Re: ODI cricket and general cricketing discussion [self - mod]
but they way Ireland played is quit impressive and have ability to bounce back in last match.
I really like the way they tried to chase this big score of 334 runs and were short only by 48 runs. Being the underdog team, this batting performance was too good for me. Although none of the players scored a 50 in this match from Ireland but the good thing is that everyone contributed to reach close to 300 runs. Players who came down the innings like George Dockrell , Barry McCarthy and Craig Young , all contributed good 40+ runs and helped their team reach close to the target given by the England team.
Remember the first ODI was abandoned by rain, this one England won. I hope to see another thrilling ODI between the two teams on 26 September at Bristol.
A few good knocks from the tailenders and lower order doesn't take away the fact that Irish top and middle order is out of form. I don't even remember when was the last time their star batsmen like Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling scored runs. Even the younger players such as Harry Tector and Curtis Campher are also out of form. Lorcan Tucker was performing well in the CPL, but he failed during yesterday's match. All Ireland got was a decent total in the end, thanks to Barry McCarthy, Craig Young and Josh Little towards the end.
Anyways, the lower and the middle order did play well. It was not that they hit one or two boundaries and got out. They really stayed on the crease and made some useful runs in the context of the game, otherwise 286 runs by the Irish team were not possible.
Today, i am waiting for the 2nd ODI between India and Australia. The first ODI won by India have given bookmakers more confidence in them and this time the odds show that bookmakers have more confidence In India team.
Remember, in the first ODI the odds were almost equal between the two teams.
Believe me or not, even the bookies aren't sure who will win today's match. The odds are pretty equal for both teams.