PAK vs IRE, T20 World Cup 2024: Pitch report, head-to-head, playing 11 predictions, toss time

Pak Playing for pride in Florida

From a practical standpoint, Pakistan's upcoming fixture against Ireland on Sunday in Lauderhill, Florida, holds little or no significance in terms of the tournament standings, as both teams are out of the Super-Eight race. However, despite their disappointment, they will be playing for pride. With arch-rivals India and the USA having secured the two spots for the Super 8 stage from Group A, Pakistan have been left to reflect on their T20 strategy. Before diving into introspection, the Men in Green must first overcome the Irish challenge.

The Babar Azam-led team’s journey in the T20 World Cup came to an abrupt end after rain washed out the Group A clash between the USA and Ireland on Friday. Pakistan’s performance this year has not lived up to expectations. There were always concerns about the composition of the squad, especially the batting order, and the slower pitches in the USA exposed their weaknesses.

Accustomed to the flat surfaces of Pakistan, where they play most of their T20s in the PSL, Pakistani batters failed to adapt to the conditions in the US. Their fast bowlers have been exceptional, but the batters have repeatedly failed to deliver.

Given the historical significance of spin at the venue, Pakistan might consider giving Abrar Ahmad an opportunity in their final match.

Ireland, yet to secure a win in Group A, will be motivated to end their campaign on a high note. In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, they had convincingly defeated Pakistan in a bilateral match. They will aim to exploit Pakistan’s lack of confidence and their tendency to falter at crucial moments. A strong bowling performance could give Ireland a chance to cause an upset. Much like Pakistan, Ireland's batting has been underwhelming, failing to support their bowlers effectively.

But all that will come to the fore only if the weather permits the game to happen, as Florida has experienced heavy rains and flood-like conditions recently.

PAK vs IRE Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for match day in Lauderhill, Florida, predicts cloudy skies with a high of 32 degrees Celsius. Three matches scheduled at the venue have already been washed out.

PAK vs IRE Pitch Report

The pitch is generally balanced but tends to slightly favour the bowlers, as indicated by the average scores at this ground. Historically, spinners have performed better at this venue compared to pacers.

PAK vs IRE Head-to-Head

Pakistan have won three out of their four T20I encounters against Ireland. Their only meeting in a T20 World Cup was in 2009, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 39 runs.

PAK vs IRE Squads

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

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock (wk), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young.

PAK vs IRE Toss Time

If rain stays away, then the match will start at 8:00PM IST, and the coin will be tossed at 7:30 PM.

PAK vs IRE Telecast: Star Sports Network

PAK vs IRE Live Streaming: Disney Plus Hotstar

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