Ireland are bullish about their chances as they go into the tie against the West Indies at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here on Friday.
As the quarterfinal berth beckons both the teams, Ireland, till now, have given a good account of themselves. They sealed a surprise win against England and following their spirited performance against India, they have suddenly made all the teams wary of the threat they pose.
“We’ve got three games left and there is no reason why we can’t beat any of the three sides. So far, we have played
some decent cricket and the match against West Indies is a big game for us,” Ireland skipper William Porterfield said.
Sammy Wary
Windies skipper, Darren Sammy, was guarded in his replies as he analysed his team’s performance in the tournament.
“We have a good chance and will come out hard. The trip has had a bit of ups and downs. We are very focussed in the task ahead,” he said.
The Caribbean team will also look to keep the momentum going after two convincing back-to-back victories against the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
“We know what they are capable of. And once on the ground, we will have to execute our game plan,” said the captain.
Mohali's fast pitch
With Mohali likely to provide another quicker deck, Kemar Roach and other Windies pace bowlers might get a chance to do an encore after demolishing Bangladesh for just 58 runs.
Mohali's fast pitch
With Mohali likely to provide another quicker deck, Kemar Roach and other Windies pace bowlers might get a chance to do an encore after demolishing Bangladesh for just 58 runs.
Ireland, though, have an injury worry in the pace department with Trent Johnston still not fully recovered after Sunday’s game against Dhoni & Company. Porterfield said the call would be taken in the morning.
Spin option for Irish
Porterfield also dropped a hint that spin could be an option to contain the rampaging West Indies opener Chris Gayle.
“Yes, that definitely is an option. We have seen how it worked with South Africa,” said Gayle, who has been in a confident nick in the tournament.
Ireland’s West Indian coach, Phil Simmons, added that it was high time his team clicked in all the three departments.
“We have fielded well in all our games but slipped against India and Bangladesh. I am hoping that the team comes good in this match,” Simmons said.