Tuesday, England’s captain, Jos Buttler, advised his team against underestimating Ireland in the Twenty20 World Cup, otherwise they risk getting “damaged.”
Saturday in Perth, England began their championship defense by defeating Afghanistan by five wickets. Their bowling and fielding were exceptional.
Sam Curran was the standout with 5-10, becoming the first England bowler to capture five wickets in a Twenty20 International.
In Hobart, Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by nine wickets after Ireland advanced from the preliminary round.
Despite the apparent disparity in quality — England is ranked second in the world, while Ireland is ranked 12 — only the best two teams from the six-team group will advance to the semi-finals.
Before Wednesday’s match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Buttler stated, “We have the utmost regard for them, and we anticipate a really challenging match.”
“We’ll prepare properly, show up on the day and analyze conditions, see what’s in front of us, and try to use our talent as effectively as possible to put pressure on them and win the game.”
With upcoming Group 1 games against defending champions Australia, last year’s beaten finalists New Zealand, and 2014 winners Sri Lanka, it may be tempting to rest players and rotate bowlers.
Buttler was insistent that the best possible team must be assembled.
“In such a short tournament, in pretty much every must-win game, we strive to play our strongest team… the best team on the day owing to conditions and opposition,” he explained.
“Extremely elated”
“When you take things for granted or disregard the resistance, you risk getting harmed.
I believe that T20 cricket is the only format in which the playing field is truly level.
On Wednesday, there is an expected 80 percent probability of precipitation.
Buttler expressed confidence in the team’s ability to manage any crisis and said he would not “spend the night worrying about what might occur.”
“I believe being able to react quickly to such situations is crucial. You have a general idea of what you might do if such circumstances arise “He commented on the weather.
“However, it is important not to become too preoccupied with what-ifs. When a situation arises, let’s attempt to adapt as quickly as possible and make decisions that we believe are in our best interests.”
Ireland is aware that they must win to maintain hope for an improbable semi-final appearance.
Coach Heinrich Malan stated that they were “very enthusiastic” about the next challenge.
“We haven’t played them in a long time in white ball cricket, so it will be a pleasant challenge,” he remarked.
“We are aware that they possess a few skill sets that will present a challenge, but I believe that the way we’ve played over time has demonstrated that we have a few players whose names are in the record books.
“This is the opportunity we are anticipating, and hopefully we can come out firing tomorrow night.”