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An exciting brand of cricket, a talented band of cricketers with some top names of world cricket all packaged into one team is what the Pakistan ODI team offers to spectators in Ireland this summer.
An exciting brand of cricket, a talented band of cricketers with some top names of world cricket all packaged into one team is what the Pakistan ODI team offers to spectators in Ireland this summer. The much awaited KPC Group ODI series promises to be one to remember as former World Champions take on an equally confident Ireland team in two action packed encounters on the 18th and 20th of August.

Driven by the ‘Cornered Tigers’ spirit which the great Imran Khan inculcated in the DNA of his team for generations to come, the current Pakistan ODI team is a fine mixture of experience and youth which will provide a stern test of skills and resolve for the hosts.

Amongst the experienced practitioners of the One Day game, the name of Shoaib Malik stands out as someone who has the ability to win games single-handedly. With over six thousand runs and 151 wickets amassed in 232 ODIs, Malik will represent the single biggest challenge to the home-side. He will be more than ably supported by the extreme pace of Wahab Riaz who set the world of pace on fire with his searing 90+ MpH spell against a bewildered Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup.

And if Wahab is unable to do the job, the fast improving Mohammad Amir who has had a great re-introduction to international cricket will be ready to step in and support the Pakistan bowling. Both speed merchants will be ably aided by the return of the wily veteran in the shape of Umar Gul as well as the leg-spin magic of the fast improving Yasir Shah .

However, Ireland will also be well advised to keep an eye for the new kid on the block. The twenty-two-year-old Hasan Ali has recently had a successful tour of England with Pakistan A where he picked twenty wickets in eight games and he will be raring to prove his skills in front of Irish audiences as well.

The Pakistan batting will have an experienced hand at the helm with captain Azhar Ali, followed by the explosive power of the hard-hitting Sharjeel Khan as well as the calm and steady Sami Aslam who has been a revelation in the Test series against England. In the unlikely event that Mohammad Hafeez does not have his day, Pakistan will be able to rely on the hitting power of the street-smart Sarfraz Ahmed or the equally hard-hitting Babar Azam to devastating effect.

The Pakistan Chief Selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq may well have alluded to Imad Wasim as part of the ‘youth’ brigade in this squad but if the results in the Caribbean Premier League are any guide, Ireland will under-estimate the spin bowling strength of this young man at their own peril. The same can be said of Mohammad Nawaz who was one of the key players for his side in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League.

All in all, plenty of fire-power in this Pakistan ODI squad to entertain and provide an excellent challenge to the Ireland team. For the spectators, a chance to watch the best in action on their home turf and if past encounters between the two teams are any indication, this summer’s series promises to be another blockbuster.


Saj Sadiq of PakPassion
Mohammad Hafeez ©INPHO/Presseye/Rowland White
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