Pakistan and Ireland are facing an unfortunate situation as they meet in Lauderhill, Florida. Both teams have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup, and their final group game on Sunday holds no bearing on the tournament’s outcome.
Despite the circumstances, they will prepare for this match, weather permitting, knowing it won’t alter their current standings or affect their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Check out Pakistan vs Ireland Match Predictions.
Match Preview
Pakistan is considering giving Abrar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi their first appearances in the tournament.
For Pakistan, it’s another day in America before returning to face growing discontent back home following losses to the USA and India. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a secure position, is expected to make changes soon, including reviewing Pakistan’s central contracts later this month. Babar Azam’s team faces limited prospects of improving the national mood, especially if they suffer another defeat.
Ireland has also faced disappointment after a promising start with a home victory over Pakistan and success in a T20 tri-nation series in the Netherlands. However, their campaign turned sour with a dismal performance on a challenging pitch in New York against India, followed by a defeat to Canada. Despite having slim chances for qualification before Lauderhill’s weather disrupted their match against the hosts, Ireland now hopes to conclude their U.S. journey positively.
Expected Lineups
Expected Pakistan lineup
1. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam (capt)
4. Fakhar Zaman
5. Usman Khan
6. Shadab Khan
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shaheen Afridi/Abbas Afridi
9. Naseem Shah/Abrar Ahmed
10. Haris Rauf
11. Mohammad Amir
Expected Ireland lineup
1. Andy Balbirnie
2. Paul Stirling (capt)
3. Lorcan Tucker (wk)
4. Harry Tector
5. Curtis Campher
6. George Dockrell
7. Gareth Delany
8. Mark Adair
9. Barry McCarthy
10. Josh Little
11. Craig Young/Ben White
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and Ireland have faced each other in 4 matches in T20. Out of these 4 games, Pakistan have won 3 whereas Ireland have come out victorious on 1 occasion.
Pitch and Weather Report
The matches scheduled in Lauderhill, Florida, USA and Ireland on Friday, as well as India and Canada on Saturday, were cancelled without even the toss taking place due to heavy rain and a waterlogged outfield. The weather outlook for Sunday appears more promising, contingent upon overnight rainfall and the condition of the outfield by morning.
Key Players
Pakistan
1. Babar Azam (Captain) – A top-order batsman known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.
2. Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper) – Dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman who can provide stability at the top and accelerate as needed.
3. Shaheen Afridi- Left-arm fast bowler with the ability to swing the ball and take early breakthroughs.
4. Shadab Khan – Leg-spinning all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
5. Mohammad Amir – Experienced fast bowler known for his skillful variations and ability to contain batsmen.
Ireland
1. Paul Stirling (Captain) – Explosive opener capable of aggressive starts, crucial for setting the tone at the top of the order.
2. Lorcan Tucker (Wicketkeeper) – Middle-order batsman who has shown the ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when required.
3. Mark Adair- All-rounder known for his contributions with both bat and ball, providing valuable depth to the team.
4. Andy Balbirnie- Stylish batsman with the ability to build partnerships and anchor the innings in the middle order.
5. Josh Little- Left-arm fast bowler who can swing the ball and trouble batsmen with his pace and accuracy.
Pakistan vs Ireland Match Predictions
Predictions for the Pakistan vs Ireland match on June 16 tilt strongly in favour of Pakistan, who enter as the clear favourites despite their recent struggles in the tournament. Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan boasts a lineup with experienced campaigners like Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, eager to end their campaign on a high note.
Ireland, having shown glimpses of promise earlier, will rely on players such as Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker to regain lost ground. However, Pakistan’s superior skill set and depth give them a significant advantage. Expect a competitive match with Pakistan likely to dominate.
Win Chances:
– Pakistan: 75%
– Ireland: 25%
