Ireland are no strangers to appearing in World Cups and when they get to them they often make a big impression although it must be said that the bulk of their form has come in the 50 over variety. They will be aiming to showcase their talents in the 20 over sphere.
Form
Ireland disappointed in their own conditions in the qualifying tournament for this event and defeats to Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong and the Netherlands will have disappointed them so they won’t lack for motivation in this tournament.
Having missed out on a place in the among the elite two years ago when the Netherlands chased down 190 in under 14 overs Ireland will be out to show they belong with the big boys by coming out of this group. They can always fall back on one of their most successful days being in India when they beat England in the 50 over World Cup in Bangalore in 2011.
Key men
Kevin O’Brien is a big player for Ireland whether it is in 50 overs or 20. He is a big hitter of the cricket ball and as he showed in that wonderful win over England five years ago no attack and no ground can contain him when he is on song. He also bowls solid medium pace which can be used at the death of an innings so all-rounders come no more important than this man.
Boyd Rankin is back in Irish green after a stint away playing for England. You get the feeling we are going to see him really flourish in this tournament and why wouldn’t we? He often excels for Warwickshire in one day cricket and his record when with England was good. If Ireland are to qualify you would think Rankin will need to bowl well.
Fixtures
Wed Mar 9 – Group A: Ireland vs Oman (Dharamsala)
Fri Mar 11 – Group A: Bangladesh vs Ireland (Dharamsala)
Sun Mar 13 – Group A: Ireland vs Netherlands (Dharamsala)
Stats
Overall T20I record: P50 W24 L21 NR5
Last 10 results (most recent last): NRWLLLWWLWL
Record vs group opponents:
Vs Bangladesh: P4 W1 L3
Vs Netherlands: P5 W2 L2 NR1
Vs Oman: Never met
Record batting first: P20 W9 L9 NR2
Record batting second: P30 W15 L12 NR3
Odds
Tournament odds: 1000/1 (Paddy Power)
Group A odds: 4/1 (General)
Team bets
I’m going with just the one here and it is on the big man Boyd Rankin to be the top Ireland tournament bowler. There will be quicker bowlers than him in this tournament but there won’t be many more awkward and that is what I like about him.
If Ireland don’t progress through the group, and even the staunchest Ireland fan would say they are up against it given the form of Bangladesh, then Rankin’s chances would be increased because the Associate batsmen don’t face anyone with the pace and bounce that he has in his locker.
The wicket in Dharamsala should suit him more than others as well so I’m going to work on the assumption that Ireland don’t qualify and Rankin will take advantage of that.
Back B.Rankin Top Ireland Tournament Bowler for a 2/10 stake at 3.75 with 32Red
Back him here:
