Weather is likely to play spoilsport as Ireland host Pakistan in their first-ever Test in Dublin on Friday.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed had confirmed the team will field the same XI that played against Northamptonshire, which means Test debuts for all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and top order batsman Imam-ul-Haq.

Sarfraz said it was a great moment for the team to be a part of the historic Test. “It is a big honour for me and my team to play this historic Test match – the first Test match to be played in Ireland,” said Sarfraz.

Pakistan’s bowling attack is set to be led by Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas and Rahat Ali. However, there was no place for fast bowler Hasan Ali in the line-up.

Azhar Ali is expected to bat alongside Imam at the top. The middle order of Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam looks light on experience.

Ireland have no dearth of experience with the likes of captain William Porterfield, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien and Boyd Rankin absolute veterans of Associate and first-class cricket.

Likely line-ups

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien (wk), Andy Balbirnie,  Kevin O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Stuart Thompson, Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh, Andy McBrine

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Abbas