*NETHERLANDS WOMEN VS IRELAND WOMEN 3rd T20I IN A 3 MATCH T20I SERIES 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Another game, another upsetting show by the hosts but if standards are to be compared, then kudos to them for competing well in the first half atleast- restricting Ireland to less than 150 and picking up six wickets in the process. Robine Rijke who was the leading run scorer with the bat in the first T20I turned up and picked up three crucial wickets in order to prove her mettle as an all rounder. The Netherlands women however, returned back to their usual self vs Ire, recording a mere 82 on board and even failing to play out the complete overs. It was a disastrous performance with the bat, even worse than what we witnessed last time and at this point, nothing seems like a bigger no contest than this one right here.
*NETHERLANDS WOMEN PROBABLE XI:*
Heather Siegers (c), Robine Rijke, Hannah Landheer, Phebe Molkenboer, Eva Lynch, Iris Zwilling, Babette de Leede (wk), Caroline de Lange, Frederique Overdijk, Merel Dekeling, Carlijn van Koolwijk
Heather Seigers and Iris Zwilling, who started off nicely with positive mindset and intent would be looking to get their poor performing outfit off to a flyer once again. The base looks solid and if they can maintain their composure early on, it should work well for them. Alot can depend upon this partnership in order to make sure that Netherlands compete better.
*IRELAND WOMEN PROBABLE XI:*
Amy Hunter (wk), Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany (c), Rebecca Stokell, Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Cara Murray, Freya Sargent
Amy Hunter did come out to be the leading run scorer last game in the first innings and the game overall but it was a knock that she should like to forget. She struck at just over a 100 with 3 fours and 2 sixes but what would have hurt is her struggle as she marched on, playing those 34 balls. A comeback should be on the cards.
Barring Orla Prendergast, all bowlers chipped in with vital wicket taking contribution as the Netherlands were bowled out for just 82. It was a collective masterful showing with skipper Laura Delany leading the charts, right from the front. I would be excited to watch the duo of Arlene Kelly and Georgina Dumpsey work their magic in tandem once again.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR NED WOMEN:*
Highest run getter-
Highest wicket taker-
*FOR IRE WOMEN:*
Highest run getter- Gaby Lewis/Laura Delany
Highest wicket taker- Arlene Kelly/Georgina Dumpsey
*FOR THIS GAME:*
After two horribly conducted outings by Netherlands, the third one should be a learning lesson for them so that they try and emulate the success of Ireland and fight their way to glory if not win. Last game was an improvement on the front of bowling but a comeback from the batters who have been found dull all this while, is due and still in the offing. Ireland expected to win comfortably.