After winning the rain-marred second ODI by five wickets, Ireland will look to win the three-match series against West Indies when they take on each other on 16 January, in the third and final match at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground.
West Indies had won the series opener by 24 runs, but were not at their best against a Covid-19-affected Ireland in the second match. They were bowled out for 229 in 48 overs after stand-in captain Paul Stirling asked them to bat. They were left reeling at 143/8 at one point before Romario Shepherd’s 41-ball 50 and Odean Smith’s 19-ball 46 helped them reach a respectable total.
After the rain interruption, the revised target for Ireland was 168 in 36 overs. They got the job done with 21 balls to spare, thanks to Harry Tector’s unbeaten 75-ball 54. Andy McBrine, who earlier took 4-36, scored 45-ball 35 and was fittingly adjudged Player of the Match.
West Indies will expect Kieron Pollard to replicate his onslaught from the first ODI. Their two key all-rounders, Roston Chase and Jason Holder, have not done much so far with bat or ball. They all must step up to avoid an upset.
Ireland, on the other hand, will be high on confidence after their win. Their fast bowlers, Josh Little, Mark Adair and Craig Young, bowled well in both matches and will look to end on a high. Curtis Campher, who is having an ordinary outing so far, will be in focus.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Kieron Pollard (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein.
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Neil Rock (wk), William Porterfield, Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Josh Little.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Place as many all-rounders as possible. Make McBrine captain and Chase vice-captain.
- Adair, Shepherd, Little and Smith are the must-have choices.
- Brooks, Stirling, Pooran and Porterfield are the highly-dependable batters from their respective side.
Fantasy XI
Nicholas Pooran, William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Shamarh Brooks, Andy McBrine (c), Roston Chase (vc), Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Mark Adair, Josh Little.