*WESTINDIES WOMEN VS IRELAND WOMEN 3rd T20I IN A 3 MATCH T20 SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Windies have found every right gear this multi format series. They have clicked as a unit and have made Ireland see the harsh side of sports. The Irish women are likely to go back home, without any honours and laurels and will only have defeats to show and how closely they escaped one due to all the rains. The T20 series, before it’s inception, depended alot on how Ireland would look to come back stronger and avenge their ODI losses but now that we head towards the final game, it’s more about when this torture would end for the visitors who have made an absolute meal of it.
*IRE PROBABLE XI:*
Amy Hunter (wk), Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany (c), Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little/Sophie Macmohan, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Aimee Maguire
Keeper-batter Amy Hunter top scored for Ireland Women at the top of the order with 33 runs from 35 balls. She had to bat within herself after losing Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast inside the opening four overs but there are going to be expectations of Hunter batting more aggressively and with a greater intent in this match.
Louise Little may find herself out of the team in this game after conceding 22 runs from her two overs. She maybe replaced by Sophie Macmohan a 26 year old who may just perform to her very best after missing out earlier.
Orla Prendergast has bowled 5 overs so far this series, which is already low and she has failed to pick up even a single wicket. For somebody of her prestigious status, these are below average stats. The positive bit is that she has been at her economical best leaking 0/11(2.0) and 0/19(3.0) in the two games she has featured in. We could see her finally amongst the wickets come the final and the third game of this rather one sided series.
*WI PROBABLE XI:*
Hayley Matthews (c), Rashada Williams, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Cherry Ann Fraser, Ashmini Munisar, Shamilia Connell
West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews produced the goods with the bat once more on Thursday as she hit 50 runs from 39 balls with an innings which included nine fours. The WI team would rely on her once again, banking on the impeccable form that she has shown all the way.
West Indies Women are enjoying their cricket in this format. Victory in this game will mean they have recorded five successive WT20I victories. Their bowling group has hunted in pack, not serving anything loose to Ireland and strengthing their grip all the way. They have been able to keep them down under 120 on both occasions and it’s an achievement to be proud of. Can’t wait to see what is in store for this game on the 9th.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR IRE W:*
Highest run getter- Amy Hunter/Gaby Lewis
Highest wicket taker- Orla Prendergast
*FOR WI W:*
Highest run getter- Hayley Mathews
Highest wicket taker- Shamilia Connell
*FOR THE GAME:*
WestIndies to win again