Oman batters in the frame. (AP Photo)
In the upcoming 4th match of the ICC CWC Qualifier 2023, Ireland is set to clash with Oman at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Monday. Ireland's recent performance in this format has been disappointing, suffering consecutive series losses against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Oman will confront a formidable challenge and will need to swiftly adjust to the prevailing conditions.
Team Preview: Ireland
Ireland's batting lineup showcases a formidable combination, starting with the dynamic duo of Paul Stirling and Andy McBrine at the top. Their captain, Andrew Balbirnie, adds stability and expertise as he takes charge at No.3.
The middle order boasts a wealth of talent with the likes of Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell, and Curtis Campher, who bring depth and resilience to the team. Furthermore, the bowling all-rounders, Graham Hume and Mark Adair, possess the ability to contribute crucial runs, enhancing Ireland's batting prowess. With a balanced and extensive lineup, Ireland presents a formidable challenge to their opponents.
When it comes to the bowling department, Ireland possesses an impressive pace attack led by the skilled duo of Josh Little and Mark Adair. Supported by the likes of Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, and Curtis Campher, the pace bowlers offer a diverse range of skills and variations. Additionally, Ireland's spin options are well-rounded with the inclusion of Ben White, George Dockrell, and Andy McBrine, who can effectively exploit the conditions and trouble the opposition batsmen.
Team Preview: Oman
On the other side, Oman's opening pair, Jatinder Singh and Kashyap Prajapati, will shoulder the responsibility of providing a strong foundation. The experienced middle order comprising Zeeshan Maqsood, Aqib Ilyas, and Ayan Khan holds the key to Oman's batting success, contributing vital runs and anchoring the innings. The lower middle order will be marshaled by Muhammad Nadeem and Shoaib Khan, adding depth to their batting lineup.
Oman's pace attack, led by Bilal Khan, Khallemullah, and Fayyaz Bhat, will aim to trouble the opposition batsmen with their skill and accuracy. Aqib Ilyas and Zeeshan Maqsood, experienced campaigners, will assume the responsibility of spinning the ball and creating breakthroughs with their crafty bowling. Ayaan Khan's all-round abilities will play a pivotal role in maintaining Oman's balance across all aspects of the game, making them a competitive force in the playing XI.
Match Details:
- Date & Time: June 19th, 12:30 PM IST
- Venue: Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo
- Live Streaming and Broadcast: Disney+Hotstar, Fancode and Star Sports Network
Pitch Report:- The Bulawayo Athletic Club is renowned for its batsman-friendly pitch, where a solid batting performance is expected. In recent matches, the average first-inning score has hovered around 270, indicating the potential for high-scoring encounters. Bowlers, particularly the pacers, will need to maintain discipline to contain the opposition's batting prowess. The surface at Bulawayo tends to be on the drier side, favoring spinners who can exploit the turning conditions. In the limited-over matches, chasing has been the preferred choice for teams, and we anticipate both captains to adhere to this trend.
Probable Playing XIs
Ireland: Paul Stirling, Peter Moor, Andy Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Graham Hume
Oman: Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Shoaib Khan, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood (c), Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Mohammad Naseem Kushi (wk), Jay Odedra, Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Paul Stirling, Harry Tector
All-Rounders: Andy McBrine, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan
Bowlers: Bilal Khan, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume
Captain: Paul Stirling
Vice-Captain: Josh Little
Prediction
Oman's recent performances have shown a decline, and their lack of international exposure in recent months may put them at a slight disadvantage. While they will aim to secure a victory and surprise Ireland, our expectation is that Ireland will emerge as the winners in this match.