Ireland were off to shaky start as hosts in the first of the two-One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan wherein they lost by a massive 255 runs at The Village in Dublin. Pakistan are all set to take on Ireland for the final encounter and will aim for an Irish whitewash. Pakistan, who entered the series at the ninth place in ICC ODI rankings, showed the world what they were capable of. Their triumph against Ireland was their biggest one in ODI history in terms of runs, leaving behind their 235-runs demolition of Bangladesh, 16 years back. It was an all-round performance from the visitors as they head for the second ODI but will still like to test their bench strength before facing England in a five-ODI series. Here is a look at captain Azhar Ali’s probable XI for second ODI: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Dublin
Top-Order: Opener Sharjeel Khan was the star of the show. His quick fire 152 brought the momentum at the top for the team. Once again a stellar show is likely to be expected from the young batsman. Captain Azhar was seen to be out of form with just one run as Ireland’s Barry McCarthy dismissed him cheaply. His poor form in ODIs continue to linger Pakistan since the New Zealand series. Senior player, Mohammad Hafeez will continue to bat at No. 3.
His series against Bangladesh in 2015 was fruitful. This time around, he will want to capitulate on his game further to shut his critics down who are doubting his credentials. Chances of Sami Aslam making the cut against Ireland are unlikely to not disturb the top-order but may use him while facing England if someone goes out of steam.
Middle-Order: The middle-order is dependent on Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik. Their batting prowess can boost the middle-order directly. Azam scored 29 that included two fours while Malik remained unbeaten at 57, as he was off the mark right after Sharjeel fell. His two sixes and six fours shows that he can keep the game moving for Pakistan in the crunch middle overs. Sarfraz Ahmed was not at his best unlike witnessed against New Zealand early this year. He is consistent with his performance and can play a vital cameo in the need of hour. He was gone for mere two runs but will like to make up for it in this game.
Pakistan’s new inclusion Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of choice in the middle. He assured he achieved his maiden fifty along with an experienced Malik, on the other side. ALSO READ: PAK vs IRE, 2nd ODI: Visitors look to whitewash series & move up in rankings
Bowling: The bowling unit was ruled by Imad Wasim in the first ODI. His maiden five-wicket haul set the base for the bowlers. The return of Umar Gul, after a year, indeed proved advantageous for the visitors as he was the next bowler to pick maximum wickets. New comer Hasan Ali was not at his best as witnessed in county cricket. He was a touch expensive and chances of bringing Yasir Shah into the attack is highly on the cards. He missed out on the ODI series against New Zealand and will be eager to bamboozle Ireland, who are not bad against spin. Lastly, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Aamer took a wicket apiece and will look to dominate the hosts, ensuring a whitewash for their side.
Pakistan Likely XI: Azhar Ali (c), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Aame
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