Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: ICC |
Two sides with no wins so far go head to head in the first match of the Women’s World T20 day five.
Ireland were on the end of some onslaught on Sunday, and need to ensure that it doesn’t negatively affect their confidence. After all, it was at the hands of mighty Australia, who showed little mercy. However, Ireland did show some fight to bat their 20 overs, and against a side that has lost two out of two, can Ireland get fight hard to get their first win of the tournament?
Pakistan too have been on the end of powerplay onslaughts, and it doesn’t help when you concede 10 before a ball is bowled vs India due to running on the pitch when batting. Their batting improved against India, but wasn’t enough to win, which makes this their absolute last chance to stay alive in the tournament.
Key to an Ireland win
Two nights ago against Australia, only Clare Shillington batted at a strike rate of at least 100, which forced Ireland to have to rely on their bowling to truly compete with the world’s number one team. That was always unlikely to end well, but if Ireland can maintain their focus against a Pakistan side that is up and down with the ball, a few more runs might be on offer.
Shillington will be key at the top, and so too Cecilia Joyce, who batted for 27 balls for 10 against Australia. It might also be worth skipper Laura Delaney come up the order a little to provide the Irish with all important stability and strike rotation. Can Ireland score enough runs this time to compete?
With the ball, Eimear Richardson, Lucy O’Reilly and Kim Garth were most honest in their efforts to restrict the magnificent Alyssa Healy. Against a Pakistan side searching for fluency, can Ireland put on a performance in the field filled with belief and intensity, on the back of powerplay wickets?
Key to a Pakistan win
Pakistan have had their moments in both games, but have ultimately lacked what it takes to beat Australia and India.
Ireland represents an opportunity to get their first win, but Pakistan must guard against complacency. With the bat, they have scored at a run a ball this tournament, which is expected given a lack of power hitting in the side. But, can they better their strike rotation efforts, led by the Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar?
Also, an opportunity presents Pakistan with the ball. Ireland were stuck against Australia, so can the spinners force Ireland into playing big shots to try get the scoreboard moving? This will be key.
Possible teams
Ireland: 1. Clare Shillington, 2. Cecilia Joyce, 3. Gaby Lewis, 4. Eimear Richardson, 5. Isobel Joyce, 6. Laura Delany (c), 7. Kim Garth, 8. Shauna Kavanaugh, 9. Mary Waldron (wk), 10. Lucy O’Reilly, 11. Ciara Metcalfe
Pakistan: 1. Ayesha Zafar, 2. Javeria Khan (c), 3. Umaima Sohail, 4. Bismah Maroof, 5. Nida Dar, 6. Aliya Riaz, 7. Nahida Khan, 8. Sana Mir, 9. Sidra Nawaz (wk), 10. Anam Amin, 11. Diana Baig
Prediction
I give Ireland a shot in this game, but Pakistan look to have a bit more key experience that should get them over the line.
Bismah Maroof to win woman of the match.
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