When the Indian team steps onto the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in Long Island on Thursday morning, they’ll be greeted by hoardings announcing the Twenty20 World Cup, alongside the stadium’s signboards.
The Indian team might interpret these as foreboding signs lurking beneath the banners: “Caution: Danger Ahead.”
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India vs Ireland: Match Preview
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s pitch controversy during the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, unpredictability has swiftly become the defining characteristic of matches in this World Cup, particularly those at the New York leg. For the Indian side, this journey into the unknown resembles more of a game of Russian Roulette than a conventional cricket contest. South Africa’s experience can attest to this.
India faced two significant matches in the previous T20 World Cup. They emerged victorious in the encounter where the batting conditions were challenging but faltered in the match with comparatively easier pitch conditions. The current tournament’s surfaces presenting unexpected challenges come as a pleasant surprise for them. This suggests they won’t easily succumb to teams known for their prowess in hitting sixes, a scenario reminiscent of their defeats in 2016 and 2022.
The less-than-favorable playing conditions also level the playing field for Ireland. Josh Little is expected to emulate past performances of left-arm quicks against India by bowling full to induce lbw and bowled dismissals. Given India’s strategy of deploying their top batsmen early in the lineup, dismissing them swiftly could significantly tilt the game in Ireland’s favor.
While Ireland may not, on paper, pose a significant threat to India, the uncertainty surrounding the pitch conditions has injected a new element into the contest. It neutralizes the experience and strengths of the Indian side. Despite recent victories over Pakistan and the triumph over eventual champions England in the last World Cup, the Paul Stirling-led team may view India as an insurmountable force, having never won against them in their seven face-offs. However, it’s unlikely to be a straightforward match, unless the drop-in pitch, prepared in Florida with expertise imported from South Australia, behaves as expected. Ireland, nevertheless, hopes for the best.
If India’s concern is the unpredictability of the surface, unfamiliarity is the challenge for the Irish side. With practice facilities arranged elsewhere on Long Island, the Irish are yet to officially set foot in the Nassau County Stadium. “We haven’t actually seen the ground, and it doesn’t look like we’re going to before the game,” skipper Paul Stirling told Cricket Europe.
Rahul Dravid has chosen not to disclose the much-debated opening combination of the side, but it’s most likely to be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with left-right batsmen following as the situation demands. India may have initially planned to field two left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
However, after Tuesday’s game experience, they may opt for an extra pacer instead of an additional spinner. This would bring both Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh into the lineup, with Axar Patel possibly waiting for his turn. As is often the case with the Indian team setup, there remains one spot up for debate – a potential toss-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube. It’s more likely to be Dube, as he adds depth to the bowling attack.
Ireland is renowned for playing fearless cricket, but the Indians are accustomed to such approaches, having just concluded a highly competitive and adventurous two-month-long IPL. The contest may not witness 200-plus totals like in the IPL matches; a score of 170-180 could be a winning total, unless the pitch decides otherwise.
While it’s still early in the tournament, it appears that discipline rather than sheer strength is the key to success in this T20 World Cup, which has introduced new challenges. Keep an eye on Jasprit Bumrah, who prioritizes being difficult to hit by controlling his length. Conversely, Paul Stirling is likely to take calculated risks during the powerplay to maximize scoring opportunities. Kuldeep Yadav will capitalize on his increased flight by targeting the stumps consistently, posing a challenge for Ireland’s middle order batsmen like Harry Tector and Curtis Campher, who must collaborate to resist his threat. Despite the difficulty, such games are what Ireland thrives on, relishing the occasion and the challenge it brings.
India vs Ireland: Form Guide
India WWWWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Ireland WWWLL
India vs Ireland: Pitch Conditions
The weather in New York sets a perfect stage for cricket, with temperatures neither too hot nor too cold, and no concerns about dew. However, all eyes will be on the pitch and outfield following Monday’s events, where a team collapsed from 80 for 4 in 16.2 overs to 77 all out. Nonetheless, improvements are anticipated. India’s warm-up game on a different track saw them scoring 180 runs.
The million-dollar question looms large, one that neither Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, nor Paul Sterling, Ireland’s captain, could confidently answer after witnessing the events of the Sri Lanka and South Africa game. Both teams and spectators are hopeful that the drop-in pitch behaves itself, unlike in Sri Lanka’s six-wicket defeat. Despite the unpredictability of the pitch, India is expected to comfortably emerge victorious in this contest. One aspect of intrigue is who will partner Rohit in the opening for India – Virat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal?
India vs Ireland: Head-to-head
India has a perfect record against Ireland, winning all seven encounters. Their only previous meeting in T20 World Cups took place in 2009 at Trent Bridge, where India secured victory by eight wickets. Rohit Sharma remains the lone survivor from that match.
India vs Ireland: Team News
India
Rahul Dravid has kept his selection plans under wraps, hinting at his intention to maintain suspense until the game begins. Having a left-handed batter at the top of the order can offer a valuable advantage, and in Yashasvi Jaiswal, India possesses one of the finest.
However, they may opt for a different approach by including Shivam Dube in the middle order, who brings a contrasting set of skills. Dube is likely to take on the spinners with his left-handed batting. India’s bowling lineup boasts ample variety, with a focus on players like Bumrah and Kuldeep, whose exceptional talent can potentially dominate not just individual matches but entire tournaments.
While the opening partnership remains undisclosed, another significant decision revolves around choosing between Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh as the second pacer alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Hardik Pandya is anticipated to serve as the third pacer and provide an additional bowling option. Moreover, both left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, are expected to make the cut alongside Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s Predicted XI:
- Rohit Sharma (capt),
- Virat Kohli
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Shivam Dube
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Ireland
Ireland’s batting lineup extends down to No. 8, featuring a balanced mix of power-hitters and steady contributors. Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker possess the versatility to adapt to various roles within the team. While Ireland’s bowling attack is primarily dominated by seamers, the inclusion of left-arm spinner George Dockrell offers an alternative option, especially against the more traditional batters in the Indian lineup.
Coach Heinrich Malan instills a belief within his players that they can overcome formidable opponents like India. Ireland has a history of surprising favorites, as demonstrated in the last Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, where they defeated eventual champions England. Their recent victory over Pakistan further underscores their capability to spring surprises on stronger opponents, a factor that India must remain cautious of. Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker poses a significant threat with his batting prowess.
Ireland’s Precited XI:
- Andy Balbirnie
- Paul Stirling (capt)
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Harry Tector
- Curtis Campher
- George Dockrell
- Gareth Delany
- Mark Adair
- Barry McCarthy
- Craig Young
- Ben White
India vs Ireland: Players Under Spotlight
India – Rishabh Pant
The simple act of donning his jersey sent shivers down his spine. Consider the emotions when Rishabh Pant strides onto the field to bat. Just stepping out there, returning to the cricket field for India in an official match at a World Cup no less, is monumental. Whether he grabs the headlines or not, his comeback to this level of cricket after a car accident less than two years ago is significant. The sport is fortunate to retain him and his trademark no-look sixes.
Ireland – Harry Tector
Against India, Harry Tector registered his highest T20I score, a thrilling 64 off 33 balls, albeit against a relatively inexperienced attack. More recently, he showcased his mettle against Rashid Khan and Afghanistan, scoring 56 off 34 balls and contributing to a defendable total. Renowned for both his power-hitting and composure, Tector stands out as a middle-order batsman, and this T20 World Cup could mark his breakthrough.
Where To Watch The T20 World Cup Live in India? Streaming Details
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action of the T20 World Cup 2024 matches via free live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar on mobile devices in India. Additionally, the T20 WC cricket matches will be broadcasted live on Star Sports and DD Sports TV channels across the country.
