To say that Ireland have been dealt an unfavourable draw in the tournament would be an understatement.
They will first play Oman, Netherlands and Bangladesh in a mini roundrobin where the winner will be rewarded with a spot in Group B alongside cricketing giants India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Australia.
However, Ireland have given themselves the best possible chance by selecting a well balanced squad. With five players taking part in their fifth World T20, captain William Porterfield should have plenty of experienced heads to turn to when things get tough.
Porterfield will look to set the tone with the bat while the O’Brien brothers Niall and Kevin will hope provide stability in the middle order.
Tune into @TheSlogSweep - great prizes up for grabs! https://t.co/Wnwa35uwMy @FlogasIreland#BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/rq1zfdwP0U
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) March 7, 2016
Former England internationals Boyd Rankin and Tim Murtagh will spearhead Ireland’s bowling attack, which should be potent given Ireland’s recent recruitment of Chaminda Vaas as their bowling coach.
Gary Wilson looks ahead to @ICC #WT20 https://t.co/7XUJ75Xreb #BackingGreen #IRE pic.twitter.com/81QT9snqB4
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) March 8, 2016
Not only will the duo look to take the lion’s share of wickets but will also be key figures in guiding their less experienced colleagues.
Ireland’s pre tournament form has been mixed with some solid wins against Papua New Guinea and UAE subsequently undermined by two bad losses to the same opposition.
STRENGTHS
Ireland have a tendency to produce their best cricket in international tournaments and this big match temperament will be their most useful attribute again.
Boyd Rankin and Tim Murtagh are a quality opening pair of bowlers who will be ably supported by the devilish swing bowling of Kevin O’Brien. With the bat, William Porterfield has some decent scores under his belt and should be able to lead with confidence.
WEAKNESSES
Unfortunately, Ireland have won only nine of their last 17 T20 matches. What will be of greater concern is the fact that in the lead-up to the World T20, they lost to Papua New Guinea and the UAE – two teams that didn’t qualify for the showpiece event.
On the move again to officially start #ICCWT20.Fav moments #datenightwithpricey + dodging death for #HairyAndBrains pic.twitter.com/EMZVJZJy9P
— Clare Shillington (@ShillersC) March 8, 2016
Their recent batting performances is also an issue, with totals of 105 against PNG and 128 against UAE putting some big question marks over the form of their experienced line-up.
STAR MAN
Kevin O’Brien
All-rounder Kevin O’Brien is Ireland’s heartbeat. While many would point to his precision medium pacebowling as his most valuable asset, it is his mature middle-order batting that has often come to the rescue of Ireland’s misfiring top order.
Sport360 verdict
A realistic aim for the Irish would be to qualify from their preliminary group and look to cause an upset against one of the big teams.
However, this would require beating Bangladesh in the qualifiers, which would be a tall order for Ireland given the Tigers’ familiarity with sub-continental conditions. If Ireland do qualify, it is difficult to see them beating any of the teams in a very strong Group B.
