We have another double header of action at the T20 World Cup on Monday as the four teams in Group A of the first round play out their opening matches. The day begins with Ireland taking on the Netherlands.
These two sides have both had their big days in global tournaments in the past and they will be eyeing up another here. Given that they both have Sri Lanka to come later in the section they will be acutely aware that losing here makes things very tough for them.
Ireland
Since the last time we saw Ireland in a global white ball tournament they have become a Test nation and now they head to these things expected to make progress rather than as a team people put up as one with the ability to be dangerous on their day. I think it is fair to say they are a little inconsistent in this format of the game. When they are good they are very good but when they are not quite on it they can be found wanting.
I think Ireland have a pretty decent bowling attack, one which can be useful in these conditions so their progress or otherwise will come down to their consistency with the bat. We saw in a warm up match against Bangladesh just what they can do, although the form of that win got cut in half after Bangladesh lost to Scotland on Sunday. Ireland have some power players with the bat that if they come off they are likely to be very tough to beat.
Netherlands
The Netherlands had their finest night in this tournament back in 2009 when they beat England at Lord’s and having brought back many of the old guard for this event they will be hoping there is another dance in them. This is a squad with a lot of county professionals in it so if they can take to the conditions and go well in them then there is no reason why the Dutch can’t be very competitive here, and even cause a surprise when it comes to the qualification places.
The Netherlands look strong enough with the ball, especially with the all-round services of Colin Ackermann and Ryan ten Doeschate in their squad for this competition. Those two add real depth to the batting as well so if they can get off to decent starts in the powerplay, you get the impression that they are going to maintain the pressure on the opposition. They are entitled to be very dangerous if their big players fire.
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Key Men
Paul Stirling is one of those Ireland players who can take a match away from any opposition in the space of a few overs. If he gets going with the bat he scores so quickly he does relentless damage. His off spin could be crucial in these conditions too.
Colin Ackermann is probably going unnoticed in this competition but this is a man who played in The Hundred earlier in the year and who is a very good all-rounder. He is another who can come to the party with the ball but his batting will be more than useful.
Betting
I think this is another match that will be higher scoring than the run line expects it to be. This Abu Dhabi ground was used for the IPL and was the best batting wicket of the three overall. While there are some decent bowlers on show there are some equally as good batsmen who should really relish the pitch they are playing on here. There are players in both teams that if they come off they will ensure their team gets a big total which is encouraging.
The runs line in this match is 278.5 so we only need 140 from both teams which is well within the reach of each. This is basically a county match in all but name given how many county cricketers are involved in the contest. Ireland are full of players who have played county cricket while half of the Dutch side have played it and some have played in Australia. These teams bat deep and I think between them they will come up with at least 279 runs.
Tips
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