Despite being inconsequential, Pakistan’s fixture against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida, holds some significance for both teams as they seek to salvage pride. Ireland, after surprising Pakistan in a recent series, now faces the prospect of a winless World Cup campaign following defeats to Canada and the USA. Pakistan, having faced a shock defeat to the USA and a loss to India from a winning position, saw their hopes of progressing dashed further by rain. Sunday’s clash offers Ireland a chance to avoid a winless exit and Pakistan an opportunity to avoid deeper scrutiny from the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, upon their return home.
PAK vs IRE: Lauderhill Stadium, Florida Pitch Report
Cloudy conditions are expected with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, but the outfield’s state remains uncertain after Saturday’s showers. Historically, spinners have thrived more than pacers at this venue. Pakistan might consider playing Abrar Ahmad in the final match, given the success of spinners here. Most of Ireland’s batters, except George Dockrell, have struggled against wrist-spinners. Shadab Khan, underutilized so far in this World Cup, could play a bigger role against Ireland. Additionally, Craig Young, who has effectively contained Babar Azam in the past, may be brought on specifically to challenge the Pakistan skipper if he is included in the XI.
Also read: Watch Video: Wasim Akram’s Viral Reaction on Pakistan’s Exit from T20 World Cup 2024
PAK vs IRE: Squads
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Abbas Afridi
Ireland Squad: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling(c), Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Ross Adair