Pakistan’s cricket journey is set to traverse the picturesque landscapes of Ireland and England as they gear up for a crucial prelude to the much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024. With a schedule brimming with intensity, the tour promises an exhilarating blend of competition and preparation for the cricketing extravaganza on the horizon.
Pakistan vs Ireland T20I Series:
The tour kicks off with Pakistan locking horns with Ireland in a riveting three-match T20I series, commencing on May 10 at Clontarf, Dublin. Led by the formidable Babar Azam, Pakistan’s squad boasts the return of seasoned pacers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, alongside the versatile all-rounder Salman Agha. As Pakistan brace themselves for a formidable challenge, Ireland are yet to unveil its arsenal, heightening the suspense surrounding the impending clashes.
This series holds paramount importance as both teams view it as a pivotal juncture to fine-tune their strategies and compositions ahead of the T20 World Cup, slated to commence on June 1. Notably, Pakistan and Ireland find themselves pitted against each other in the group stage of the global spectacle, with their encounter scheduled for June 16 in Lauderhill. For Pakistan, currently ranked fifth in the ICC T20I Rankings, the series serves as a litmus test, offering players a platform to showcase their mettle and stake their claim for a coveted spot in the World Cup squad.
Squads for Pakistan vs Ireland T20I series
Ireland squad for Pakistan series :
Yet to be named
Pakistan squad for Ireland series
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
Pakistan vs Ireland T20I series schedule:
- May 10: First T20I at Clontarf
- May 12: Second T20I at Clontarf
- May 14: Third T20I at Clontarf
Pakistan vs England T20I Series:
Following the enthralling encounters in Ireland, Pakistan embark on the next leg of their tour, squaring off against England in a pulsating four-match T20I series, commencing on May 22 at Leeds. Led once again by the astute leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s contingent sees the return of Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Salman Agha, augmenting the squad’s potency.
The England squad, spearheaded by Jos Buttler, welcomes the return of the dynamic Jofra Archer after a year-long injury hiatus, adding an extra dimension to their formidable lineup. Notably, Tom Hartley emerges as the lone uncapped player in England’s ensemble, injecting an element of intrigue into their preparations.
Much like the Ireland series, the showdown against England assume significance as a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup, with both teams striving to fine-tune their combinations and strategies before the marquee event. With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, Pakistan aim to harness the momentum garnered from the series to mount a formidable challenge on the global stage.
Pakistan vs England T20I series squads
England squad for Pakistan series
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
Pakistan squad for England series
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
Pakistan vs England T20I series schedule
- May 22: First T20I at Leeds
- May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham
- May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff
- May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval
The Bottom Line:
As the cricketing fraternity braces itself for an enthralling spectacle, Pakistan’s tour of Ireland and England emerges as a captivating saga, replete with anticipation and intrigue. With the T20 World Cup looming large on the horizon, every encounter assumes significance, serving as a litmus test for teams to gauge their readiness and resilience in the quest for glory.
For Pakistan, the tour represents a golden opportunity to synchronize their resources, iron out any creases, and forge a cohesive unit capable of surmounting any challenge. With the spotlight firmly fixed on Babar Azam and his charges, the stage is set for a riveting showdown as cricket aficionados worldwide await with bated breath for the action to unfold in this exhilarating chapter of cricketing excellence.
Also, see:
When will Pakistan unveil T20 World Cup 2024 squad?