PAK vs IRE: Preview, prediction and likely lineups for first T20I

Pakistan will kick off their week-long tour of Ireland with the first T20I match against the hosts on May 10.

The three-match series between the two teams acts as a preparation to next month’s T20 World Cup 2024 for both sides.

Ireland recently suffered a defeat in their three-match T20I series to Afghanistan in the UAE by a 1-2 margin.

Andy Balbirnie and captain Paul Stirling will hold the key to Ireland’s chances against Pakistan owing to their seniority. Both cricketers have played over 100 T20Is each and will start out as their most experienced batters. 

All-rounder Mark Adair and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker also hold key experience, alongside in-form youngster Curtis Campher.

Meanwhile, they will miss pacer Josh Little, who will miss the series due to his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

On the other hand, Pakistan levelled their five-match home T20I series against New Zealand last month.

Captain Babar Azam and star batters Fakhar Zaman amassed the most runs for their team against New Zealand. 

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, meanwhile, captured eight wickets from just four innings and provided crucial breakthroughs for Pakistan throughout the series.

Interestingly, pacer Hasan Ali was recalled into the national setup for the series against Ireland and England, and his presence is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s bowling attack. 

Haris Rauf and Azam Khan, who were absent from the series against New Zealand, are also included in Pakistan’s squad for the Ireland T20Is.

Mohammad Amir will miss the first T20I due to delays in the issuance of his visa. He is expected to join the side on Friday.

Likely lineups

Ireland: Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young and Ben White.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

Prediction

Pakistan hold an edge over Ireland due to experience and are firm favourites to defeat the host in the first T20I.