FANTASY
Follow UsIreland will be up against the Netherlands in Match 3 of the ICC T20 World Cup on Monday, 18th October, in an afternoon encounter at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The two sides have competed in 12 international games in the shortest format, with the Netherlands marginally ahead by winnings seven matches. The Dutch side registered a comprehensive 21-run win in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 Qualifier in 2019, which was the last encounter between these two sides.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Overall: Matches – 12 | IRE – 4 wins | NED – 7 wins | NR - 1
Last five matches: IRE – 2 wins | NED – 3 wins
SUGGESTED TEAM
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
GROUND DETAILS
The average first innings total at the Zayed Cricket Stadium is around the 150-run mark. However, with plenty of cricket at the venue due to the recently conducted Indian Premier League, the wicket is expected to be slower and conducive for the spinners. In the T20 internationals since 2019, the pace bowlers have picked up 93 wickets at an economy rate of 7.5 compared to 82 wickets at an economy rate of 6.6 by spinners.
SUGGESTED CAPTAIN
Kevin O'Brien
With 1934 runs in 100 innings at a strike rate of 131.56, Kevin O'Brien will be the mainstay in the batting unit of the Ireland side. O'Brien became the first Ireland player to score a century in T20I as he smashed 124 against Hong Kong in 2019. The right-handed batter has years of experience at the international level and will be a vital cog in the playing XI of the side
Our Criclytics player projector predicts O'Brien to score 36-54 runs in this match.
X-FACTORS
Ben Cooper
One of the most dominating players in the Netherlands side, Ben Cooper, will be the key player in the batting unit of the team. With 1230 runs in 53 innings at a strike rate of 125, the left-handed batter has been one of their most consistent performers for the side and has often guided them over the line in this form of the game. The 29-year old will be one of the X factors heading into this opening encounter.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Cooper to score 44-66 runs in this match.
Paul Stirling
In the shortest format of the game, the right-handed opening batter is the leading run-scorer for the Ireland side, with 2495 runs in 88 innings at a strike rate of 137.16. Along with O'Brien, Paul Stirling will be the key player for the Ireland side in this all-important clash. Stirling will bring in years of experience playing in world events and lay a solid foundation at the top of the order.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Stirling to score 23-35 in this match.
Roelof van der Merwe
Roelof van der Merwe is one of the most experienced players in the Netherlands side. The left-arm spinner will look to restrict the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs. The 36-year old will also look to give his side some much-needed impetus in the back end of the innings with his power-hitting down the order.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts van der Merwe to score 8-12 runs and pick up 0-1 wickets in this match.
