• Robin Uthappa predicts Ireland will upset Pakistan.
• Uthappa highlights strong Irish players.
• He believes Ireland’s batting and bowling are both strong.

Ex-Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has forecasted an Irish victory over Pakistan in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 encounter in Group A.

While on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Uthappa highlighted the prowess of Irish players such as batsmen Barbernie, Stirling, and Tucker, along with bowler Josh Little, citing their impressive international performances.

“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 inquired on his channel.

“Pakistan. I was waiting to give the answer when you asked the question,” Uthappa quickly responded.

“You were involved in 2007, Ireland have very happy memories against Pakistan, especially in the Caribbean Islands. This World Cup is going to be in the United States and the Caribbean Islands,” Ashwin remarked.

“Who are players who can make this upset possible,” he probed.

“For me, I think it is definitely someone like the opening batters, Barbernie and Sterling. They are high-quality players. I think Stirling is someone who is quite underrated. Goes around the world playing league cricket and goes about his business in a very stellar fashion. I think he plays cricket very, very well. Just his approach to cricket is very good. Locan Tucker is also a solid bat. Wicket-keeper. Has consistently performed well.

“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.”

Uthappa then discussed Pakistan’s erratic fielding, particularly in ICC events, and suggested that Ireland might capitalize on this to clinch a victory.

“The last time a team was upset by Ireland, that team went on to win the World Cup. England lost to Ireland in that particular World Cup and tey went on to win the World Cup. So are you suggesting anything like that?” Ashwin playfully suggested.

“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 I 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 elaborated.

Recently, Pakistan emerged victorious in a three-match T20I series against Ireland, bouncing back after an initial loss to win the final two matches and the series.

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