Ahead of their participation in the Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Global Qualifier, Ireland and Thailand are due to face off in a couple of T20 Internationals (T20Is). The series kicks off on the 16th of April, 2024, at the Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, at 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Ireland – Laura Delany (C), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Joanna Loughran, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell
Thailand – Nannapat Koncharoenkai (WK), Suwanan Khiaoto (WK), Naruemol Chaiwai (C), Chayanisa Phengpaen, Rosenan Kanoh, Nattakan Chantam, Thipatcha Putthawong, Chanida Sutthiruang, Phannita Maya, Nattaya Boochatham, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Aphisara Suwanchonrati, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Kanyakorn Bunthansen
Players to watch out:
Laura Delany
The 31-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 85 innings, has racked up 1201 runs, including the highest of 61, and from 88 bowling innings has struck 75 wickets, with best figures of 4/12. Laura scored a fifty and struck 8 wickets from 5 T20Is against Zimbabwe earlier this year and can be counted on for all-round performances.
Orla Prendergast
The 21-year-old all-rounder, from 44 T20I outings, has amassed 859 runs and from 37 bowling innings scalped 26 wickets, registering respective bests of 75* and 3/10. Orla’s previous 3 scores from the Zimbabwe series read 69, 22*, and 42, and also returned figures of 1/6 and 3/24. She’ll be relied upon for the goods.
Naruemol Chaiwai
The 33-year-old top-order batter, from 70 T20I innings, has accumulated 1288 runs at an average of 23.41 and registered the highest of 83*. Naruemol, in a T20 tournament earlier this year, registered consecutive scores of 83* and 33, and it’ll be expected of the seasoned batter to contribute significantly.
Nattaya Boochatham
The 37-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 81 outings, bagged 116 wickets, averaging 9.48, and chipped in scoring 598 runs from 56 innings, with respective bests of 56 and 5/5. Nattaya had a successful campaign during her most recent series, and with the Abu Dhabi wicket favorable for spinners, it’ll be hoped that she leads the tally.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Tolerance Oval offers a fairly balanced playing surface that slightly favors the batters. While it is conducive for batting, the average score in the 130s suggests there’s enough assistance for bowlers, especially spinners.
Weather:
With scattered thunderstorms on the radar throughout the day, the chances of a game are very slim. The temperature is forecasted to be around 26°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 69%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Gaby Lewis, Eimear Richardson, Laura Delany, Thipatcha Putthawong, Chanida Sutthiruang, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Nattaya Boochatham, Ava Canning
Match details:
Date – April 16, 2024
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – Access live scores for the game on the FanCode app and website.
