Ireland Vs Namibia, Match Preview
A knock-out before the knock-outs is what we have in store for us today. The first round of the qualifiers has gone tighter than expected, with teams fighting hard, and providing upsets. Oman crushed PNG, Scotland beat Pakistan, and Namibia beat the Netherlands to add spice. With Ireland losing to Sri Lanka, a win from either side will take them through.
Ireland last qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2012. They got full member status at the same time as Afghanistan, but haven’t been able to rise in the same manner. A failure to make the main draw will raise concerns going forward.
Namibia on the other hand are making some noise in the World Cup. They completed their first World Cup win, beating Netherlands. The batting line-up looks good, considering they chased a score of 160 odd. David Wiese is in good form, and held the chase nicely. There is talent and a win here will boost Namibia’s Cricketing growth immensely.
Ireland Vs Namibia, Team News
Ireland could look to bring in an extra spinner. Ben White is an option, and Simi Singh may have to make way. They also have George Dockrell, who can bat in the middle order and bowl some handy overs. Another spinner in the side is Balbirnie, who remains a left-arm option.
Namibia might bring another spinner as well if the conditions require spin.
Ireland Vs Namibia, Predicted XIs
Ireland: 1 Paul Stirling, 2 Kevin O’Brien, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Gareth Delany, 5 Curtis Campher, 6 George Dockrell/Harry Tector, 7 Neil Rock (wk), 8 Simi Singh, 9 Mark Adair, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig Young/Ben White
Namibia: 1 Stephan Baard, 2 Zane Green (wk), 3 Craig Williams, 4 Gerhard Erasmus (capt), 5 David Wiese, 6 JJ Smit, 7 Jan Frylinck, 8 Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, 9 Ruben Trumpelmann, 10 Pikky Ya France, 11 Bernard Scholtz
Ireland Vs Namibia, Players to Watch out for
Kevin O’Brien
Kevin O’Brien is a huge name in the history of Irish Cricket. He has provided some magnificent contributions over the years. His international future in uncertain after this World Cup, and Ireland will want him to make a contribution here to get Ireland into the Super 12s. O’Brien has done the unthinkable in the past, and another performance could be loading.
David Wiese
David Wiese is an all-rounder who comes with immense experience. He plays in a fair share of leagues and county Cricket, and all his experience came to the fore against Netherlands’. Facing a stronger side, he held his cool well to steer the chase and win the game for Namibia. His performance against Ireland will be vital if they are to get over the line.
Ireland Vs Namibia, Pitch Report
The tournament has come to the UAE. Sharjah will be hosting its first game of the World Cup, and there has been a lot of talk around the stadium. The surface has been very slow, and low scoring games will be expected. Both sides may stock up their spin attack, and batting first will be the better option.
