10:00 AM UTC: Namibia vs Ireland, First Round, Group A, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Win or go home!
As Ireland and Namibia collide in this Group A tussle, the scenario is simple, win and you get the ticket to play the top sides or lose and pack your bags. Ireland comes in the game after a disappointing loss to Sri Lanka while Namibia stunned the Netherlands through a David Wiese carnage.
Ireland’s and Namibia’s top-order woes
Ireland’s top order has simply not clicked, neither playing at a high tempo nor accumulating runs. Kevin O’ Brien has not gotten past even the 10 runs mark once and Stirling has struggled with his timing. Andy Balbirnie has been decent but the much-coveted top-order has so far fallen short, if there is a time for the order to click, it is now!
Namibia has not done well either in the top-order scenario. David Wiese, Gerhard Erasmus, and JJ Smit have done well in the middle-order but Stephen Baard and Zane Green have not given solid starts so far. Namibia will require the top-order to click in the must-win game.
Ireland’s scintillating pace attack
In terms of bowling, Ireland’s seamers have been phenomenal, especially Josh Little. Mark Adair and Craig Young have also been more than decent, with Young stalling runs and Adair claiming wickets. Curtis Campher has already gotten a four-wicket hattrick but Simi Singh has not been at his best, hurting the team against Sri Lanka. Will the bowlers eke out a win for Ireland?
Namibia has not bowled well and has only taken 7 wickets in two games. While spinner JJ Smit has been the most economical bowler for the team, seamer David Wiese showed his change-up deliveries can create a difference. The team will need more from the bowlers because if Ireland batters click, they have the depth and talent to make 160-180.