Ireland welcome Pakistan for this series just ahead of the T20 World Cup in what should be significant engagements for both sides.
Pakistan and Ireland will meet in the group stage of the World Cup next month in what will likely be very different conditions.
Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin hosts just its fourth T20I and welcomes Pakistan to the ground for the first time in the format. Ireland have won just one of three matches played at this venue.
To Win Match
Ireland | Tie 25/1 | Pakistan *betting tba
Ireland will be without star fast bowler Josh Little who has opted to stay in the IPL rather than do national duty.
Paul Stirling skippers an Ireland team featuring a blend of youth and experience at their disposal with former captain Andrew Balbirnie still in the squad.
Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher are the finisher threats that Pakistan will need to guard against.
Mark Adair is the sole Irish bowler with what might be termed ‘real pace’ with Little absent and Ireland could find themselves outmatched in that department.
Pakistan arrive in Ireland looking to continue their T20 World Cup tune-ups after a recent home series against New Zealand.
Mohammad Amir has not travelled to Ireland with the rest of the Pakistan side because he did not receive a visa in time and his participation in this series is in doubt.
Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf mean that Pakistan certainly don’t lack for pace when they take on Ireland.
Mohammad Rizwan might return to the team after his hamstring problems in the series against New Zealand and his form will be something to watch.
Verdict: Pakistan
Pakistan have sent a powerful side to Ireland and should be able to get over the line, weather permitting.
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