 Ireland will play the West Indies in the 27th game of the Cricket World Cup 2011 at the PCA in Mohali. It will be an interesting game in more ways
than one and will see the winner having a good advantage when it comes to getting
to the quarter-final.
Ireland have two points from three games, having lost to Bangladesh and India
but beaten England. this will be a crucial game because their next two games
are against South Africa and Netherlands and even if they can think of beating
the Dutch, overcoming South Africa will be difficult. Which is why, to get to
the quarter-finals, a win here is a must. Even with a win here and against Netherlands,
they will end up with six points, which may not suffice given the close nature
of the contest in Group B.
Click for Live Score Card of West Indies Vs Ireland
West Indies have beaten Netherlands and Bangladesh and are doing well with
four points from three points. However, what will be important to note is that
their remaining games are against Ireland, India and England. so, if they do
lose this game, it will mean that they will be left with a need to beat India
and England both, and it has been some time since they overcame a major country
in an ODI. Quite clearly, they will not only need to win this game but also
hope that they can put one across England or India.
Ireland will look at the Mohali track with a hope that it assists
pace more than spin. Spin has been their bugbear and it will make things difficult
for the side. As compared to that, they have the medium pace bowlers who can
get the better of the opposition in conditions that will swing around a little
and given the morning start, it should be helpful to the pace bowlers.
On the other hand, West Indies have had a combination of Kemar Roach
and Sulieman Benn doing damage for them. It was a surprise to see Darren Sammy
get the wickets in the previous game but expecting him to open the bowling again
will be a surprise. Instead, the side will probably look to go into the game
with an extra medium-pace bowler if possible. That could mean that Nikita
Miller may miss out of this game.
Ireland will hope that George Dockrell continues to bowl well while the likes
of Kevin O'Brien and Niall O'Brien get moving with the bat.
|
