Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
When the fixtures for Group B were released, this game had the potential to dictate who finished in the top two.
Unfortunately though, it won’t be the case, with New Zealand in particular suffering a disappointing performance, not qualifying for the semi finals as the second ranked T20I side in world cricket.
For Ireland, they have tried the best they can, and will be better for the experience of playing good sides. Their batting has been stuck all tournament, and will be hoping for a good performance here to cause a big upset.
Who will end their campaign on a high?
Key to a Ireland win
Like the game against Pakistan, only Clare Shillington and Isobel Joyce reached double figures for Ireland against India. It has been a real issue for the Irish in the tournament, reaching 100 only once, in a 40-run loss vs Pakistan. In their final hit out, will they get more output from the likes of Laura Delaney, Shauna Kavanagh and Gaby Lewis?
Also, with the ball, Ireland have had some good moments throughout the tournament, and will be keen to showcase that once again in their final match. Eimear Richardson, Lucy O’Reilly and Kim Garth have been honest all tournament. Can they pick up early wickets, especially that of Suzie Bates, to push New Zealand onto the back foot?
Key to a New Zealand win
The White Ferns got on the board in World T20 2018 with a convincing win over Pakistan. The top four of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Amy Satterthwaite and Katey Martin all picked up starts to set up the New Zealand innings pretty nicely. Can they have the same impact against Ireland?
Also, given the way New Zealand choked Pakistan for runs, one can bank on the White Ferns doing the same to Ireland, who have struggled to get going with the bat this tournament. Jess Watkin and Amelia Kerr were superb last start – can they support their seamers well once again?
Possible teams
Ireland: 1. Clare Shillington, 2. Gaby Lewis, 3. Isobel Joyce, 4. Laura Delaney (c), 5. Kim Garth, 6. Shauna Kavanagh, 7. Eimear Richardson, 8. Mary Waldron (wk), 9. Lara Maritz, 10. Celeste Raack, 11. Lucy O’Reilly
New Zealand: 1. Suzie Bates, 2. Sophie Devine, 3. Amy Satterthwaite (c), 4. Katey Martin, 5. Leigh Kasperek, 6. Maddy Green, 7. Jess Watkin, 8. Bernadine Bezuidenhout, 9. Hannah Rowe, 10. Amelia Kerr, 11. Lea Tahuhu
Dream11
Seven New Zealand players should be in your side. Below is my team with a few pointers,
- My four Ireland players are their two honest bowlers, as well as their two batters reaching double figures.
- Katey Martin will be key for New Zealand in the top order, so too Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine.
- Jess Watkin and Amelia Kerr will be a handful for Ireland, in my opinion.
Stats and Facts
- Neither side can qualify for the World T20 2018 semi finals.
- New Zealand have won all three T20Is against Ireland.
- Claire Shillington and Isobel Joyce are the only two players to reach double figures for Ireland in the last two games.
Prediction
New Zealand to finish their tournament with a big win.
Thanks for reading!