Watch: Live streaming of IRE v PAK, 1st ODI

The first IRE v PAK encounter will take place at The Village in Malahide. The match features two sides who are making an attempt to get higher on the official ICC Cricket rankings for One-Day Internationals. However, at the moment, it must be assumed that Pakistan holds all the cards as they are on somewhat of a hot streak.

The fact that the Pakistanis claimed a win in the final Test at The Oval, something that brought about a dramatic end to the series against England is perhaps more than enough evidence that Ireland is certainly up against it. This ODI will be perhaps the perfect dress rehearsal as far as Mickey Arthur and other members of the Pakistan management is concerned. Moreover, the fact that they will play England shortly after is also something that will be playing on the mind of Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali.

The forecast for Thursday is promisingly dry between two days of significant rain. Of the surface, Ed Joyce said: “We’re expecting two good pitches here as they normally are at Malahide.” In spite of this, Pakistan will be faced with a selection conundrum before the start of the match and will be looking to give all players an opportunity in the series.

Match will start at 17:00 IST, 47 overs per side.

Toss: Ireland won the toss & elected to field first.

Playing XI pic.twitter.com/xe3wxFqDEZ

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) August 18, 2016

Ireland (probable):  William Porterfield (capt), Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Poynter (wk), Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Barry McCarthy, Peter Chase/Craig Young

Pakistan (full squad): Azhar Ali (capt), Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez, Baber Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul, Imad Wasim, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Nawaz

Follow the live match below: