After a 24-run win in the first ODI, West Indies will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when they go up against Ireland on 13 January, in the second match in Kingston.
The fixture was initially scheduled for 11 January, but was postponed after four Irish players – Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Simi Singh and Ben White – and interim coach David Ripley tested positive for Covid-19.
Ireland missed Paul Stirling and Shane Getkate in the series opener. They had been isolating in Florida during their recent tour in the USA after testing positive for the Coronavirus. Both men will now return to the side. In Balbirnie’s absence, Stirling will be the stand-in Irish captain for the remainder of the series.
Mark Adair and Craig Young impressed with ball in the first ODI, taking three wickets each, but West Indies still managed to post 269 after being asked to bat. Shamarh Brooks (93 in 89 balls) and Kieron Pollard (69 in 66) starred with bat for West Indies.
Coming to chase, Ireland lost William Porterfield without score. Balbirnie (71), Andy McBrine (34) and Harry Tector (53) received little support, and they were bowled out for 245 in 49.1 overs.
Unlike their batters, West Indies bowlers put on a collective effort to defend the total. With so many notable Irish absentees for the remainder series, they are once again favourites on paper ahead of the contest. There are partly overcast conditions predicted during the match.
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, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Bet on West Indies. Make Holder and Chase captain and vice-captain respectively.
- Stirling is the most popular pick in this fixture. Expect points from Campher as well.
- Among bowlers, include Adair, Little, Hosein and Joseph.
Fantasy XI
Paul Stirling, Kieron Pollard, William Porterfield, Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder (c), Roston Chase (vc), Nicholas Pooran, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Alzarri Joseph.