Unbeaten West Indies and Ireland will lock horns in a highly-anticipated clash between Group A’s table-leaders when the exciting International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cup qualifiers continues today.
With two wins each under their belts and just .63 points separating the Caribbean side from the Irish, today’s match will fetch high stakes for both teams as a win will put either side in the next phase of the qualifiers and a step closer to the 2019 World Cup in England.
William Porterfield
After disposing of Papa New Guinea (PNG) in the last game, West Indies will have their tails up heading into this game, especially with the form of centurions Chris Gayle, Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer and captain Jason Holder.
Hetmyer blasted a career-best maiden 127 while Gayle flexed his muscles with some 11 sixes in his 123 in the opening game against UAE. Holder who rescued the Caribbean side in their last match against PNG with an unbeaten 99 along with the aggressive Evin Lewis and a talented middle-order which is due to fire, the Windies could realize their full potential against their more experienced opponents.
From a bowling perspective, West Indies bowlers have been effective with Holder and Carlos Brathwaite each bagging a 5-fer in the two matches so far. Holder’s bowlers have also been supporting his efforts but will need to tighten up against a much stronger, more experienced Irish unit.
Shimron Hetmyer
West Indies have also called up Guyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul to their side in replacement of injured pacer Sheldon Cottrell. A former Windies U19 vice-captain Paul, along with his countryman Hetmyer took the Windies to their U19 World Cup title; but will not feature until later in the tourney due to travel arrangements.
Meanwhile, Ireland who sit at the top of the table by virtue of the net run rate, will want to exit Group A on a high. Led by long-time skipper William Porterfield fresh off a century from the last match and veteran Ed Joyce who scored a solid half-century as well in the same game; these two senior players could play crucial roles yet again in Saturday’s game.
Also, Ireland’s vast lot of bowling options which include pacers Andy Balbrine, Boyd Rankin and spinner George Dockrell among others, have aided their team well in their campaign thus far and should test the Windies batsmen.
In other matches; unbeaten hosts Zimbabwe will play Hong Kong who won their last game against Afghanistan while Nepal will tackle Afghanistan in the battle of the winless teams in Group B’s.
The other group A match will see Netherlands and PNG searching for their first wins as well. The other team in Group A, Scotland has already qualified for the Super 6 stage after winning all three of their matches to date.
All matches begin at 03:30h Guyana time. (Clifton Ross)
