Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Nearly a week into the World T20, and the tournament is well and truly taking shape.
India have been mighty impressive in this tournament, disposing of New Zealand and Pakistan comfortably. Legend Mithali Raj led India home in what could have been a tricky target against Pakistan, putting India just one game away from a semi final berth. Will they continue their excellent cricket against Ireland?
Ireland’s passion is there for the world to see, with skipper Laura Delaney breaking down in tears at the press conference after their loss to Pakistan. The opportunity (or lack of) to play professionally is haunting Ireland right now, but they have the chance to make a great impression with committed on-field performances. Can they put on a good showing vs India?
Key to an India win
How impressive have India been with the bat so far in the World T20?
Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues blew New Zealand away in the tournament opener, which was followed by Mithali Raj guiding India home against Pakistan. What is most encouraging for India is not only the margin of victories in their two games, but the fact that different players are aiming up. The key for India will be to showcase their hunger for runs once again against opposition they are expected to beat – will it be another solid display by India, led by their key players?
With the ball, everyone who took to the crease against Pakistan made a contribution. Led by Poonam Yadav, India look a well drilled machine at the moment, and will be keen to display further the accuracy and intent that has driven their form so far in this tournament. Ruthlessness is the key against Ireland, and it will be interesting to see India’s mindset.
Key to an Ireland win
There is no doubt that Ireland are trying their absolute best, but the group was always going to be very tough.
Against Pakistan, only Clare Shillington and Isobel Joyce reached double figures. Their total of 101/9 propelled them to just 194 runs in two games, which is an area they need to look on improving. Can Ireland’s top order not only withstand India’s quality attack, but rotate the strike well given the lack of power hitting?
Also, with the ball, Eimear Richardson, Lucy O’Reilly (especially) and Ciara Metcalfe were honest against Pakistan, but lacked support. Can the support bowlers put on a better show to help out their opening bowlers to keep pressure on India?
Possible Teams
India: 1. Mithali Raj, 2. Smriti Mandhana, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Veda Krishnamurthy, 6. Taniya Bhatia (wk), 7. Dayalan Hemalatha, 8. Radha Yadav, 9. Deepti Sharma, 10. Arundhati Reddy, 11. Poonam Yadav
Ireland: 1. Clare Shillington, 2. Gaby Lewis, 3. Isobel Joyce, 4. Eimear Richardson, 5. Kim Garth, 6. Laura Delaney (c), 7. Shauna Kavanagh, 8. Mary Waldron (wk), 9. Lucy O’Reilly, 10. Celeste Raack, 11. Ciara Metcalfe
Stats and Facts
- This is the first T20I meeting between India Women and Ireland Women.
- If India win, they progress to the semi finals.
Prediction
India are playing so well right now, and will be too good for Ireland, who will no doubt give their all once again.
Thanks for reading!
