USA vs IRE Match Preview
Despite their loss, USA will have taken a lot of heart from pushing India all the way to the 19th over. This is testament to the development of the country’s national cricket team. Ireland will want to turn around a forgettable tournament until now.
You can expect a wealth of decent fast bowlers in both sides. With conditions likely to favour swing bowling, expect them to make an impact. Josh Little will be smiling when greeted with conditions that will aid swing bowling. The left-armer can create havoc with the new ball and old ball alike.
The USA’s fiery opening bowler, Ali Khan, will want to pick up early wickets in bowler-friendly conditions to put Ireland’s middle order under pressure.
Andrew Balbirnie, in partnership with Paul Stirling, may need to dig deep to anchor the Irish innings. The experience of the two openers should boost their chances of seeing out a potentially tricky opening period successfully. They will want to set themselves up to launch later in the innings.
Former USA captain, Steven Taylor, will want to show his capabilities at the start of the innings. The left-handed batter will want to get his side off to an explosive start. He potentially holds the key for the USA to negate Josh Little’s left-arm angle.
Weather Report
Heavy rain is forecast for Lauderhill on Friday. There is an 80 percent chance of rain on matchday. The fast bowlers will be licking their lips after hearing the news.
Pitch Report
This will be the first game of the tournament at this ground, but expect damp conditions to make batting difficult.
Notable stats
Khan in form
Ali Khan has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket recently. The right-arm pacer has picked up a wicket in each of his last six T20 matches. This included a man-of-the-match three for 25 against Bangladesh in the second T20I to seal the series.
Team News
USA will probably go with a consistent team that’s produced phenomenal results. Ireland may also not get drawn into making a change from two bad results. They will expect better from a team that has been good enough in the past.
USA vs IRE Probable 11
USA Playing 11
- Steven Taylor
- Monank Patel (C)
- Andries Gous
- Aaron Jones
- Nitish Kumar
- Corey Anderson
- Harmeet Singh
- Shadley van Schalkwyk
- Jasdeep Singh
- Saurabh Netravalkar
- Ali Khan
IRE Playing 11
- Andy Balbirnie
- Paul Stirling (C)
- Lorcan Tucker (Wk)
- Harry Tector
- Curtis Campher
- George Dockrell
- Gareth Delany
- Mark Adair
- Barry McCarthy
- Josh Little
- Craig Young
Dream11 Prediction
This could swing either way. USA will make it a difficult task for Ireland in front of a home crowd. Ireland will be geared up for a fierce battle. The consistency of the Irish unit may be enough to pip the USA.
Top Picks
Josh Little: The left-arm opening bowler will be difficult to handle if he manages to get the ball moving around. He will want to give Ireland the perfect start in the powerplay.
Paul Stirling: The hard-hitting opener will have experienced almost every situation in the book. He is easily capable of being the batter who takes the game away from the opposition.
Steven Taylor: Although not officially captain anymore, Taylor is still a huge part of the American leadership group. He will want to prove his leadership by dominating the Irish fast-bowling attack.
USA vs IRE Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Aaron Jones (VC)
All-rounders: Corey Anderson, Mark Adair (C), Steven Taylor, Gareth Delany
Bowlers: Josh Little, Saurabh Netravalkar, Barry McCarthy, Ali Khan, Craig Young
