Chris Gayle

At the start of the World Cup, you would have predicted this match to be a one sided affair, but with Ireland’s resurgence in the tournament, this game is going to be everything but a one sided affair. Ireland, despite the loss to India, managed to gain respect and the Windies know better than to expect a cakewalk against this determined Irish team. West Indies, on the other hand, will be looking to keep up their current run of form after amassing massive victories over the Dutch and Bangladesh.

The big name in the Irish lineup Ed Joyce is yet to make an impact in the tournament after failing to capitalize on decent starts. William Porterfield, after having a forgetful start to the tournament, hit form as he scored 71 against the Indian bowling attack. The talismanic Trent Johnston picked up a couple of wickets against India before he picked up an injury. Ireland will be praying for him to get fit in time as he brings in experience to an otherwise inexperienced bowling attack. Johnston can also be handy with the bat lower down the order. The 18 year old Dockrell had a dream match against India where he picked up the wickets of Tendulkar and Dhoni and has easily been their ‘go to’ bowler.  With the track in Mohali providing assistance to the seamers, the 6ft 7 inch tall Boyd Rankin will look to cause uncertainties in the batting lineup.

The bowler’s demolition of Bangladesh at Mirpur meant that the batsmen did not get to enough spend in the middle. Darren Bravo, Sarwan and Chanderpaul make a formidable batting lineup while Kieron Pollard how dangerous he could be in the match against Netherlands. Suleiman Benn has been economical with the success of the Irish depends upon how well they can handle the pace of Kemar Roach. Ravi Rampaul might be given a look-in ahead of Nikita Miller while Darren Sammy will be looking to repeat their performance against Netherlands.

With their next game against the Dutch, the Irish know that this is their best chance to force a result to harbor any hopes of a knockout stage while a win for West Indies, will in all probability, send them to the quarters.

Probable Teams:

Ireland: William Porterfield (Captain), Paul Stirling, Niall O’ Brien (wicketkeeper), Ed Joyce, Kevin O’ Brien, Andrew White, Alex Cusack, John Mooney, Nigel Long, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin.

West Indies: Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Darren Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Devon Thomas (Wicketkeeper), Suleiman Benn, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach.

Live Telecast: Star Cricket: (9:30 AM, 4:00 GMT)

Tags: Cricket, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Ireland, Live Telecast, Match Preview, Star Cricket, West Indies, World Cup 2011