Ireland (IRE) are all set to host the West Indies (WI) in the second ODI of the three-match series, at the renowned Castle Avenue, in Dublin, on Friday, May 23.
In the opening ODI, Ireland outclassed the West Indies by 124 runs. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the hosts put on a total of 303/6, thanks to a brilliant century from Andrew Balbirnie. The opener anchored the innings with his 112-run knock, recording his ninth ODI ton. Skipper Paul Stirling contributed with 54 runs, becoming the first Irish batter to cross 10,000 international runs, while Harry Tector’s 56 and Lorcan Tucker’s late flourish pushed the hosts over the 300-run mark.
Meanwhile, the Windies never looked in the game. Barry McCarthy ran through the top order with a solid opening spell, claiming 4/32. George Dockrell and debutant Thomas Mayes chipped in a few wickets, as the Caribbean side were bundled out for 179 in 34.1 overs, making it Ireland’s biggest ODI win against a Full Member.
IRE vs WI Match Details
Castle Avenue, Dublin Pitch Report
Castle Avenue in Dublin has been a batting wicket in the games played here. In 29 ODIs played here, teams batting and bowling first have come out victorious on 13 occasions, respectively. The average first innings score here is 249 runs. Considering the first ODI was played just two days ago, the surface is expected to behave similarly. The team winning the toss will opt to bat first.
Head-to-Head record
IRE vs WI Predicted Playing XI’s
Ireland
Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Thomas Mayes, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Liam McCarthy.
West Indies
Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope(w/c), Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
Probable Best performers
Probable best batter: Andrew Balbirnie
Irish opener Andrew Balbirnie could be the best batter in the upcoming second ODI against the West Indies. In the first ODI, Balbirnie smashed a brilliant 138-ball 112 and is riding high on confidence. His 109-run and 99-run stands with Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, respectively, took the hosts’ total beyond 300. The 34-year-old’s performance will be crucial in the coming game.
Probable best bowler- Barry McCarthy
The right-arm pacer Barry McCarthy bowled brilliantly in the first ODI. McCarthy picked up four wickets and conceded just 32 runs in his 7.1-over bowling spell. The 32-year-old will be hoping to carry the same confidence into the next game of the fixture.
Today’s Match Prediction: Ireland to win the match
Scenario 1
Ireland win the toss and opt to bat first
Powerplay: 70-85
IRE: 290-300
Ireland win the match
Scenario 2
West Indies win the toss and opt to bat first
Powerplay: 70-80
WI: 250-260
Ireland win the match
