*IRELAND VS NEPAL 7th PLACE PLAYOFF PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Ireland and Nepal, two very underwhelming sides in the league stage will be raring to go and cement the NO7 spot as they are going to lock horns tomorrow at the Harare Stadium. Both lacked the fire and the desire that was needed to come on top but lately, the two have winning momentum backing them at full tilt. USA and UAE were the teams that came up against the dominance of these two.
In the last few games, the Irish men have been taking the matters into their own hands and it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch. The fire that lacked previously has been nothing short of sensational and Paul Stirling has been leading the way. They missed out on a WorldCup spot but will be eager to grab that 7th spot.
*IRELAND PROBABLE XI:*
Craig Young, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Andy McBirne, Andy Balbirnie(c), Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker(wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Paul Stirling.
Paul Stirling with a century and a half century next to his name in the previous two outings was assured of his game plan and would aim at going past the 300 run mark. Though he was mediocre in the first half of the tournament, the 32 year old came back stronger and has been in solid form. The Nepali bowlers would love to see the back of him as soon as possible otherwise he could tear their bowling apart.
I expected a blockbuster outing for Harry Tector when the Qualifiers began but due to his poor form and luck not going his way, the youngster failed to grab his chances and deliver. He averages in the early 30s with just one 50+ score throughout the tournament, an aspect which he’d look to overcome in his next outing which is tomorrow. He has the game to nail this form of our beautiful sport with his stependous stroke play and I won’t be surprised if he finishes on a high note.
*NEPAL PROBABLE XI:*
Rohit Kumar Paudel(C), Aarif Sheikh, K Bhurtel, Gyanendra Malla, Pratis GC, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Arjun Saud(wk), Gulshan Kumar Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane
Lamichhane was not even the shadow version of his true self till the last game. However, against UAE, he shun brightly with an economical three wicket haul helping his team bundle out the opposition for just 181. The leggie would be aiming at making amends vs Ireland too, specially keeping the poor record they have versus quality spin in mind.
Kushal Bhurtel caught my attention right from the word go. This Nepali opener has been nothing short of sensational and his heroics would be expected tomorrow as well. He is leading the run scoring charts from Nepal and has scored at an average of 41. His impeccable consistency would be put to test tomorrow at Harare.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR IRE:*
Highest run getter- Paul Stirling/Andrew Balbirnie
Highest wicket taker- Mark Adair/Curtis Campher
*FOR NEPAL:*
Highest run getter- Kushal Bhurtel/Rohit Paudel
Highest wicket taker- Sandeep Lamichhane/Pratis GC
*FOR THE GAME:*
Ireland to win