Ireland Tri-Series 2019, Match 1: Ireland vs Netherlands: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips- Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

After the postponement of the Euro T20 Slam, the European neighbours in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands will battle it out in a T20I tri-nation series as they build towards next months T20 World Cup qualifiers.

The first match will see hosts Ireland lock horns with Dutch at The Village in Dublin on September 15. The match will kick off at 06:00 PM IST and will be streamed live by Ireland Cricket.

Match Preview

The cancellation of the Euro T20 slam gives a chance to countries like Ireland, Netherland, and Scotland to square off in a T20I tri-nation series; one that will allow them to prepare for next months T20 World Cup qualifiers. The first match will see hosts Ireland take on the Dutch at The Village in Dublin.

The last time these two sides’ met, Ireland pulled off a sensational last-ball win. That was in Oman during a quadrangular tournament but since then, Ireland’s form has been abysmal, to say the least. The hosts have won just one of their last five completed T20Is and have suffered the ignominy of getting whitewashed by Afghanistan [0-3].

The Netherlands, on the other hand, also drew a series against Zimbabwe [1-1] before getting hammered 0-4 by the UAE. The Dutch will look to do an encore of what they did the last time these two sides were involved in a tri-series: beat the Irish twice at Rotterdam.

Weather Report

According to the weather report, there are 35-40 per cent chances of a shower at The Village.

Pitch Report

The last time Ireland played a T20I at The Village, their bowlers were hammered to the tune of 4-213 by a rampaging Indian batting line-up. The average first innings score at this pitch during the course of the 9 T20Is though is 144. The sides batting second have won on six occasions out of nine and with the predictions of rain on Sunday, both captains would be tempted to bowl first.

Average First Innings score: 144 (Last 9 T20Is)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 6, Lost -3

Team News:

Ireland has recalled legspinner, Jacob Mulder, while uncapped Harry Tector and David Delany have received maiden call-ups to the national side.

Probable Playing XIs-

Ireland

Gary Wilson (C), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbarine, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Shane Getkate, Jacob Mulder, Kevin O’ Brien, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson

Bench – David Delany, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Netherlands

Tobias Visee, Max O’Dowd, Bas Le Leede, Ben Cooper, Tonny Staal, Scott Edwards (wk), Pieter Seelaar (c), Brandon Glover, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen, Philippe Boissevain

Bench – Vikram Singh, Clayton Floyd, Brandon Glover, Shane Snater.

Top Picks

Ireland: Andrew Balbarine has stroked 81 and 90 in two of his last three innings against the Dutch. He will once again be the lynchpin for the Irish alongside Paul Stirling, who is coming off a productive season for Middlesex in T20 Blast. Mark Adair, who claimed 4-40 in Ireland’s most recent win before scoring a 15-ball-38, could be a great pick for the all-rounder’s spot.

Netherlands: Tobias Visee was in the swashbuckling striking form (S/R- 161.82 in 14 games) during the recently concluded Global Canada T20 while Max O’Dowd is coming off a stellar show against Zimbabwe and the UAE, scoring two half-centuries in four games.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

Captain – Tobias Visee, Andrew Balbarine, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair

Vice-Captain – Max O’Dowd, Kevin O’ Brien, Pieter Seelaar, Bas Le Leede

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues-

Wicket-keeper– Gary Wilson

Batsman– Andrew Balbarine [c], Paul Stirling, M. O’Dowd, Ben Cooper

All-rounder- Mark Adair [vc], Stuart Thompson, P. Seelaar

Bowlers– George Dockrell, P. Boissevain, P. van Meekeran

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues-

Wicket-keeper– Scott Edwards

Batsman– Andrew Balbarine, Kevin O’Brien, M. O’Dowd [vc], Ben Cooper

All-rounder- Mark Adair [c], George Delany, P. Seelaar

Bowlers– George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, P. van Meekeran

Expert Advice:

With all-rounders contributing in both the facets of play, it would be advisable to pick likes of Adair as the captain/vice-captain of your team.

Probable Winner:

Considering both sides aren’t coming from the best of form, it should be a well-contested encounter. But, considering Netherlands record of five wins and three defeats over their hosts, they’ll go in as slight favourites in this game.

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.