Ireland Set to Clash with West Indies in 2nd T20I Match
Match Overview
Ireland is gearing up to take on the West Indies in the second T20I of their series. This match is scheduled for June 14, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, and will be held at the Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason.
Ireland's Recent Performance
The initial T20I encounter against the West Indies was called off due to heavy rain. This series marks Ireland's first T20I outing since their 0-1 defeat to Zimbabwe earlier this year in a three-match series. Captain Paul Stirling and his squad are eager to bounce back against a struggling West Indies team. Key players like Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker will need to deliver strong performances. On the bowling side, Joshua Little will spearhead the attack alongside Mark Adair and Liam McCarthy.
West Indies' Challenges
With the first match ending in a washout, the West Indies have two matches left in this three-match series. Their recent form in white-ball cricket has been disappointing, having lost their home T20I series 0-3 to Bangladesh and subsequently falling to England. Shai Hope aims to rejuvenate the team after these setbacks, although they will miss Nicholas Pooran, who recently retired from international cricket at just 29.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Belfast is typically favorable for bowlers, offering good pace and bounce. Fast bowlers can expect to find swing and movement in the early overs, posing challenges for opening batsmen. However, once settled, batsmen can score runs comfortably, with spinners likely to play a crucial role in the middle overs. Historically, the average first innings score at this venue is around 89 runs.
Head-to-Head Record: IRE vs WI
| IRE vs WI head-to-head | |
| Matches Played | 9 |
| Won by Ireland | 3 |
| Won by West Indies | 3 |
| No Result | 3 |
| Tied | 0 |
Probable Playing XI
Ireland: Heatley Tector, Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Ross Adair, Matthew Humphrey, Graham Hume, Ben White.
West Indies: Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope (c & wk), Akeal Hosein, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford.
Key Players to Watch
Top Wicketkeeper
- Lorcan Tucker | IRE: The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has participated in 76 T20I matches, amassing 1363 runs, including 9 half-centuries. His inclusion could enhance your fantasy team.
Top Batters
- Paul Stirling | IRE: As the captain and most experienced batter, he has played 149 T20I matches, scoring 3656 runs, with 1 century and 24 half-centuries. His recent form makes him a must-pick.
- Rovman Powell | WI: The 31-year-old has been a standout performer for the West Indies, scoring 1873 runs in 94 T20I matches, including 1 century and 9 half-centuries. He is a valuable addition to any fantasy lineup.
Top All-Rounders
- Mark Adair | IRE: A key all-rounder, he has played 88 T20I matches, taking 127 wickets and scoring 724 runs. His bowling skills make him a player to watch.
- Romario Shepherd | WI: Known for his ability to shift the game's momentum, he has played 56 T20I matches, scoring 572 runs and taking 59 wickets. He should be included in your fantasy team.
Top Bowlers
- Barry McCarthy | IRE: A vital pacer for Ireland, he has played 55 T20I matches and taken 56 wickets. He aims to increase his tally in this series.
- Alzarri Joseph | WI: The leading wicket-taker for the West Indies this year, he has taken 57 wickets in 41 T20I matches, with best figures of 5-40. He is a strong candidate for your fantasy XI.