Fighting Irish Seek To Upset Hosts

Ireland's World Cup match against India has acquired greater significance after their sensational victory over England only a few days ago.

India cannot afford to take the Associate nation lightly, and will look to dominate from ball one. The fielding and bowling attack will need to lift their game here to ensure that the Irish do not inflict another upset.

However, Ireland will be equally as motivated to ensure that their tournament form is not seen as a once-off.

They upset Pakistan in 2007 World Cup, and after slaying England Wednesday; Ireland has only enhanced their reputation as a fearless outfit out to prove a point.

There are dangers lurking in India's bowling contingent. Ireland's starting lineup is likely to have five left-handers in it, and despite the docile surface, the challenge of facing up to multiple offspinners will be a daunting task.

MS Dhoni didn't give anything away when asked about a likely playing XI on the eve of this game. India will play to their strength, which is batting, resulting in four spots up for grabs for the bowlers.

“We are well aware of India's strengths in batting and bowling, with world class openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar and world class bowlers Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. No rival team can take them for granted,” said Ireland’s man of the moment Kevin O'Brien earlier in the week.

India (probable): 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Gautam Gambhir, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 MS Dhoni (wk/capt), 7 Yusuf Pathan, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Zaheer Khan, 10 Piyush Chawla, 11 Munaf Patel

Ireland (probable): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O'Brien (wk), 5 Kevin O'Brien, 6 Alex Cusack, 7 Andre Botha/Gary Wilson, 8 John Mooney, 9 Trent Johnston, 10 George Dockrell, 11 Boyd Rankin

The limelight will be on the man who, the other night, struck the fastest World Cup century in history. Kevin O' Brien's century cleared the path for their side to chase a 328 victory target- an improbable task considering the team’s precarious position of 111 for five.

The allrounder was brutally dismissive of both pace and spin against England and there's no reason to think he'll play any differently against India.

For India look to Yusuf Pathan to clear the ropes and kick start his tournament. Ireland lacks the bowling firepower to pitch it in short. If Yusuf gets going India could post a total out of the reach of Ireland’s reach.

The pitch is the same one used for the epic tie between India and England last week. It was showing signs of green grass earlier today, though that may well change after it has been rolled. Expect another high-scoring game on what is forecast to be a bright, sunny afternoon.

Regardless of Ireland’s heroics the other night, this Indian unit should prove too much for the fighting Irish. This side is well rounded, and coupled with some of the most fanatical supporters in the world, the Indian set up should see themselves through this one comfortably.