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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS – The second men’s T20 International between hosts West Indies and the touring Ireland gets underway at 10pm (local time) at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts on Saturday 18 January 2020.
This match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket in Ireland / UK.

Can lightning strike twice? That’s the question that Irish fans will be asking ahead of the second encounter in this three-match T20I series. Ireland’s record-breaking efforts with the bat, its outstanding fielding and outfield catching, and its bowling under intense pressure resulted in a narrow victory first time of asking – but with a change of venue and a wounded host nation – who are the current world champions in this format – Ireland’s goal of a series victory will be a battle. Kevin O’Brien’s description of his opening partnership with Paul Stirling may indicate the approach Ireland takes:

“We are both aggressive batsmen, so it comes quite naturally to us to play that way. I think when you play the best in the world, our approach is that you won’t beat them if you don’t stand face-to-face with them and throw some punches. So, the best way for us to beat teams is to play that way and take the game to the opposition.”

Given this is a day/night match, starting at 6pm (local time), conditions in St. Kitts will be cooler – around 24 degrees – but with showers about. The pitch will have something in it for the bowlers, but prevailing T20 batting styles will likely see runs posted and a competitive par score set by the first batting side.

Ireland

Can they? Can they possibly follow up on that first match. Blistering batting, outstanding catching, gutsy but calculated bowling…so, could they? However the game pans out, captain Balbirnie wants to instill a certain mindset in his side:

“Something that we try to instill to the guys is we are living our best days here, we are playing against the world champions in their own back yard. We truly are lucky in what we do and if you’re not enjoying it, then there’s something wrong.”

Can a combination of skill, enjoyment and the odd bit of luck register Ireland’s first-ever overseas series victory against a Full Member nation?

Ireland’s ODI squad is: Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

West Indies

The West Indies won’t want to be reminded about their last T20 International at this venue – skittled for 71 and losing by 8 wickets to England last year. Captain Kieron Pollard has remarked that his side let the match on Wednesday slip, so expect his side to be prepared for revenge in front of home fans.

Expect the West Indies bowlers to start out with a tighter and more controlled line – in the first T20I they gave openers Stirling and O’Brien too much width or half-volleys that were dispatched with aplomb. The Windies managed to claw Ireland back at the back-end of the innings, but much of the damage had been done by then. The Windies batters had to take risks to keep up with the required run rate, and the Irish outfielders ensured every half-chance was taken, but they will feel they are in good touch going into this match.

West Indies ODI squad is: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Khary Pierre, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Lendl Simmons, Hayden Walsh Jr, Kesrick Williams.

Image: Paul Stirling was Player of the Match in the first T20I

Key players

Ireland – Paul Stirling

You don’t want to put pressure on our leading man, but in this format he is definitely a talisman. Stirling is very clear in mind when it comes to this format – express yourself and try enjoy it. His ability to pick up the length early and his unapologetic approach to going the aerial route were on full display on Wednesday. Stirling sets the tone for the Irish top order, and when he comes off, it provides more space and opportunity for batters following to find their feet and have confidence in their natural game.

West Indies – Kieron Pollard

Again, Pollard is a key figure. The loss on Wednesday stung the Windies captain, and he will re-double his efforts to level the series. His batting is brutal when on song, and his bowling effective in the middle overs. But his captaincy will be crucial – his ability to marshall his troops and keep them focused may be decisive to the outcome.

Key to the contest

The bowlers, from both sides. Game one showed the destructive batting abilities of both sides, so it will likely come down to whose bowling discipline holds out. Variation, line, length and calmness. The latter is a challenging one during the heat of battle in T20 cricket, but clarity of thought and cool heads with the ball will go a long way to deciding this match.

Upcoming international fixtures – West Indies tour

• Jan 18: 2nd Twenty20 International – Warner Park, St. Kitts (start time 10pm, GMT)
• Jan 19: 3rd Twenty20 International – Warner Park, St. Kitts (start time 10pm, GMT)


Craig Easdown
The Irish camp is focused on competing for the series, not resting on their laurels from Game one
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Connaught