Pakistan are taking on Ireland in the 36th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The contest is taking place at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won the toss and opted to bowl first. Notably, this match marks the final game of the tournament for both teams.

With neither team in contention for the Super 8 stage, Pakistan and Ireland are playing for pride in their last group game. A win would take Pakistan to four points, capping off a disappointing tournament, while Ireland are seeking their first victory after losses to India and Canada, and a rain-out against the USA.

Naseem Shah and Craig Young miss out

Both teams made a single change to their playing XIs. Pakistan’s pacer Naseem Shah was left out of the final XI, and Ireland similarly excluded Craig Young.

Reason behind the absence of Naseem and Young

The captains, Babar and Paul Stirling, did not provide specific reasons for the changes, but it appears that team combination influenced these decisions. Pakistan replaced Naseem with Abbas Afridi, while Ireland brought in Benjamin White instead of Young.

“We’ll have a bowl first. Last three days, the pitch has been covered, little bit moisture on it. As a professional, you need to prepare for every match. We’ll look to play our best today. We have one change. Naseem isn’t playing, Abbas is playing,” said Babar at the toss.

“World Cup brings a different scenario, another great game hopefully. Young misses out today, Ben White is in,” said Stirling.

Also READ: Andy Flower names Pakistan’s next captain following early exit from T20 World Cup 2024

Playing XIs of both sides

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir

Ireland: Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Benjamin White

Also READ: All-rounder Imad Wasim opens up on Pakistan’s shocking exit from T20 World Cup 2024

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