Despite putting three wins on the board in Pool B, Ireland’s cricketers need to pull another result out of the bag to reach the quarter-finals
At the outset of Ireland’s World Cup, it was felt that three wins would give the boys in green every chance of shock qualification for the knockout stages, but other results mean a fourth victory is likely required.
Tuesday morning’s opponents India (1am Irish time) are highly unlikely to be in a charitable mood, however, knowing success against Ireland in Hamilton will guarantee them the top seed in Pool B.
The opposition
The defending champions have already qualified for the last eight but will be looking to seal top spot and a quarter-final against the fourth-placed team in Pool A. India dominated their opening three games but were made to sweat by West Indies last time out, losing six wickets before reaching the small target of 183.
That poor batting display offered the first glimpse of weakness in the Indian side, as they struggled to cope with the pace and bounce of the Windies’ fast bowlers, but otherwise it is difficult to pick holes in their line-up. They have been dominant with the ball – in a World Cup that has seen totals regularly soar past 300, Pakistan’s 224 all out is the biggest total yielded by the Indian attack.
In fact, not a single team has even been able to finish out their 50 overs. Whether it’s seamers Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohamed Shami or spin duo Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, whoever skipper MS Dhoni has handed the ball to has delivered wickets.
As a result of their bowling prowess, there hasn’t been a whole lot asked of their batting line-up, but Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have been in good form and Suresh Raina has the ability to take a game away from Ireland very quickly if he is allowed to hang around.
The pitch (and the weather)
Seddon Park in Hamilton is usually a decent batting track with fairly short boundaries and South Africa put up 339 in their opening game against Zimbabwe. Ireland usually prefer to chase but it wouldn’t be a bad toss to win and have a bat.
Irish players to watch
Unfortunately for Ireland, India’s aforementioned struggles against steepling bouncers doesn’t really play into Ireland’s hands, short as they are of anyone who can deliver the ball at real pace. Meanwhile, Ireland’s most consistent performers have been spinners George Dockrell and Andy McBrine, but India’s batsmen will be confident of facing them on a flat pitch. Expect Alex Cusack to retain his place after his match-winning contribution against Zimbabwe.
Ireland’s batting line-up is remarkably similar to that which face India in the 2011 tournament, and Will Porterfield will be hoping to better his fine knock of 75 on that occasion.
What they’ve said
‘I don’t think their guard will ever be down. They are a squad of 15, so whatever they decide to do, they decide to do. It’s a long tournament, and they’re not going to look to lose any momentum from their point of view’ – Ireland captain Will Porterfield
‘Yes, the short boundaries will be a bit of a concern, but overall, again, it will be good exposure for the bowlers, the reason being we are nicely positioned in the table right now, but we would still like to give our best’ – India skipper MS Dhoni
On social media
Big week ahead. First up the World Champs #BackingGreen #CWC15 #IRE
— Andy Balbirnie (@balbo90) March 9, 2015
Not sure I could pull this face again if I tried! #facials pic.twitter.com/lhL7t2sBNY
— William Porterfield (@purdy34) March 8, 2015
Young lads playing cricket in the middle of St Stephen's Green. Sign of the times! @Irelandcricket
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 8, 2015
England knocked out of the world cup. Bet Pakistan will be next. I might start supporting Ireland, they've proper impressed so far.
— Shabnam Y-Jewell💎 (@ShabzYJewellBBC) March 9, 2015
https://twitter.com/EndRanger/status/574902393114001408
State of Pool B
With the West Indies expected to beat UAE in their final game, Ireland’s inferior run rate means they need at least a point from their final two games to advance to the last eight.
But being honest, Ireland’s hopes of picking up the result tomorrow that they need to advance to the quarter-finals rest either on India taking their eyes well off the ball or a torrential downpour. With the weather looking fine, it looks like the former, so much will depend on to what degree India decide to tinker with their line-up and how focused they are on what on first blush appears to be a comfortable day at the office. Ireland’s mission is to be in position to take advantage of any openings India may provide and see how things go from there.
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