We’re about to witness the kick-off of the thrilling three-match ODI series between England and Ireland, with the opening game all set to unfold this Wednesday, September 20th, at the renowned Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds.
As the history books tell us, these two nations have had a series of riveting encounters, meeting a total of 13 times in ODIs. Of these face-offs, England has emerged with a smile on ten occasions, leaving Ireland victorious twice, with one match concluding without a verdict.
In the latest episode of this gripping rivalry, Ireland showcased a chase for the ages, hitting the 329-run target in a nail-biting finish, securing a victory by seven wickets on the second-last ball of the game.
The English squad is riding a wave of success, fresh off a dominating series win over New Zealand with a scoreline of 3-1. Their triumph was beautifully rounded off with a massive 100-run victory in the final game, with the team amassing a formidable 311 runs. The star of the show was undoubtedly Dawid Malan, who emerged as a shining beacon with 277 runs across three innings, flaunting a stellar average of 92.33.
Interestingly, England has opted for a refreshed squad, leaving out the 15 provisional picks for the forthcoming World Cup. Their eyes are firmly set on refining their strategies for the grand event, ushering Joe Root back into the squad in hopes of him striking the right chords once again.
Meanwhile, Ireland seems to be warming up well too, coming off a win against Nepal in their last ODI showdown during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier this July. Restraining Nepal to 268 and then fighting their way to victory, the Irish showcased a balanced team performance. The series will witness Paul Stirling leading the charge as the captain, accompanied by former skipper Andrew Balbirnie to initiate the innings. The lineup also welcomes a new face, all-rounder Theo van Woerkom, adding fresh energy to the team.
Here’s the Lowdown on the Upcoming Match:
- Match: England vs Ireland, 1st ODI, Ireland Tour of England 2023
- Date & Time: September 20, 2023, 5:00 PM IST
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
Pitch Report: The popular cricket venue in Leeds, Headingley, has hosted 43 ODIs to date, with an average first innings score of 233 runs. Interestingly, the team batting first clinched victory in the last five outings here, although overall, chasing teams have a 60% win record. Expect an evenly poised battle between bat and ball, with the pitch offering a fair play ground for both.
Weather Forecast: Cloud cover is expected throughout the match, with a bit of rain possibly making an appearance early on. The temperature is expected to linger around a comfortable 17 degrees Celsius.
Probable Line-ups: England: Zak Crawley (c), Philip Salt (wk), Joe Root, Ben Dukett, Will Jacks, Sam Hain, Rehan Ahmed, Luke Wood, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Tom Hartley
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young
Match Prediction: While the recent meetings between these two teams hint at a closely contested battle, Ireland seems to hold a slight edge due to their experienced squad and impressive recent form against the English side. Even though England has strengthened their team with the inclusion of Joe Root, his current form might be a worrying sign for the team.
Prediction: We’re predictiing England pulling off another victory.
Image Source – News18
Where to Watch: Catch all the action live on the Sony Sports Network, and if you prefer online streaming, head to FanCode or SonyLIV for uninterrupted coverage.
