Ireland are finally back in action in the Cricket World Cup tonight…
After what seems like an eternity since their superb victory against West Indies last Monday, Ireland’s cricketers face the UAE in Brisbane on Wednesday morning (3.30am Irish time) looking to avoid a costly slip-up that would undo all the good work done in Nelson last week.
The opposition
The UAE are in their first World Cup and on paper are the weakest team in the tournament. Ireland have had their way with the Emiratis over the past decade or so, winning 11 of 13 games, including their last four, but the UAE gave a good account of themselves in their opening defeat by Zimbabwe and will have certainly targeted the Irish game as their best opportunity to leave the World Cup with a victory. Captain Khurram Khan may be 43 but averages 52 in one-day games and became the oldest man to score an ODI century in November against Afghanistan, while Shaiman Anwar is in good form after scoring 67 from 59 balls against Zimbabwe.
The ground
The Brisbane Cricket Ground is better known as The Gabba and is one of the iconic arenas on the Australian sporting landscape.
The pitch
Both sides have had little time on the field due to the recent storms to hit Brisbane, but the Gabba traditionally suits pace bowlers that can get up a head of steam, an asset in short supply in both these teams. Ireland’s seamers will hope to extract a little bit of swing from the pitch to trouble the UAE batting order, while spinners George Dockrell and Andy McBrine extracted little turn in Nelson but were still effective.
Irish players to watch
Ireland were one of the few teams in the tournament so far to win the toss and elect to bowl, so there’s a good chance that whatever way the coin falls the UAE will bat first, meaning those tuning in over their cornflakes will be picking up the start of the Irish run chase. Ireland will feel confident of chasing down almost any total against a mediocre bowling attack. With Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien leading the way against West Indies, captain William Porterfield will be eager to announce his arrival at this World Cup, while wicketkeeper Gary Wilson has a good record against UAE. The 24-year-old Andy Balbirnie is also in good nick after scoring 63 not out in the warm-up match against Bangladesh a fortnight ago.
What they’ve said
‘I think it’s reinforced everything as opposed to shot the confidence up. I think our preparation up until that has been fantastic and the lads are in a good place’ – Porterfield on the West Indies triumph
‘They know they have chances because they beat West Indies, so obviously the extra pressure will be on them. We’ve played a lot of games [against Ireland] and we know their weaknesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity because it’s a very important game for us as well. We’re targeting definitely this game.’ – UAE captain Khurram Khan
On social media
Serious game of rugby at the Gabba today with international ref Alan Lewis officiating @IrishRugby #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/AFmKRRtUeO
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) February 23, 2015
Still getting my head around the fact I'm going to the Gabba tomorrow…to support IRELAND!! #IREvUAE #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/o4S4WXiqvJ
— Declan Rooney (@DeclanRooney) February 24, 2015
Buzzing for game 2 tomorrow. Hoping to see loads of green at the Gabba #BackingGreen
— Andy Balbirnie (@balbo90) February 24, 2015
State of Pool B
Played Points Net R/R
India 2 4 +2.06
WI 3 4 +1.34
Ire 1 2 +0.62
SA 2 2 -0.68
Zim 3 2 -0.83
UAE 1 0 -0.26
Pak 2 0 -2.26
Victory for Ireland would give them a great chance of the top-four finish needed to go through to the knockout stages, however the West Indies’ victory over Pakistan has given them fresh life and could complicate matters. Net run rate could come into play, so the size of any potential win over the Emirates could play a factor later on.
Flogas Ireland is proud to be the official energy partner to Cricket Ireland. As Ireland’s only provider of both LPG and Natural Gas for homes and businesses, visit www.flogas.ie for all your central heating, instant hot water and cooking needs. Why not check out our new lightweight Gaslight cylinders for all your BBQ and leisure activities. And when it comes to Natural Gas, we’re the cheapest around (see bonkers.ie) and residential customers who switch to us before 28 February 2015 can save up to 20% on their gas rate.
