The second one-day international between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on Saturday (today) at Dublin. Pakistan is 1-0 up in the two-match series after beating the host by 255 runs in the first ODI played on Thursday.
Pakistan, Ireland second ODI will start at 2:45pm (PST).
Pakistan formidable total of 337 for 6 in the first ODI didn’t just include Sharjeel’s power-packed tonne, but the pair of Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik also compiled the fifties. Azhar, the incumbent captain, fell cheaply for one and hasn’t been in the best of the form of late in ODIs. However, he averages 40.32 in this format and will be keen to prove his worth in the second match.
On the bowling front, Imad Wasim and Gul shared eight spoils between them to help Pakistan bestride the home side. Wasim s bowling in the first game was marked by a stream of sliders juxtaposed by the occasional tossed up delivery. The tourists also will look to continue their good work in the field.
Incidentally, the ODI series against both Ireland and England provides Pakistan with a chance to improve their ranking in the 50-over format. At present, they are placed a lowly ninth in the standings.
The home team would target a better show in their second match. Joyce, who gave a glimpse of his fluid run-scoring ability with two hundred in the ODI series against Afghanistan, is the mainstay of the hosts batting unit. The veteran batsman will be trying to make amends for his failure in the first match.