sharjeel khan
Sharjeel Khan scored his maiden ODI ton against Ireland on 18 August, smashing 152 runs off just 86 balls Getty

Ireland host Pakistan in the second and final game of the two-match One Day International (ODI) series at Malahide, Dublin on 20 August (Saturday).

Where to watch live

The match starts at 10.45pm BST. Live coverage of the game is available on Setanta Sports Ireland in the UK.

Overview

Ireland's two-match series against Pakistan got off to the worst possible start with the hosts losing the first One Day International (ODI) by a massive 255 runs on 18 August — the second largest defeat by runs in their history.

It was a disappointing performance by the Irish both with the bat and the ball; firstly leaking 337 runs and then getting shot out for a meagre 82 runs with the bat. Pace-bowler Barry McCarthy was the only Ireland player to come out of the game with his reputation intact, taking four wickets for 62 runs in his ten overs.

While the team management will be worried by the performance of their bowlers, what is of a bigger concern is that their batsmen barring opener Ed Joyce and to an extent Kevin O'Brien have looked out of sorts not only during this game but the whole summer. Key batsman Paul Stirling, as well as William Porterfield will need to step up their game if Ireland are to post challenging totals on the board.

ed joyce
Ed Joyce is Ireland's star batsman Getty

Despite the humiliating loss, Ireland are not expected to make any changes to the playing eleven.

Their opponents, Pakistan, who came into the series in ninth place on the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, showed the world what they are capable of when they are focused.

The Men In Green thrashed Ireland by 255 runs to register their biggest win in ODI history, beating their 235-run win over Bangladesh almost 16 years back. That they won in such an emphatic manner was down to two players who registered their best performances for the national team.

Opener Sharjeel Khan and all-rounder Imad Wasim were the stars for Pakistan on the day, with Sharjeel scoring 152 runs off just 86 balls; his 100 came off just 61 balls.

Imad Wasim bamboozled the Irish batsmen with the ball, taking five wickets for 14 runs; his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Pakistan's bid to gain automatic qualification for the ICC World Cup is dependent on how they perform this summer; for now though they have started well and will want to continue in the same fashion.

Prediction

Pakistan to win

Betting odds (ladbrokes)

  • Ireland to win: 9/2
  • Pakistan to win: 1/7

Team news

Ireland

Possible XI: Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, William Porterfield (c), Niall O'Brien (wk), Kevin O'Brien, Gary Wilson, Stuart Poynter, Andy McBrine, Brian McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Peter Chase.

Pakistan

Possible XI: Azhar Ali (c), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Umar Gul, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir.

Pakistan Pakistan cricket