New Zealand vs Ireland Prediction: New Zealand to cruise through

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been played at a very high standard. Even the giants have faced great resistance and we have seen a bunch of upsets and the underdogs pushing the game to the brink through their motivated play. That is why it has been difficult to predict the trajectory of the World Cup. One thing is for sure, the Australian version of the World Cup has been much more intense than the Dubai one despite rain playing spoilsport. In this game, New Zealand will take on Ireland.

New Zealand’s campaign took a hit as they lost to England by 20 runs while chasing 180. Unlike the previous games, their pace attack was unable to penetrate through the top order of England and an 81 runs partnership in 10 overs set the tone for Englishmen. Jos Buttler’s 73 runs in 47 balls, Alex Hales’ 52 in 40 balls, and Liam Livingstone’s 20 runs in 14 balls propelled them to 179 runs. While the pacers Boult, Southee, and Ferguson conceded 10+ runs per over, spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner combined for two wickets and giving just 48 runs.

Batting-wise New Zealand had an underwhelming start, both Fin Allen and Conway fell cheaply as New Zealand found themselves 2 wickets for 28 runs in five overs. Kane Williamson and in-form Glenn Phillips formed a 91 runs partnership but Kane’s 40 runs in 40-balls innings put the pressure on the middle and lower order to end with a flurry. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for New Zealand and once Glenn Phillips got out with 15 balls to go and 45 runs to get, the team had no chance. Phillips did play an impressive inning of 62 runs in 40 balls.

Ireland comes into this game after suffering a 42 run defeat against Australia while chasing 180 runs. Ireland did a great job of nabbing David Warner early and didn’t let Australia get off to a flyer as they had three wickets for 84 runs in 10.3 overs. However, one over from Mark Adair changed the scenario as he bowled six wides and allowed Aaron Finch to take control. Finch ended up with 63 runs in 44 balls. The Irish bowling did well to close out the bowling but the run chase was tall against quality bowling. Barry McCarthy was impressive with three wickets for 29 runs whereas Josh Little had two wickets for 21 runs, turning another great spell.

George Dockrell kept it tight with 24 runs in four overs but Adair’s 59 runs in four overs, Fionn Hand’s 15 runs in an over and Gareth Delany’s 29 runs in three overs held the team back. Ireland had a terrible time while chasing, losing five wickets for 25 runs in four overs. Things didn’t click throughout the innings and the highest partnership was for the sixth wicket between Gareth Delany and Lorcan Tucker as they added 43 runs. Thanks to Lorcan Tucker’s 48-ball 71 runs, the team got a respectable total in an effort where no other player could cross the 14 runs mark.

• New Zealand: Batters: Fin Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips;
• Bowlers: Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner;
• Ireland: Batters: Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector;
• Bowlers: Josh Little, Barry McCarthy.

New Zealand has two wins and one loss but their net run rate is by far the best in the group. A win here basically ensures that they proceed to the Semis. Ireland is all but out of the scenario, with one win and two losses, and they are going back home after the Super 12s. However, this is a team that has sprung up a surprise against England before, a team that beat New Zealand. So, they can’t be taken lightly. Ireland’s pace attack has been impressive but let’s be honest, they look heavily outmatched when it comes to batting. I believe New Zeland will dominate Ireland here and win big.