Pakistan Opts to Field First in Crucial T20 Clash Against Ireland
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, opted to field first after winning the toss in the second T20 international against Ireland at Clontarf. This crucial match holds significance for Pakistan, as a victory is essential to force a series decider.
Pakistan made a strategic change to their lineup, replacing Shadab Khan with Mohammad Amir. Ireland also implemented a change, with Graham Hume stepping in for Barry McCarthy, who experienced back spasms.
The toss was delayed by 45 minutes due to a sudden downpour, followed by intermittent drizzle that further postponed the start of play.
Ireland’s Batting Lineup:
1. Paul Stirling (captain)
2. Andrew Balbirnie
3. Lorcan Tucker (wicket-keeper)
4. Harry Tector
5. George Dockrell
6. Gareth Delany
7. Curtis Campher
8. Mark Adair
9. Graham Hume
10. Craig Young
11. Ben White
Pakistan’s Batting Lineup:
1. Babar Azam (captain)
2. Saim Ayub
3. Mohammad Rizwan
4. Fakhar Zaman
5. Azam Khan
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shaheen Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Abbas Afridi
11. Mohammad Amir
With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir, to restrict Ireland’s batting. Ireland, on the other hand, will rely on their top-order batsmen, such as Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, to provide a solid foundation.