Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa predicted that Ireland would upset Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The Pakistan Men’s cricket team has been struggling to get on the winning track ahead of this year’s mega event.
The Green Shirts played three bilateral T20I series in a bid to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024 but could not produce the desired results.
The former champions played out a 2-2 draw against an inexperienced New Zealand side in a five-match home series before registering a 2-1 away series win over Ireland.
In their last assignment before the World Cup, Pakistan succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the four-match away series against England.
But the biggest setback for Pakistan was the shock loss against Ireland in the first T20I.
Remember, Pakistan and Ireland are placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024 and the two sides will lock horns in the mega event on June 16.
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Meanwhile, former Indian batter Robin Uthappa made a massive claim that the Pakistan team will suffer an upset in the 20-team tournament, specifically due to their below-par fielding.
“It’s just that Pakistan have been one of those teams where, in a tournament, especially in an ICC tournament, they have always been upset by somebody. There is one of those games.
“See, their fielding has been particularly iffy at all times. we have seen it in the latest Asia Cup that even happened. I think, across time, in fact, Pakistan’s fielding has been very shady in that sense.
“So, I think, one of those games will happen where they will not turn up. I feel a team like Ireland can certainly upset them.”
Uthappa then went on to claim that Ireland would be the most likely side to upset Pakistan, highlighting their strong batting and bowling department.
“If you look at the batting order, I think it looks quite strong in itself,” said Robin Uthappa.
“Their bowling attack is also pretty good. Josh Little leads the attack. He’s been very impressive not just for Ireland but even when he has come to India to play in the IPL. Plays leagues around the world. He is a quick customer.
“Unassuming, Ge seems like he is not very quick. But he is actually very quick. Bowls a very heavy ball. Curtis Campher is someone who has also done really well for them. So, for me, Mark Adair is also someone who has done well.”
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