournament, especially in an ICC tournament, they have always been upset by somebody. There is one of those games. See, their fielding has been particularly iffy at all times. we have seen it in the latest Asia Cup that even happened. I think, across time, in fact, Pakistan’s fielding has been very shady in that sense. So, I think, one of those games will happen where they will not turn up. I feel a team like Ireland can certainly upset them,” Uthappa stated.
He also explained why Ireland will be the one to defeat Pakistan, “If you look at the batting order, I think it looks quite strong in itself. Their bowling attack is also pretty good. Josh Little leads the attack. He’s been very impressive not just for Ireland but even when he has come to India to play in the IPL. Plays leagues around the world. He is a quick customer.
“Unassuming, Ge seems like he is not very quick. But he is actually very quick. Bowls a very heavy ball. Curtis Campher is someone who has also done really well for them. So, for me, Mark Adair is also someone who has done well,” Uthappa added.
Pakistan is grouped with the USA, Canada, India and Ireland in Group A of the event and will play their first match in Dallas on June 6 against the USA.
