And while everyone keeps their fingers crossed that the weather will hold, the stakes are high for everyone despite the modest status of this duel in the ODI pecking order.
First and foremost the Ireland team has to show its mettle if the cricketing world is to support our campaign for injustice because of our omission from the 2015 Cricket World Cup without a chance to qualify. It shouldn’t be the case, but where better to make a strong statement than on the field so soon after the sterling efforts in India? Phil Simmons and his squad know there’s a lot more on the line than two matches against test opposition so he won’t need much help in motivating his team to rise to the occasion. Ireland must seize the golden opportunity, albeit it’s a daunting challenge even without the additional pressure. But then, top-level sport is a cauldron of pressure these days.
The Pakistan team has a lot to prove as well. This may look like a banana skin fixture for a big test nation, but they have been on a declining curve for some time and the need to rebuild has forced them to bring in new and inexperienced players. Playing their entire cricket away from Pakistan has added to their problems and their performances in the just-finished test match series in the Caribbean were far from convincing. The West Indies have finally decided to concentrate on a new generation of young players in the wake of 15 years of mediocrity, so a scrambled draw by the visitors was far from impressive. The unpredictable Afridi has declined to come to Belfast so Pakistan has a lot more to lose than to win this weekend because they know their reputation is on the line.
Finally, the NCU and cricket in the North is on the line, as we have to show we can host matches of this quality and support them. Stormont will not be found wanting in terms of hosting the game because the venue is a beautiful setting when it is enclosed and it has the majestic backdrop of Stormont Castle and Parliament Buildings on the horizon. The NCU officials will also be up for the challenge and over the past decade they have expertly hosted many top games and gone to considerable lengths to adapt to changing circumstances to improve things when necessary. The big question mark remains the support.
The NCU took the correct decision in making Saturday a closed date and while some weekend cricketers might feel compromised, they have to see the bigger picture when it comes to matches of this stature. The fight to have more international matches in the North is a historical problem dating back to the early years of the old Irish Cricket Union, but in the modern world it is the commercial return that has the major bearing on ground appointments. Quite simply, if northern cricketers want to see top class international matches then they have to put their bums on the seats. Some recent Ireland games in Belfast have been poorly supported so our ability to generate good crowds is on the line, and any failure on this score may well see more games going to Dublin in the future.
Let’s hope the sun shines, Ireland performs well and we show the best side of Ulster cricket with a large crowd.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
