ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019, Semi-final 1: Ireland v Netherlands – Preview, likely XIs, prediction

It may be argued that Netherlands have been at least as good as Ireland in the tournament. On one hand, the Dutch had finished second in their group (next to Papua New Guinea) while the Irish had topped theirs; on the other, the former won 5 group matches to the latter’s 4, which gave them an edge.

Having said that, Ireland have played some outstanding cricket – this, despite their defeats against the UAE and Canada. All their four wins (three by 8 wickets, one by 35 runs) have been convincing. The usual suspects – Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andy Balbirnie – have all got runs, while Mark Adair and Boyd Rankin have been difficult to get away.

Their performance of the tournament, however, came from 22-year-old Gareth Delany, against Oman, when he slammed 89 not out off just 49 balls and backed that with 4-0-29-2. An encore might be enough to see Ireland through.

Netherlands, on the other hand, have lost just once – that too to PNG. Their bowlers have been terrific in the tournament: they bowled out Namibia for 96 and Singapore for 101, restricted the UAE to 80/9, and did not allow any side to reach 140. Seven of their bowlers have bowled 10 or more overs, going for 6 runs or fewer.

At times they have been explosive with bat, never more than in the Bermuda match, when they put up 206/3 – their first ever score in excess of 200.

Head to head

Netherlands hold a 6-4 lead here including a streak of 5 consecutive wins. However, Ireland have won 2 of the last 3, all of which were played this year.

Key players

Gareth Delany (Ireland): As his figures (20-0-126-6) suggest, Delany’s leg-breaks have been effective throughout the tournament. His 126 runs, on the other hand, have come at 166 – though a chunk of that came in one innings. There is little doubt that he is ready to fill some of the biggest boots in Ireland cricket.

Paul van Meekeren (Netherlands): Van Meekeren stood out even in an outstanding Netherlands attack. He has taken 14 wickets, has been the most economical for his side, and stands with a chance to go past Bilal Khan here.

Likely XIs

Ireland: Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andy Balbirnie, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Gary Wilson (c & wk), Mark Adair, Stuart Thompson, George Dockrell, David Delany, Boyd Rankin.

Netherlands: Max O’Dowd, Ben Cooper, Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Pieter Seelaar (c), Roelof van der Merwe, Scott Edwards (wk), Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren, Brandon Glover.

Prediction

Ireland to win, break the jinx, and move on to the final.