*NETHERLANDS WOMEN VS IRELAND WOMEN 1st T20I IN A 3 MATCH T20I SERIES*
*THE BUILD UP:*
The surface at play is expected to be a flat one. The opener will offer a good track for the batters to dominate where the bowlers could be taken for a toll, and not to their liking.
Netherlands women will be hoping to improve their record against the Ireland women. The team has lost 10 out of the 11 matches against Ireland women. They last played in the tri-series involving Scotland Women and Thailand Women and won two while losing two games.
*NED PROBABLE XI:*
Annemijn Thomson, Babette de Leede (wk), Carlijn van Koolwijk, Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Heather Siegers (c), Iris Zwilling, Isabel Woning, Mikkie Zwilling, Robine Rijke, Sterre Kalis
Babette de Leede, Heather Siegers and Robine Rijke will be the batters to watch out for. They have been amongst the runs for their side, growing from strength to strength and have been pillars of the lineup for long. The stability that they offer will be key for Netherlands to topple Ireland as their quest to win games against them increases.
Caroline De Lange and Irris Dwilling, with 28 and 35 wickets to their name in the format will be kept a close eye on. They have enough experience to see their team through in an otherwise fragile bowling lineup that lacks the needed experience.
*IRE PROBABLE XI:*
Aimee Maguire, Amy Hunter (wk), Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Freya Sargent, Gaby Lewis, Georgina Dempsey, Jane Maguire, Laura Delany (c), Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell
After a big setback vs WI their last series, The Irish women with the stakes placed well vs Netherlands in this format, will aim at a clean sweep. Batters Aimee Maguire and Cara Murray will be expected to come good on an overseas turf in conditions that should suit them and their style of play. They have plenty of skill and the former has also been one of the highest run getters for Ireland, she would be keen on getting in the groove starting from tomorrow.
Orla Prendergast, a youngster and a gun player took the limelight vs WI and was instrumental in the franchises she was a part of. We can only expect her to shine and show her skills off in a crucial game like this where the Irish would love to crush the Netherlands women’s team. What we can expect is an allround show from her, largely because of her ability to play the role of a bowler and batter with comfort and only time will tell how this 21 year old fares in another assignment of challenge.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR NED WOMEN:*
Highest run getter- Babette De Leede
Highest wicket taker- Caroline De Lange
*FOR IRE WOMEN:*
Highest run getter- Aimee Maguire/Amy Hunter
Highest wicket taker- Orla Prendergast/Laura Delany
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Ireland Women to win