Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: T20 World Cup 2022 Match 20 | ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Today | MCG Pitch Report

England meet Ireland in a World Cup. Such contests have provided some wonderful memories over the years, with Kevin O’Brien’s effort in the 2011 ODI edition etched in Irish folklore.

In T20Is, however, England against Ireland has just the one no result in its history. This is an opportunity for both sides to create some memorable moments at the iconic MCG, with points so crucial in what is a competitive Group 1.

Unfortunately, though, the weather forecast does not look too promising. Rain is forecast throughout the day in Melbourne, which increases the likelihood of a shortened match. If that is the case, England, who are packed with power-hitters, will be hard to beat (as if they weren’t already), so the Irish need to utilise the long square boundaries as much as possible.

The last match at the MCG was one of the greatest T20s the world has ever seen. What does this contest have in store?

ENG vs IRE Possible Playing XI

It remains to be seen if England rotate seamers after their game against Afghanistan a few days ago.

England: 1. Jos Buttler (c & wk), 2. Alex Hales, 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Liam Livingstone, 6. Harry Brook, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes/David Willey, 9. Sam Curran, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood/Chris Jordan

Despite the loss against Sri Lanka, Ireland may look to stick with the same XI. George Dockrell played with COVID-19 against Sri Lanka, and he could play again as he has been training.

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 4. Harry Tector, 5. Curtis Campher, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Gareth Delany, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Simi Singh, 10. Barry McCarthy, 11. Josh Little

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

• Alex Hales’ experience in Australia will be key for England. He will be seeking to improve on his T20 record at the MCG: 10 inns, 201 runs, avg. 22.33, SR 130.52.
• Jos Buttler has struck 117 runs in three matches at the MCG at an average of 39.00 and strike rate of 112.50. Buttler recently smashed 150 runs in the three-match series against Australia at an average of 75.00 and strike rate of 174.41.
• Ben Stokes has been bowling nicely (2/19 vs Afghanistan). Expect the all-rounder to hit the MCG pitch hard, forcing the Irish batsmen to hit square. However, the spotlight is on Stokes’ batting, as he averages just 25.10 in 32 innings at number four in all T20s.
• Liam Livingstone looked in good touch in the warm-up vs Pakistan, and then against Afghanistan in a tricky situation (29* off 21 balls). Like Hales, Livingstone will be key with his experience in Australia: 29 inns, 880 runs, avg. 31.42, SR 138.14.
• Sam Curran is in incredible form. After taking five wickets in two innings against Australia, Curran then took 5/10 against Afghanistan. Watch out for Curran against Stirling, who has struggled against left-arm seam in all T20s this year: 158 balls, 177 runs, 12 dismissals.
• If picked, Mark Wood is sure to be a factor with the bounce in the MCG pitch and long square boundaries. The quick has taken 11 wickets in his last four T20I innings.

Ireland:

• Paul Stirling hit a memorable century (142) in his last international against England, an ODI back in 2020. Andy Balbirnie (113*) hit a century in the same game against an attack that featured David Willey, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
• Curtis Campher who hit a memorable 72* two games ago vs Scotland, also had a good ODI series against England in 2020. The all-rounder struck 127 runs, and was dismissed just once. He also took five wickets.
• George Dockrell is the only Ireland player to average above 30 in T20Is this year. He has struck 409 runs at an average of 34.08 and impressive strike rate of 141.03.
• Josh Little has gone wicketless in his last two games (0/35 and 0/41). Ireland need their leading wicket-taker this year (32) to strike in this clash. Buttler was dismissed by left-armer Fazalhaq Farooqi in the last match.
• England scored just 55 runs in 11 overs against spin vs Afghanistan. So, Gareth Delany and Simi Singh will be key in building pressure, especially with the longer square boundaries.

Other Stats and Facts

• Expect England to test Lorcan Tucker with deliveries on his stumps. Tucker has been out bowled to the sweep three times in this World Cup.
• England have won their last five completed T20Is.
• Harry Tector was Ireland’s top scorer in their last game against Sri Lanka (45 off 42 balls).

MCG Melbourne Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch was outstanding for the India vs Pakistan match, paving the way for a classic match. There was carry and movement for the seamers, especially up front with the new ball, where a total of five wickets were lost in the powerplay.

Expect the seamers to enjoy the overcast conditions. However, rain is expected to have a say, with an 80% chance of showers and up to 8mm forecast.

ENG vs IRE Dream11 Prediction Today 26 October 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

• Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler
• Batsmen: Alex Hales, George Dockrell
• All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, Curtis Campher
• Bowlers: Mark Wood

T20 World Cup 2022 Match 20: ENG vs IRE Match Prediction – Who will win?

Weather permitting, England should come away with the win.