The stage is set for an exhilarating clash as the Pakistan and Ireland cricket teams gear up for the third and final T20I in Dublin today, marking the decisive fixture of the series.
Scheduled to commence at 7pm PST, both teams enter the match with one victory each, keeping the series evenly poised. While Ireland secured triumph in the opening match, Pakistan bounced back fiercely to claim victory in the second encounter.
Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan aims to overcome the hosts, carrying forward the winning momentum into their upcoming tour of England. Conversely, Ireland eyes the opportunity to etch their names in history by clinching a series victory against Pakistan for the first time.
As anticipation mounts for this pivotal showdown, cricket enthusiasts worldwide await the outcome of what promises to be an enthralling battle.
The battleground for this crucial fixture is the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground. Known for favoring fast bowlers, the pitch at Clontarf presents challenging conditions where the ball behaves unpredictably, posing a formidable challenge for batsmen.
Especially under cloudy skies, these conditions become even more daunting for the batters. In such circumstances, winning the coin toss assumes significant importance.
Typically, teams opt to field first upon winning the toss, deeming chasing as a more favorable strategy on such a surface.
Weather forecasts indicate a slight possibility (20 percent) of rain during the forthcoming Dublin encounter. The temperature is expected to remain steady at approximately 16 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels hovering around 81 percent.
Additionally, a brisk breeze with speeds reaching up to 19 kmph is forecasted. Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent performance, Fakhar, who delivered a stunning knock of 78 off 40 in the previous match, expressed the team’s resolve following their initial setback.
“It was a wake-up call for the team after losing the first match,” Fakhar remarked. “Our performance in this match reflects our determination. I hope to carry this momentum forward into the World Cup.”
Furthermore, Azam Khan, who missed Pakistan’s recent series against New Zealand, showcased his prowess with a blistering finishing knock of 30 off 10 balls against Ireland, instilling confidence in the team’s middle-order capabilities.
The probable playing XI for both teams are as follows:
Ireland: Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ross Adair, Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling (c), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Benjamin White
Pakistan: Azam Khan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammed Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi
