Cricket: Ireland vs India
2 Match T20 International Series
betxchange.com odds:
Series Winner:
India travel to Ireland, in what should be an intriguing series in the Emerald Isle, not only due to the fact the visitors are giving plenty of opportunities to some of their fringe players.
Irish cricket is booming once more and they are beginning to transition nicely into the next era of players, with the likes of William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien both having a lesser impact at international level these days.
They will be relishing the challenge of taking on an Indian side that certainly isn’t at full strength and home conditions should be somewhat of a leveller but there are plenty of upstarts within the Indian side that will be out to prove their point at international level here.
Team Previews
Ireland
With Test status already secured and some excellent results against higher ranked sides in recent years, Irish cricket is continually making huge leaps forward. Andrew Balbirnie is now the leader of the side and his runs at the top of the order are essential, as are the exploits of Paul Sterling – who has developed into one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world in recent years. Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany are two genuine all-rounders, who can change the game with both bat and ball, and they should both have an impact on this series. Mark Adair brings the X-factor of pace to the Irish attack and with support from Joshua Little and Craig Young, it is a handy looking bowling department Ireland possess.
India
As one of the biggest sides in the world, India have identified this series as an opportunity to test out some of their fringe players at international level here in Ireland. The recently concluded IPL has presented a global stage for players to breakthrough into the Indian national side and how they will be looking to take their opportunity here. Hardik Pandya will lead an exciting side, that will be looking for runs from Ishan Kishan and Dinesh Karthik at the top of the order. Pandya will be pivotal in the all-rounder role, along with spinner Axar Patel, whilst Avesh Khan looks set to support Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the new ball in hand.
Series Betting Tips
Top Run Scorer in Series – Ishan Kishan – 3/1
Ishan Kishan has started to make a name for himself at the top of the Indian and his excellent run accumulation could do him well here in Ireland.
Top Bowler in the Series: Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 26/10
Few bowlers in world cricket possess the skill and knowhow Bhuvneshwar Kumar does and the seamer could be tough to get away for the Irish batters.
India to win the series – 1/20
Ireland need to be tested against sides such as India and playing at home will be somewhat of a leveller. India are depleted due other commitments around the world, but this Indian side is still strong enough to secure a series win here.
Best Bet
India to win the series 3-0 – 8/11
T20 internationals are always hotly contested at the top end of the game and the prospect of two hugely talented sides facing off is always appealing. Ireland will benefit from being able to play at home, with decent quality running throughout their ranks in the 20 over format but India are proven at this level and with some players having something to prove too, they look to be worthy favourites to win the three game series comfortably.
