Published: May 13, 2017, 09:11 PM (IST)
Edited: May 13, 2017, 09:11 PM (IST)
Another series in Ireland and rain has managed to appear as an ‘unwanted’ guest. ICC should have named this a quadrangular series with rain showers being the fourth team. They have made constant unwanted appearance for sometime when teams have toured Ireland. This has played a role in Irishmen languishing at the bottom of ICC ODI rankings. They play less frequently and whatever chances they get to host games leads to washouts. Nonetheless, they will battle hard against weather gods and New Zealand when they take on the field in the second game of the Tri-Nation series on Sunday. Full Cricket Scorecard, Ireland vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Dublin
The tournament opener between Ireland and Bangladesh ended in a tame draw. Opting to bowl, Irishmen used the conditions and bowled outside off and resorted to short balls to leave visitors in a spot of bother. However, Tamim Iqbal-Mahmudullah led the repair work with an unbeaten 87-run stand for the fifth wicket before rain ensured end of proceedings. In 31 overs of play, Irish bowlers made things difficult for batsmen on a green top at Dublin. However, Tamim-Mahmudullah showed that if batsmen apply themselves in the middle, conditions will ease out.
New Zealand will commence their journey in the triangular series on Sunday. They will be aware of the conditions on offer, which are unlikely to change. Without key weapons like Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, Tom Latham will take charge of things. He will be accompanied by Neil Broom, Luke Ronchi, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi and veteran Ross Taylor. While Taylor will press hard for a spot in ICC Champions Trophy, the core of the side will like to bolster their numbers in a format which has not been very productive for them as yet.
Latham has a had a torrid run in coloured clothings so far in the calendar year. With scores of 7, 0, 0, 2, 0, he will be eager to make a statement under swinging conditions. On the other hand, bowling all-rounders Seth Rance and Scott Kuggeleijin will fancy their chances of debuting in bowlers-friendly conditions. 2-ODIs old, George Worker will have a chance to bat at the top with absence of Williamson and Guptill.
Ireland will not like to tinker much with their line-up. They are playing their second game inside 3 days. To add to it, their bowlers promised a lot in Friday’s abandoned clash. However, Ed Joyce may replace Stuart Thompson if deemed fit. The rest of the line-up is expected to remain the same.
Both the sides last met in 2008. Lots have changed since then. Gary Wilson, Paul Stirling and Taylor are the only three players from the previous tie. Dare I say, both sides look equal on paper given the conditions. Nonetheless, everything will be possible if only if ‘rain-god’ plans to stay away.
Squads:
Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Andy Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Barry McCarthy. Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wk), Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young
New Zealand: Tom Latham(c), Hamish Bennett, Neil Broom, Scott Kuggeleijn, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Seth Rance, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, George Worker
Time: 3:15 PM | 09:45 AM GMT
