Can Ireland put a thorn in New Zealand’s path to semi-finals?

Mainul Islam

November 3, 2022

1.2 minutes

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Author:

Mainul Islam

138

Can Ireland put a thorn in New Zealand’s path to semi-finals?

With seven wickets in hand and 27 balls remaining against England, New Zealand was 54 runs away from sealing a semi-final spot. But New Zealand lost, and that complicates things before their final Group 1 game against an unpredictable Ireland. One more defeat and a window opens up for both England and Australia to sneak past them into the final four.
All of New Zealand’s success at this World Cup has come from batting first and defending totals. Against Australia, they smacked 66 in the last six overs and then folded the hosts up for 111. Against Sri Lanka, they hammered 65 in the final five before reducing their opposition to 8 for 4.

The first time they had to go against that template, against England, their bowlers struggled early and their batters appeared to succumb to the pressure of the required rate.

New Zealand will want to rectify errors from the England game before a bigger platform, and a tougher opponent comes calling. But pushing Ireland aside will be no mean task. They’ve already upset England in a rain-shortened game, not long after thumping West Indies by nine wickets and hunting down 177 against Scotland from a position of 61 for 4.

Barring Lorcan Tucker’s attacking, unbeaten 71 against Australia, however, Ireland’s batters have struggled in the Super 12s. Against New Zealand, they will be tested once more. However, there’s nothing quite like pulling off another landmark win, even if their chances of making the semis are negligible.

Last Updated: Nov 3, 2022