With the opener of the two-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series between Ireland and Thailand abandoned due to rain, the series is alive and will be decided in the 2nd T20I, at Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi. Live action commences at 5:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 18th of April, 2024.
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:
Amy Hunter
The 18-year-old keeper-batter, averaging 31.00 and striking at 110.71, has amassed 744 runs from 28 T20I innings. Amy was in scintillating form in a recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, registering consecutive scores of 101*, 77*, and 42 in the first three games. It’ll be hoped she picks up from where she left off.
Cara Murray
The 23-year-old leg-spinner, from 41 T20I appearances, has scalped 28 wickets, including the best of 3/9, maintaining an economy rate of 6.96. Cara, in the 5 T20Is against Zimbabwe, struck as many wickets and was consistently economical. She will be backed to build on this momentum, leading the tally.
Nattakan Chantam
The 28-year-old top-order batter, with an average of 27.41, has racked up 1645 runs, including the highest of 88*, from 78 T20Is. Nattakan, in her recent T20 campaign, managed a string of good scores before departing on a duck in consecutive games. The team will count on the seasoned batter for the runs.
Onnicha Kamchomphu
The 26-year-old all-rounder, from 68 T20I outings, has scalped 70 wickets, including the best of 4/6, and chipped in scoring 122 runs from 35 innings. With 5 wickets from as many outings, Onnicha had a modest T20 campaign last time around; however, she is an experienced campaigner and can be relied upon for an all-round effort.
Pitch:
The Tolerance Oval wicket provides a certain degree of assistance to the batters. Although it is a batting-friendly surface, the average score at the venue remains in the 130s, indicating assistance for bowlers, especially the spinners, to exploit.
Weather:
The conditions are ideal to be at Tolerance Oval as the chances of rain are minimal and the overhead is expected to clear. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 26°C with light winds and humidity of 51%.
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 18, 2024
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – Access live scores for the game on the FanCode app and website.