Ireland vs Scotland, ICC WCQ 2023, Today Match Prediction

ire vs sct Match Prediction & Analysis

Ireland will look for its first win as they take on Scotland in the 7th game of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023. Ireland lost their first game against Oman, failing to defend a fairly good total. Scotland is coming here with an experienced team, and they will look to make a good start in the tournament.  

Scotland hasn't won an ODI game against Ireland since 2014, and this will be on their minds. The side doesn't play this format too often compared to their opponents, which may be a problem for them. Ireland would come hard at them in this game after their loss. Both teams have high stakes, and we expect a good game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ireland Preview

Andrew Balbirnie will be unhappy about the performance of his bowlers in the last game against Oman. They did well with the bat to put up a good score on the board but failed to defend it, losing the game by 5 wickets. They must win this one to earn their first points, and Balbirnie would like a good show from his side.  

Paul Stirling and Andy McBrine got starts in the last game, and the pair will look to put up a big partnership in this game. The middle order is highly experienced, and they will need partnerships between Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. George Dockrell and Gareth Delany must add quick runs in the final overs of the innings.  

Joshua Little and Mark Adir bowled well in the last game, but the rest of the attack looked in poor shape. The side will need early wickets from them. Graham Hume and Benjamin White must bowl well in the middle overs of the game. They will also expect tight spells from Andy McBrine, Dockrell, and Harry Tector. 

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Joshua Little, Benjamin White

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie

Scotland Preview

Richie Berrington would like his players to perform well as they play their first game of the tournament. The team has a group of experienced players who will need to deliver against their neighbors. They haven't won a game against Ireland since 2014, and Berrington would look to change that with a good show in this game.  

The side will need a good start at the top from George Munsey and Christopher McBride, as both are good stroke makers. Richie Berrington has to anchor the innings and add runs with Matthew Cross and Tomas Mackintosh in the middle order. They have depth in batting and shall need quick runs from Alasdair Evans, Brandon McMullen, and Michael Leask down the order.   

On the bowling front, the side will need good performances from Brandon McMullen and Michael Leask with the new ball. These conditions would favor Safyaan Sharif, and he will have an important role to play in this game. Mark Watt, Evans, and Chris Greaves must do well in the supporting role, as Ireland has a strong batting line-up.

Scotland Predicted Playing XI:

Richie Berrington (c), George Munsey, Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross (wk), Tomas Mackintosh, Brandon McMullen, Michael Leask, Alasdair Evans, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif

Scotland Actual Playing XI:

Tom Mackintosh, Chris Greaves, Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Chris Sole, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, George Munsey, Christopher McBride, Brandon McMullen, Michael Leask

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

It will be clear skies in Bulawayo on June 21. The wicket is flat, and batsmen will enjoy batting on this surface, where they can hit through the line. There is some assistance for the spinners on this track. The side batting first will need more than 300 runs to feel confident in this game.

Venue Details

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, has a large outfield with deep boundaries. The surface is good for batting as the ball comes to the bat nicely and allows them to play their strokes. Fast bowlers must bend their backs on this surface. Spinners have earned rewards from the track as they can turn the ball sharply on this surface.

Toss: To Bat

We have seen two high-scoring games at this venue, and on both occasions, the side batting first has done well. The wicket is good to bat at the start and has slowed down as the game has progressed. The side winning the toss in this game shouldn't hesitate to bat first.