Ireland Preview: Favourites to qualify are 100% on practice

Here is the preview of Team Ireland:

 

Key Players:

Skipper Laura Delany, all-Rounders Isobel Joyce, Gaby Lewis and Cecelia Joyce are the key players for Ireland.

The dependable skipper, Laura Delany is one of the most experienced players of the Ireland team. Not only her batting but her part-time bowling is an added advantage for the team. In the recently concluded T20 series against Bangladesh, she was the second-highest run-getter with 88 runs after Fargana Hoque. She also took 3 wickets in the series.

All-rounder Isobel Joyce is the most experienced player of the Irish team; having played for almost 19 years. She is one of the leading wicket-taker and run-getter for Ireland.  Playing in WBBL for Hobart Hurricanes signifies her value in the team. In the recently concluded T20 series against Bangladesh, her first two matches were average. But in the 3rd T20I her heroics with the bat in last over finish will boost her confidence.

Another go-to player is all rounder, Gaby Lewis. The 17-yr-old has shown her ability in the recently concluded series against Bangladesh. Gaby Lewis was the second-highest scorer (83) for Irish team after skipper Delany. She also picked up 2 wickets in the series.

 

Strengths:

Ireland has a plenty of quality batters in the team. Isobel Joyce, skipper Delany and Cecelia Joyce are in good touch. They have scored plenty of runs in the series against Bangladesh. Especially Cecelia Joyce is having a good time with the bat. The batting trio will be a crucial factor for the Ireland team.

Ireland's batting is an X-factor which can threaten the opposition at any time. But the right execution will be the demand in the high voltage tournament.

 

Weaknesses:

Ireland has decent bowlers, but they have failed to deliver at the highest level. Inability to take wickets in middle overs has cost them a lot. Although the batters have put on a good score but they have failed to defend it multiple times because of their bowling. They need to work on their bowling if they want to succeed.

They have Kim Garth who has an added experience of playing in the WBBL for Sydney Sixers. If Lara Maritz's pace, Metcalfe's experience and Kim Garth's spin work at the right time, Ireland will be the front-runner for this tournament.

 

Importance:

After the series loss against Bangladesh, this will be a good challenge for Ireland. To compete in a global event is a test of skill and character which will push the team to better things. This will decide whether they qualify for the World Cup or not. If they flourish here they will be playing against World's best teams in the World Cup which is set to be held in November. They can also grab a good momentum for the upcoming series.

 

Squad:

Laura Delany (C), Kim Garth, Cecelia Joyce, Isobel Joyce, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Clare Shillington, Mary Waldron (WK), Rebecca Stokell, Eimear Richardson, Lucy OReilly, Ciara Metcalfe