T20 World Cup 2022: Match 31 - Predicted Ireland Playing XI vs Australia

Ireland have been one of the sides that has pushed above their weight so far in the T20 World Cup 2022. They registered a historic win against England in their previous encounter and created a major upset against one of the favourites to win the tournament. With three points in three games, Ireland still has a chance to go through to the semi-finals and will be optimistic about it.  

For that to happen, they to create a few more upsets in a tough Group 1, which boasts of a strong set of nations. Their next encounter against Australia will be crucial to the plans going forward and the skipper Andrew Balbirnie will be looking to lead the way again with a fabulous knock like he did against England. 

Coming to the team combination, not a lot of changes is expected in the Ireland line-up after their inspiring performance against England.

Here is the predicted playing XI for Ireland against Australia:

Openers – Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling 

Andrew Balbirnie was the Player of the Match in the stunning win against England for his 47-ball 62 set the tone for Ireland while setting up the total. The skipper has taken the responsibility at the top of the order to go for the boundaries and utilised the powerplay quite well. He has a big role to play against the quality Australian pace attack in the upcoming fixture.  

Paul Stirling has looked in good touch with the bat and he is destructive inside the powerplay which is a massive luxury to have. The right-hander has got the experience and will fancy making a big score after missing out in the previous game.  

Middle order – Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher 

Lorcan Tucker has had promising starts so far in the tournament but he hasn’t managed to click which has been a concern. The wicketkeeper-batter played a fluent knock of 34 against England and helped his side to a competitive total with a crucial partnership. The 26-year-old will be looking to keep his impact going at the top.

Harry Tector hasn’t had the best of tournaments yet and he is clearly struggling with his form. The right-hander had a bright start to his international career; however, his low scores continued as he was dismissed for a duck against England. Given the talent he possesses, Ireland will expect him to come good soon.  

Curtis Campher was impressive in the Round 1 fixtures and played a gem of a knock to take his side home in a crucial time. The all-rounder has got the skillsets to deliver with both bat and ball consistently and is quite smart in terms of piercing the field. The Ireland side will be hoping he comes to the party again.  

All-rounders – George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Simi Singh 

George Dockrell has improved his batting massively in the last few years and he is a vital cog in the line-up. Having already won a game for Ireland, Dockrell will be looking to keep going with his performances in the remainder of the tournament.  

Gareth Delany had a huge part to play in Ireland qualifying to the Super 12s and his leg-spin has proved to be effective in the tournament so far. He did go for a few in the game against England, however, the spinner has got the potential to turn around games when he is on a song.  

Simi Singh hasn’t been in the best of forms in terms of wicket-taking, however, he will a chance to redeem himself. The 35-year-old is no muck with the bat down the order and he will be looking to make a statement after getting dropped in the previous game.  

Bowlers – Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little 

Mark Adair has been a revelation for Ireland in the T20I format and the 26-year-old has managed to provide breakthroughs consistently. The right arm-seamer has been economical in the tournament so far and he has thrived on the Australian conditions so far with his tall nature.  

Barry McCarthy can be a good option to have in the mix with the variety he brings into the bowling attack. Ireland have used him wisely and he picked up the big wicket of Dawid Malan in the previous encounter. He can clear the ropes while coming down the order and is likely to hold onto his place. 

Joshua Little is by far the best fast bowler in the Ireland line-up and he has constantly been a great threat for the opponents with the new ball. The left-arm seamer can swing it both ways and 2 for 16 against England had a big role to play in the memorable win.  

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