http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 vs West Indies – ICC World T20 – Match Preview
After a couple of dead rubbers, ICC World T20 finally gears up for its first big knock-out encounter in the shape of Ireland v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760, with both sides in need of a win to book their place in the Super Eight. The match will take place at the renowned
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, today, September 24, 2012.
The tournament might not have panned out the way many would have hoped for; a series of one-sided affairs have marred the popularity of the mega-event and while the upcoming game is touted as winner-takes all, the Windies are certainly in pole position to
make it through the next stage.
The competition itself is short, and seeing the likes of Sri Lanka-South Africa and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013-India playing out dead-rubbers is not what an ideal cricket fan would have hoped for. However, for an Irish faithful, it’s still all to play for despite a lacklustre
outing against the Aussies.
They remain in the hunt and a repeat performance from the past – http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup 2011- could certainly help their cause. Concerns still linger over the team’s overall combination, with many players, along with the coaching staff, down with illness.
Half the playing XI missed the final practice session, and it was then left to their old http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DT-Johnston-c1405, to criticize the lack of opportunities for his team at the international level. Disheartened by the tag of ‘minnow’, Johnston said that the only
way for his side to move forward is to play regularly, against top Test cricketing nations.
While he admitted that playing the so-called big guns in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747 to play them, and went
to claim that both teams are scared that his side might surpass them.
His views may need another voice as this game might be his last in Ireland colours but his argument seemed justifiable, given the talent in their ranks. They will now need to upset a formidable Windies unit to make a stronger claim to the highest cricket
governing body -ICC.
The team formation could also see some changes after the top order failure. Kevin O’ Brien was the highlight against the Aussies and one expects him to bat a little higher up in order to make a telling impact on the game. Also they could be inclined to play
an added spinner, Andrew White, to stem the wrath of the opposition.
For the Windies, emotions will be mixed after they piled a mammoth 191 on the board before a disappointing start with the ball left them behind the Duckworth-Lewis method, with Australia claiming a narrow win after rain halted play at 100 for 1.
The top order performed well, and the others chipped in well, so a similar performance with the bat would enhance their chances of coming through, but the bowling needs to quickly redeem itself, with the onus remaining on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sunil-Philip-Narine-c91869 to provide stability.
Changes are expected to the bowling line-up. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andre-Dwayne-Russell-c44235. For the Caribbean side, it will be a mental barrier which they will need to overcome, and given
the firepower in their rank, they will be confident of keeping their tag of favourites intact.
The conditions could have a major bearing on the outcome as showers are expected. If the D/L comes into play, both teams need to be aware of the relative dilemma that comes with the method. A wash out game; however, will propel the Windies into the next
round. As for the track, it has shown signs of slowing down , so anticipate spin do to the job.
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