The Group B preliminary qualifying round of the T20 World Cup 2022 started on Monday, with Scotland upsetting two-time champions West Indies by a significant margin of 42 runs.
Attacking opener George Munsey hammered 66 runs as Scotland made 160, which, however, seemed 10 runs short. But, as it turned out, West Indies could only drag themselves to 118 as a spirited Scottish bowling effort, led by Mark Watt’s 3/12, saw WI fall well short of the target.
In the second game of the group B, Zimbabwe rode on veteran Sikandar Raza’s marvellous all-rounder show – 82 runs off 48 balls with the bat and then 1/22 with the ball – to thump Ireland by 31 runs after putting 174 on the board. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani picked up three wickets on his return. All the matches of this group are being played at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
Ireland will take on Scotland on Wednesday to keep the hopes of qualifying for Super 12 in their own hand. A Scotland win is all but certain to see them through to Super 12.
SCO vs IRE Pitch report, Date and Time
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
In the two matches so far, the surface in Hobart has had something for everyone – batsmen, pacers and spinners. However, only the good, skilful and those batsmen who are willing to set themselves in have managed to play long innings while the bowlers have got a decent amount of assistance. Expect 160-165 to be a good score here.
Date and Time: October 19, 9.30 AM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
SCO vs IRE Predicted XIs
Ireland predicted XI:
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little
Scotland predicted XI:
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Matthew Cross (wk), Richie Berrington (c), Calum MacLeod, Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal
Today’s match prediction: Scotland to win the match
Scotland’s bowling attack is their strength, and they have got a couple of batsmen who can attack aggressively as well as hold on to the innings if they lose early wickets. Keeping in mind Scotland’s strong bowling display against West Indies, and the lack of quality in Ireland’s XI, we are predicting a Scotland victory.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
