Pakistan start World Cup hunt in Dublin

Pakistan launch their quest for automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup when they face Ireland in two one-day internationals in Dublin this week.

Pakistan, who exited last year's World Cup after a memorable Adelaide quarter-final against Australia, are currently languishing in ninth spot in the ICC rankings. Only hosts England plus the top seven sides at the  September 30 2017 cut-off date will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

The Ireland matches precede Pakistan's five-match ODI series against England.

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If Pakistan fail to improve their ranking by the cut-off, they would slide into a 10-team qualifying tournament against associate nations in 2018. They are currently eight points behind the West Indies.

Leapfrogging the Caribbean team would require Pakistan to go undefeated in their ODI series against Ireland and England, but 12th-ranked Ireland have ambitions of their own.

Six of Pakistan's players who featured in their drawn Test series against England feature in the one-day squad captained by the 31-year-old Azhar Ali.

"Ireland are always a tough team, more so in their own conditions," Azhar told reporters.

"If you look at their recent performances in World Cup matches they have done very well. But we have new players who are very confident.

"The performance of the Test team is an encouragement for the ODI team so we will carry that same momentum and passion.

"It was a big challenge for the Test team because a lot of people used to say that we are only good in our own conditions.

"But the Test team has done well (in England) and the ODI team will take their lead from that."

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Sami Aslam, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar are the only specialist batsmen who keep their places from the Test squad along with bowlers Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah.

"We have two very good young spinners in Imad Waseem and Mohammad Nawaz, then we have Yasir and Shoaib Malik so they can be handy," said Azhar.

Experienced quick Umar Gul, who played in Ireland's World Cup shock upset of Pakistan in 2007, has been recalled for the one-day series after a 16-month absence.

Ireland were dealt a blow this week when former England pace bowler Boyd Rankin was ruled out for the rest of the season. He will not only miss the Pakistan matches, but also one-dayers against South Africa and Australia next month.

Rankin suffered a fracture of his left leg when training for Warwickshire's ongoing English County Championship game against Surrey.

Ireland have decided not to replace Rankin in their 14-man squad, happy with the return of

Craig Young will be expected to step up to fill Rankin's absence following his return from elbow surgery, while Barry McCarthy made an impressive start to his international career against Sri Lanka.