2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – Ireland vs Netherlands Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs Netherlands taking place? Ireland vs Netherlands will take place on Monday 18th October, 2021 at 11:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs Netherlands taking place? Ireland vs Netherlands will take place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi
What is the expected weather for Ireland vs Netherlands? 35-37c sunny with light winds
Where can I get tickets for Ireland vs Netherlands? Visit here for the latest ticket information for Ireland vs Netherlands
What TV channel is Ireland vs Netherlands on in the UK? Ireland vs Netherlands will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Ireland vs Netherlands? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Ireland vs Netherlands live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
IRELAND
- Ireland’s comprehensive 33-run beating of Bangladesh in their final T20 World Cup warm up was a message to the quality they possess in this form of the game, particularly within the top three of their batting.
- Paul Stirling is expected to open the batting and is expected to be joined by the experienced Kevin O’Brien with Gareth Delany likely to come in at three after his 88 not out against Bangladesh in that spot, although he may move down a spot with captain Andy Balbirnie coming in above him.
NETHERLANDS
- Netherlands, like Ireland are capable of turning many heads in the competition with their squad packed full of players well experienced in both domestic cricket and franchise cricket across the world
- Stephan Myburgh provides power opening the batting, whilst Netherlands boasts a strong middle-order spine in the form of Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Roelof van der Merwe and captain Pieter Seelaar, three of whom are also expected to play a part with the ball.
THE PREDICTION
With Sri Lanka in the same group as these two countries, to say this is a huge match for both teams would be an understatement. They are well-matched with both bat and ball and this one really could go either way. When assessing both squads, they key to victory is likely to come via the more experienced campaigners. Ireland’s opening pair of Stirling and O’Brien is an explosive one, but there may be a few question marks over whether their middle order can step up to the plate should that top order fail. The Netherlands meanwhile, look far more capable of dealing with any top order batting collapse with the 41-year-old ten Doeschate in particular a huge asset for them having appeared in numerous ICC World Cups for Netherlands. Nerveless operators such as him and van der Merwe may just prove decisive in such a crucial match, which is more about which team can hold their nerve better. For that reason, consider backing Netherlands to triumph in a battle that could well go to the wire.
