
Share
9th March 2015
12:27pm GMT

Kevin O'Brien received a traditional Maori welcome as Ireland arrived in Hamilton[/caption]
Irish players to watch
Unfortunately for Ireland, India's aforementioned struggles against steepling bouncers doesn't really play into Ireland's hands, short as they are of anyone who can deliver the ball at real pace. Meanwhile, Ireland's most consistent performers have been spinners George Dockrell and Andy McBrine, but India's batsmen will be confident of facing them on a flat pitch. Expect Alex Cusack to retain his place after his match-winning contribution against Zimbabwe.
Ireland's batting line-up is remarkably similar to that which face India in the 2011 tournament, and Will Porterfield will be hoping to better his fine knock of 75 on that occasion.
What they've said
'I don't think their guard will ever be down. They are a squad of 15, so whatever they decide to do, they decide to do. It's a long tournament, and they're not going to look to lose any momentum from their point of view' - Ireland captain Will Porterfield
'Yes, the short boundaries will be a bit of a concern, but overall, again, it will be good exposure for the bowlers, the reason being we are nicely positioned in the table right now, but we would still like to give our best' - India skipper MS Dhoni
On social media
https://twitter.com/balbo90/status/574872168015601664
https://twitter.com/purdy34/status/574713993958391808
https://twitter.com/gavreilly/status/574612809771782144
https://twitter.com/ShabzYounus/status/574900711990902784
https://twitter.com/EndRanger/status/574902393114001408
State of Pool B
With the West Indies expected to beat UAE in their final game, Ireland's inferior run rate means they need at least a point from their final two games to advance to the last eight.
But being honest, Ireland's hopes of picking up the result tomorrow that they need to advance to the quarter-finals rest either on India taking their eyes well off the ball or a torrential downpour. With the weather looking fine, it looks like the former, so much will depend on to what degree India decide to tinker with their line-up and how focused they are on what on first blush appears to be a comfortable day at the office. Ireland's mission is to be in position to take advantage of any openings India may provide and see how things go from there.
Flogas Ireland is proud to be the official energy partner to Cricket Ireland. As Ireland’s only provider of both LPG and Natural Gas for homes and businesses, visit www.flogas.ie for all your central heating, instant hot water and cooking needs. Why not check out our new lightweight Gaslight cylinders for all your BBQ and leisure activities. And when it comes to Natural Gas, we’re the cheapest around (see bonkers.ie). Explore more on these topics:

World Of Sport | SportsJOE
world of sport