As the picturesque Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin sets the stage for the second T20I between Ireland and Pakistan on August 8, all eyes will be on a riveting contest. Ireland holds a slender 1-0 lead after a close-fought opening match, and both sides are hungry for victory. With spin having a slightly greater role, 31 wickets to spin vs 29 for pace across the last five matches, and the pitch generally favouring batters with an average total of 133, constructing your Fantasy 11 demands astute balancing of in-form all-rounders, reliable top-order batters, strike bowlers, and clever wicketkeepers.
Fantasy 11 Picks: Ireland Vs Pakistan 2nd T20I:
Wicketkeepers –
Amy Hunter
Aged just 19, Amy Hunter continues to cement her status as one of Ireland’s brightest prospects. She top-scored with a confident 37 (off 30) in the opening match, showing composure and a wide array of strokes as an opening batter. Hunter is not only a sharp glove woman but also a proactive batter who maximises scoring opportunities, crucial for Fantasy tallies. On home turf and already in form, she is a cornerstone for your lineup.
Muneeba Ali
While her return of 5 (7) in the first game was underwhelming, Muneeba Ali’s proven record and experience at the top of the order make her a tempting inclusion. Her attacking style suits Clontarf’s batting-friendly pitch, and as a left-hander, she can disrupt the rhythm of Ireland’s predominantly right-arm pace attack. As Pakistan seek to level the series, expect Muneeba to come out with intent.
Batters –
Gaby Lewis
Despite a rare failure in the series opener (1 from 6), Gaby Lewis’s record as Ireland’s premier batter and current skipper is hard to overlook. Lewis averages around 30 consistently in T20Is and has a history of leading from the front in crunch matches. Expect her to bounce back, leveraging home conditions and her experience at Clontarf to anchor the innings or accelerate as required.
Leah Paul
Paul is steadily building a reputation as a dependable top-order batter for Ireland. In game one, her brisk 28 from 19 balls gave Ireland early impetus. The fact that she also bowls handy left-arm spin provides additional potential for Fantasy points, especially with Clontarf rewarding spinners. Her dual skill set, and current form make her a safe and high-upside pick.
All-rounders –
Orla Prendergast
Prendergast was Player of the Match in the opener, notching a valuable 29 (26) and turning the game with the ball, returning with figures of 3/28 in four testing overs. On a pitch aiding seamers with the new ball (especially early evening), and with her versatile batting, she has the highest all-round potential upside in both innings. She is enjoying elite all-round form. She scores at a brisk pace, regularly bowls her full quota of overs. Her status as Ireland’s engine room for quick runs and wickets makes her the highest Fantasy-ceiling candidate.
Fatima Sana
Fatima Sana is a dynamic leader, all-round match-winner, and arguably Pakistan’s most crucial player. Her 4/26, a T20I-best 4-wicket haul in the first T20I, exemplified her ability to break partnerships and bowl in pressure situations. Added to that, her brisk 14 (off just 7) provided much-needed lower-order impetus. If she shines, Ireland will feel the heat. Given her immense ability to affect the game with both bat and ball under pressure, as seen in the first T20I, Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana gets the vice-captain’s role. Even if Pakistan bat or bowl first, her versatility means she’s always involved, and with her penchant for breaking partnerships and finishing chases.
Laura Delany
Ireland’s former skipper is as reliable as they come. Delany contributed a steady 16 (15) with the bat and brings experience (over 100 T20Is) to key moments. She is also a handy option with the ball, a trump card, especially in close finishes. Her proven record underlines her Fantasy value, particularly as the “glue” in Ireland’s middle order.
Bowlers –
Ava Canning
Ava Canning’s consistency shone in her 4-over spell, yielding just 9 runs, coupled with a wicket, and a maiden over to boot. She brings accuracy and control, exploiting early seam movement, especially important during Dublin’s sticky August evenings. In low-scoring or tight games, Canning’s economy and new-ball threat translate directly into Fantasy points.
Cara Murray
Leg-spin has had a notable impact on this Clontarf pitch, and Murray’s ability to bowl through the middle overs will be key. She grabbed 1/30 in the opening match, but her variations and attacking intent can trouble Pakistan’s middle-order, particularly on a surface now known to suit spin. Add in her fielding prowess, and Murray is a topline Fantasy prospect.
Sadia Iqbal
Pakistan’s spin trump card, Sadia Iqbal, delivered a steady 1/27 in her spell and has the tools to exploit the Dublin pitch. Left-arm spinners have found notable success here, and she’ll pose a tough match-up for Ireland’s right-hand-heavy lineup. Sadia’s ability to stifle runs and pick up wickets outside the powerplay rounds off our XI with balance and variety.
Jane Maguire
Maguire was economical and incisive in the first T20I, 2 wickets for just 20 runs in her four overs. Her ability to bowl up front and at the death gives her multiple opportunities to take wickets. Maguire’s knack for striking at clutch moments in home conditions is well-documented; she warrants selection as a wicket-taking option who can add useful runs down the order.
Our Fantasy 11 for the second T20I at Clontarf expertly blends recent form, crucial all-rounders, and high-impact bowlers/spinners. With Ireland’s young brigade currently holding the edge and Pakistan’s experienced campaigners desperate to reply, expect a firecracker on August 8.
