DUBLIN – The rain has delayed the toss for Ireland’s debut test match against Pakistan due to a wet outfield, with an inspection of the ground set for 5:40pm PST.
Today, Ireland is expected to enter the cricket ground in what will be deemed a historic moment in their cricketing history.
Latest: umpires are continuing to monitor conditions, but there will be no play before lunch #IREvPAK #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/onuD1Kz7SL
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) May 11, 2018
As test debutants, the Irish have a lot to prove as they are taking on the Pakistan cricket team — known for its unpredictability.
The Pakistani cricket team will not be taking the Irish lightly, because Ireland will look to do what no side has done in 141 years: win their inaugural test match in Malahide, Dublin starting today.
Pakistan’s test squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (W/C) Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Sami Aslam, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saad Ali, Asad Shafiq, Usman Salahuddin, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali and Faheem Ashraf.
Ireland’s test squad
William Porterfield(C) Ed Joyce, Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Stuart Thompson, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin, Andre Balbirnie, Andy McBrine, Tyrone Kane, Nathan Smith and James Shannon.
Pakistan is currently ranked seventh in Tests and will gain one point with a win against Ireland to reach 87 points. However, a draw will see them slip to 84 and a loss to 81 points. The table is led by India at 125 points with South Africa placed second at 112. Australia (106) and New Zealand (102) are placed third and fourth
Probable playing XI
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain, wicket-keeper), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Abbas
Ireland: William Porterfield (captain), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien (wicket-keeper), Andy Balbirnie, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Thompson, Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh
