๐ ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ ๐๐
Ireland
West Indies
After a washout in the series opener, Ireland and the West Indies head into the 2nd T20I with everything still to play for. Scheduled to be held at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, both teams will be desperate to find rhythm after a disrupted start.
West Indies, under the leadership of Shai Hope, are under pressure. The Caribbean side hasnโt looked convincing in recent T20 outings and will need marked improvements with both bat and ball to regain momentum. Thereโs firepower in their squad, but execution has been a recurring issue.
Ireland, led by Paul Stirling, will look to capitalise on home advantage. While their recent form hasnโt been stellar – just one win in their last five T20Is – they did manage a notable victory over South Africa in that stretch. Playing in familiar conditions could give the Irish a slight edge, with the surface in Belfast expected to behave similarly to what they encounter in English venues.
Adair has 13 wickets in his last 7 T20Is and thrives in home conditions, back him to lead the Irish attack again.
The betting tip is...
Top Ireland Bowler - Mark Adair
52 %
48 %
Ireland head into the 2nd T20I with a balanced squad led by Paul Stirling, who brings experience and stability at the top. Heโll be joined by Ross Adair, whoโs in fine form with 118 runs in just two innings and will look to continue providing strong starts.
The middle order is anchored by Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker, both capable of handling pressure and accelerating when needed. Curtis Campher remains a crucial all-rounder, offering flexibility with both bat and ball. In the bowling department, Mark Adair and Craig Young are expected to lead the pace attack - Adair has 13 wickets in his last 7 games at an economy of 6.98, while Young has taken 16 wickets in 7 matches at a strike rate of 9.37.
Josh Little adds left-arm pace variety and complements the attack well. Spin duties will be shared by Gareth Delany and George Dockrell, with Barry McCarthy and Ben White providing further bowling options.
Stirling, Young and Adair are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Craig Young and Ben White
West Indies head into the 2nd T20I against Ireland with a largely unchanged squad from their recent England tour, making only a couple of tweaks to bolster their batting. Keacy Carty and Jyd Goolie have been brought in to replace Brandon King and Roston Chase, adding freshness and depth to the lineup.
Evin Lewis will open alongside captain Shai Hope, forming a powerful top order. Carty is expected to slot in at number four, though he has the flexibility to move up if needed. The middle order features big-hitters Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell, both capable of shifting momentum quickly. The lower order packs more punch with all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, giving the West Indies plenty of batting depth.
With the ball, Alzarri Joseph will lead the pace unit, while the spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie provide control and variation. This mix of aggressive batting and a well-rounded bowling attack makes the West Indies a dangerous side despite recent form concerns.
Lewis, Hope and Carty are the key batters in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (c, wk), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.
Ireland will have the edge in familiar conditions, especially with Stirling, Adair, and Tector in form, but West Indiesโ deeper batting lineup and all-round strength give them a slight upper hand. If the top order fires, expect the Windies to bounce back and take this one.
