Former Indian cricketer-turned-cricket expert, Robin Uthappa, predicted that Ireland could upset Pakistan at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean. The Pakistan National cricket team is currently struggling and given their form, Uthappa’s prediction can turn out to be true.
During a discussion on his YouTube show “T20 WC Curtain Raiser: Associate Players Watch”, Ashwin asked which team could cause a major surprise in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, Uthappa quickly picked Ireland, especially due to their history of strong performances against Pakistan, as he recalled their memorable victory in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.
Robin Uthappa backs Ireland to upset Pakistan at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Ashwin highlighted Ireland’s potential to cause an upset, given their presence in the same group as heavyweights India and Pakistan, alongside Canada and the USA, and the former 2007 T20 World Cup winner said that the Men in Green would be the target of the Irish team in the upcoming mega ICC event.
Uthappa pointed out the Ireland cricket team’s key players who could be crucial in an upset to Pakistan. He praised opening batters Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling, saying their captain’s consistency and his extensive experience in various T20 leagues worldwide would be very crucial for them to beat the Men in Green.
“Ireland can potentially cause an upset. Ireland are in the same group as India, Pakistan, Canada and USA. So, where is the upset coming from?,” Ashwin asked.
“Pakistan. I was waiting to give the answer when you asked the question,” came Uthappa’s prompt reply
Uthappa also mentioned that their consistent performer Lorcan Tucker will also be a threat. He said on Ashwin’s show: “If you look at the batting order, I think it looks quite strong in itself. Their bowling attack is also pretty good. Josh Little leads the attack He’s been very impressive not just for Ireland but 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.”
Fielding is a major concern for Pakistan: Robin Uthappa
Meanwhile, Ashwin hilariously reminded Uthappa that the last team upset by Ireland, England, went on to win the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, and hinted at whether he was suggesting a similar outcome for Pakistan in the upcoming edition of the tournament in the USA and Caribbean.
Uthappa avoided getting into that way but pointed out Pakistan’s historical tendency to suffer upsets in the ICC tournaments, often due to their poor fielding. He referenced Pakistan’s recent performance in the Asia Cup, where their inconsistent fielding turned out to be a significant weakness for them and played a major role in their failure to reach the finals.
However, Uthappa expressed confidence that Ireland, with their competitive nature and solid lineup, could exploit Pakistan’s weakness and potentially cause an upset in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Notably, Ireland will kick off their campaign against India on June 5 in New York, while Pakistan will take on the co-hosts, the USA, in their opening game on June 6 in Texas.
