India vs Ireland, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Pool B Match 34 Preview: India look to maintain winning streak against giant-killers Ireland

Hamilton: Having qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 quarter-final, India would want to strengthen their position with the clash against Ireland at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Tuesday. India have won all their games so far and more victories will give them a certain top spot in Group B. On the other hand, Ireland have three victories in four matches and are looking to qualify for the quarter-final. READ: Stuart Binny likely to play against Ireland in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match

Both sides have not had much time to recover from their respective last games. India made the long travel from Perth and took a day’s break to follow that. On the other hand, Ireland arrived in the wee hours of Monday and took to training in the afternoon. Thus, there hasn’t been much time to think and the two sides will get into this game with their previous buildup and nothing special in the last few days. READ: India train at the nets ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash against Ireland

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Although MS Dhoni denied the possibility of making any changes to the side after the last game, there is a strong possibility of Stuart Binny playing. In the nets on the eve of the game, Binny had an extended session. He bowled and batted, which indicated the possibility of him making it to the line-up. If that is the case, he may come in for Ravindra Jadeja. With the conditions in Hamilton being a bit overcast on the eve of the game, it may be a better option to play Binny instead of Jadeja. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS

Apart from that, India may maintain the same side. Following the tough game against West Indies, India would want their batsmen to fire. It is imperative that they get the runs on the board heading into the knockouts. The game against Ireland is an opportunity, which would be followed by the game against Zimbabwe. The fast bowling department has done well and will continue to maintain the same look. Bhuvneshwar Kumar may not get in. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Ireland have a chance of making it through the quarter-final and will need all effort to get there with some big games remaining. The likes of William Porterfield, Ed Joyce, Kevin O’Brien and Niall O’Brien will have to up the ante and go on to take their side forward. It will not be an easy task for Ireland, but they may back themselves while chasing. Hamilton is a small ground and runs are expected on the day. Ireland have some big hitters and if they get going, Indian bowlers may find it tough. Chasing has been Ireland’s forte and they would back themselves if it comes to it. The bowling may be a bit of a worry for them and George Dockrell could be an important trump-card for them. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage

India seem to be in a very positive mindset and should be the favourites for the game. At the same time, Ireland are giant killers and India have to be wary of that. One hopes it is a good game. Ireland have a chance to make a big statement. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Stuart Binny, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma.

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson (wk), John Mooney, Kevin O’Brien, George Dockrell, Andy Balbirnie, Max Sorenson, Alex Cussack, Stuart Thompson, Ed Joyce, Craig Young, Andy McBrine, Peter Chase.

Time: 06:30 IST | 01:00 GMT

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)