Ireland keen to consolidate even as Netherlands look for consolation win

weather in Dublin cleared for the day as Ireland chased down 110 inside 12 overs to take home the third T20I and the series. A clinical display with the bat, especially by Gaby Lewis saw them win their second consecutive series in the shortest format at home. If Netherlands are to get a consolation win against the hosts, the equation is simple for them ‘bowl well and field better’.

The Dutch were nervy to start in the third T20I, as they did not offer any shots against the main Irish threat, Orla Prendergast, who grabbed two wickets inside the power play. As a batting unit, they have shown potential throughout the series and the likes of Miranda Veringmeier and Juliët Post need to bat high up in the batting lineup to give them a chance of posting a higher score.

Netherlands bowlers were able to take a few wickets but, they were completely clueless against Lewis in the third T20I and Delany in the series opener. Captain Heather Siegers was not quick enough to bring in the bowling changes and wasted many opportunities to use her more experienced bowlers upfront against the quality Irish side. The visitors can learn the importance of good fielding from their counterparts, who have been spot on in the field throughout the series.

The Irish, on the other hand, put out a masterclass in chasing during the third match of the series. Their batters were not afraid to play the big shots even when wickets were falling at the other end. They showcased their depth and adaptability in the series opener as they posted the mammoth total of 160 off 20 overs. With an eye on the European leg of the World Cup qualifier, Ireland might want to check their bench strength in the final match.

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The Irish had more than enough to defend in the first match, but they got a little wayward at the end of the Dutch chase. With multiple qualifying tournaments looming ahead, Ireland head coach Ed Joyce would want his bowling unit to be better at the execution of plans. The work support staff has put in for the fitness of these players is evident from their fielding performance but there is still a lot more work that needs to be done if they were to compete against more professional teams in the world.

The final T20I will provide both teams with an opportunity to implement their learnings from the series. Ireland would like to end the series on an unbeaten note against the relatively inexperienced Dutch side. Will they be able to pull off a series whitewash or the Netherlands will make a late comeback? We will see that come Friday.

Squads

Ireland: Laura Delany (c), Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Lara Maritz, Sophie MacMahon, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron

Netherlands: Heather Siegers (c), Babette de Leede (vc), Annemijn van Beuge, Annemijn Thomson, Eva Lynch, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Iris Zwilling, Isabel van der Woning, Julia Corder, Juliet Post, Miranda Veringmeier, Robine Rijke, Silver Siegers