Ireland vs Pakistan Cricket Prediction: 12/5/2024

As the second match of the T20I series approaches, Ireland aims to clinch the series by facing Pakistan at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on Sunday. Ireland currently leads the series 1-0 following their five-wicket victory in the first T20I, powered by strong performances from Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, and Craig Young.

Pakistan, eager to balance the series, anticipates an improved performance, especially from their bowlers. Captain Babar Azam is hopeful that his team, particularly the seasoned players, will enhance their contributions with both bat and ball.

**TEAM OVERVIEWS**

**Ireland Review:**
Ireland’s batting lineup will depend heavily on players like opener Andrew Balbirnie, captain Paul Stirling, wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and George Dockrell. Balbirnie starred in the first match, scoring 77 runs from 55 balls, including significant boundaries, with Harry Tector and George Dockrell providing solid support.

The Irish bowling attack will rely on Mark Adair, Benjamin White, Craig Young, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy, and Gareth Delany to make crucial breakthroughs. Craig Young stood out in the previous game with impressive bowling figures.

**Predicted Ireland XI:**
Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Benjamin White

**Pakistan Review:**
Pakistan will count on contributions from Saim Ayyub, captain Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Azam Khan. In the series opener, Babar Azam led the scoring with 57 runs, while newcomer Saim Ayyub also made a significant impact.

The Pakistani bowling will lean on Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan to disrupt Ireland’s batting. Abbas Afridi was the standout bowler in the last match, claiming two wickets.

**Predicted Pakistan XI:**
Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abbas Afridi

**Weather and Pitch Conditions:**
The pitch at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball. The forecast predicts cloudy skies with high humidity, which could influence the game.

**Toss Strategy:**
Given the cloudy conditions, both teams might prefer to bowl first, aiming to keep the opponent under 160 runs. The trend at this venue has favored the team batting second.

**Match Prediction:**
Ireland, with home advantage and current form, is favored to win this match and potentially secure a 2-0 lead in the series. Pakistan will need to enhance their overall performance to keep the series alive.

**Final Prediction: Ireland to potentially win and take a 2-0 series lead.**