Published: Jan 12, 2015, 12:20 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 12, 2015, 11:33 AM (IST)
BY Pramod Ananth
Jan 12, 2015
The third match of the Dubai triangular-series featuring Ireland, Afghanistan and Scotland is set to take place in Dubai on January 12. Ireland will face Scotland in what is turning out to be a highly exciting tri-series. Having suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Afghanistan, Scotland will look to bounce back in this game. Ireland will carry momentum into this game after edging out Afghanistan by three wickets in the previous ODI.
On the bowling front Ireland go into the game against Scotland high on confidence as they managed to skittle out Afghanistan for a paltry 180 within fifty overs. George Dockrell and John Mooney were the pick of their bowlers but the rest of the bowling group played their part to perfection as well. Their batting on the other hand was far from convincing. In pursuit of 181, they began on a disastrous note. They lost two quick wickets and only a half-century by Ed Joyce and significant contributions by Niall O’Brein (22), Kevin O’Brien (30), Andy Balbrinie (31*) and Alex Cusack (26*) ensured that Ireland got to their target with over six overs left.
Scotland on the other hand had put in an admirable batting performance against Afghanistan as Hamish Gardiner’s 96 propelled his side to a respectable 237 for eight in 45 overs. It’s their bowling that let them down and let the game slip away. After a comprehensive defeat they have plenty to ponder over.
Ireland go into the match clear favourites. They have enough depth in their batting and have quality bowlers to bowl the opposition out. Scotland, however, can take refuge in the fact that they actually edged Ireland out two-one in a bilateral One-Day series recently, which saw Ireland’s International One-Day Ranking take a beating. The toss is going to be crucial as the dew will play a major role later in the game.
Squads:
Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Andy Balbirnie Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce , Andy McBrine, John Mooney, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young
Scotland: Preston Mommsen (c), Kyle Coetzer, Richie Berrington, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq , Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Gavin Main, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw
Time: 15:30 IST | 10: 00 GMT
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
