Pakistan look to avenge WC, 2007 defeat (Preview)

In any sport, some triumphs are more than a mere triumph. Those particular achievements make an everlasting impression in the memory of players and nations altogether. For Ireland, an unknown progeny in cricket team till 2007 world cup, their group game against Pakistan in the world cup in West Indies proved to be a cherishable moment for the whole nation. Their unexpected and historic victory over Pakistan catalyzed the growth and popularity in the country and ever since Ireland made a giant strides in the cricket. The talent just keeps coming and the side is becoming stronger to compete admirably at the top level.

The game might be the best moment for Ireland on a cricket field, it, though, put the dampener on Pakistan’s chances of making it to the second world and virtually shunted out for their worst world cup performance. Worse followed the disastrous loss when Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in the hotel room and many speculated that tension due to the defeat led to his death.

For the first time since that historic match, both teams will be locking horns for the first match of two ODI series with Ireland playing host. The home team will draw inspiration from 2007 win and Pakistan, surely, will have revenge in their mind. And, that makes this series a riveting one.

The series at home is Ireland’s first assignment after their impressive world cup campaign in Indian sub-continent that saw them defeat England and Netherlands and give other opponents a good run for their money. Thirteen of the fifteen member squad that travelled to subcontinent are be a part of this series with Andre Botha retiring from the game and impressive left arm spinner George Dockrell missing due to a bad shoulder. It gives Irish another chance to show the world that they are the best among the associate nations. The likes of Ed Joyce, Kevin O’brien and Paul Stirling should use this series to showcase their capabilities.

After finishing a relatively successful tour to the Carrabin in which they won ODI series and drew test series, Pakistan will be led by their test skipper Misbah-ul Haq who has been given reigns by the PCB after sacking of Shahid Afridi. Speculations are rife that Afridi was relinquished off the leadership role because of his lining to go public about the internal team matters. And, subsequently Afridi who had managed to hold on to his place in the side decided to opt out of the tour.

So, lot is happening off the field for Pakistan. But then, it is Pakistan only they know how to brave the controversies and put their best effort on the park. Under the new skipper visitors would be keen to make a statement and would like to thrash Ireland in their last series before a long break.

Their batting will be bolstered by the return of seasoned campaigner Younis Khan who was rested for West tour and Umar Gul’s inclusion should also make bowling attack a potent one. The youngsters in the side should by keen to put some decent performance to make their presence felt in the side.

IRELAND SQUAD: William Porterfield (c), Alex Cusack ,Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones , Ed Joyce, Niall McDonnell ,John Mooney ,Kevin O`Brien, Niall O`Brien (wk), Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling ,Albert Van der Merwe ,Andrew White ,Gary Wilson

PAKISTAN SQUAD: Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Younis Khan, Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Salman (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hammad Azam