T20 World Cup 2021: Match 3, Ireland vs Netherlands Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Ireland and Netherlands are set to lock horns in Match No.3 of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers on Monday, October 18 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Netherlands, led by Pieter Seelaar, started the warm-up matches with a hefty 31-run defeat at the hands of Scotland.

However, they made a comeback by beating Oman in their second practice match on October 14. Ireland, on the other hand, will be going in to the game after back-to-back wins in the warm-ups. They began with a crushing eight-wicket win over PNG after which they beat Bangladesh.

Match Details

Match – Ireland vs Netherlands – Match 3

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 03:30 PM IST, 10:00 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi hasn’t produced a lot of high-scoring games, at least in international cricket. But over the years, the track has helped the chasing teams to a large extent. Batting second should be the way forward.

Average First Innings score: 142 (48 T20Is in Abu Dhabi)

Record of Chasing teams: Won – 25, Lost – 23, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Ireland

Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie (C), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Craig Young/Joshua Little, Benjamin White/Andrew McBrine

Bench: Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young/Joshua Little, Benjamin White/Andrew McBrine

Netherlands

Stephan Myburgh, Max O’Dowd, Pieter Seelaar (C), Ben Cooper, Ryan ten Doeschate, Roel of van der Merwe, Fred Klaassen/Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards, Tim van der Gugten, Paul van Meekeren, Phillippe Boissevain

Bench: Fred Klaassen/Colin Ackermann, Logan van Beek, Brandon Glover, Bas de Leede

Head-to-head

Overall

Matches- 12, Ireland – 4, Netherlands – 7, N/R- 0

In the UAE

Matches – 3, Ireland – 2, Netherlands – 1, N/R- 0

Probable best batter of the match

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

Paul Stirling has been stupendous for Ireland over the years. His recent form in the shortest format is also worth envying. He had an incredible run in the T20I series against Zimbabwe where he even scored a century. If he gets going in the first six overs, the Netherlands bowlers may end up chasing leather on Monday’s encounter.

Probable best bowler of the match

Mark Adair (Ireland)

Mark Adair has been a genuine wicket-taker for Ireland in the T20I format. He is someone, who can bowl in the powerplay and at the death. The pacer manages to hit the right channels and induces false shots from the batters. Adair was also amongst the wickets when Ireland locked horns with South Africa. He is expected to play a key role.

Today’s match prediction: Ireland to win the match. 

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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