Ireland vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Prediction

If PAK Bat First

Predicted Score: 300-350

Their top four have all had good knocks in recent games. Azhar Ali shone with the bat in the England test series while Hafeez and Azam were impressive against New Zealand. But it was Sharjeel Khan who stole the limelight in the previous ODI with a spectacular 86-ball 152. To post a 300+ score, Pakistan will want him to fire again and Shoaib Malik to contribute from their middle-order.

Ireland have been dependent on pace bowling lately to pick up wickets which means Murtagh and McCarthy will have more responsibilities on their shoulders. The latter took a four-wicket haul in the last match including three of Pakistan's key batsmen, and he should be backed to take the most wickets come Saturday. Craig Young, who is Ireland's highest wicket-taker at this ground with 9 wickets, could also be given a game here. If these three manage to take early wickets, they could prevent Pakistan from reaching the 300-mark.

Ireland vs Pakistan Head-to-Head

With a win in their previous match, Pakistan have now won five times in the seven ODIs played between the two sides. Pakistan last toured Ireland in 2013 for a two-match ODI series at Dublin. The hosts managed to tie the first game but Pakistan won the next to take the series 1-0.

Our Prediction

After losing five 50-over matches in a row, Pakistan finally got to taste victory in their last outing. They are currently ranked ninth in ODIs and need to win some games in this format in order to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Ireland too are struggling in the one-dayers and are lying at the bottom in the rankings. They have put up good shows against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Scotland, but have failed to deliver against the more competitive sides.

Ireland's reputation of being the leading associate nation has been hampered. We, therefore, predict Pakistan to win this match and hence the series.