47
India and Australia wrapped up their World Cup group campaigns in style on Saturday, paving the way for a knife-edge Sunday where Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland will tussle over the last two quarter-final spots.
To gauge the mood before William Porterfield's team's must-win encounter against Pakistan, we take a look at how the press in Ireland is weighing in on the battle in Adelaide.
Pakistan game ‘the biggest in Irish history’
Irish Times
They call Adelaide the ‘City of Churches’ but Ireland go into tomorrow’s final Pool B game against Pakistan with more than a wing and a prayer of making it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Phil Simmons’s side need a victory against the side that won the tournament the last time it was hosted in Australia and New Zealand back in 1992 to achieve that goal, although there are other routes to the last eight, albeit ones that might require a novena or two... Read more here
Ireland playing for high stakes
Irish Examiner
If Pakistan’s batting line-up can self-implode, the fear is that Ireland’s bowling attack lacks the discipline to induce it. The best hope might be that Ireland mimic Bangladesh’s path to victory against England at Adelaide: make a solid score batting first and benefit from extra assistance for the bowlers under lights... Read more here
|
Pakistan there for the taking
Independent
It promises to be a cracking contest with Ireland appearing to have a stronger and better-functioning batting line-up, while Pakistan are much better in the bowling department, even without star spinner Saeed Ajmal, who has been banned for throwing some of his deliveries... Read more here
Andy McBrine: Ireland face Pakistan with confidence
RTÉ
“We’re full of confidence. All our batters are striking the ball well. Our bowlers have done a pretty good job as well. We have all to play for now on Sunday.” Read more here
|
The Pakistani family which will be cheering for Ireland
“My 15-year-old son Sufyan plays for Munster as the opening batsman, and he has been selected for the southern Ireland cricket team under 15s, so I think we will cheer for Ireland now. It would be fantastic if they win,” he said. Read more here
George Dockrell Diary: Losing to India was a big blow but now it’s all about beating Pakistan
Irish Times
We now know our last game against Pakistan is the decider. Adelaide here we come for our most important game of the World Cup... Read more here
