Must-win game for Ireland after the shocking loss against Oman  

Betting Odds 

Our Predictions 

• Paul Stirling has odds of 4.13 to be the best batsman for Ireland   
• George Munsey leads with odds of 4.06 to be Scotland's best batter  
• Joshua Little has odds of 3.19 to be the best bowler for Ireland  
• Mark Watt has odds of 4.56 to be the best bowl for Scotland  

MATCH PREVIEW     

Ireland will aim for their first win as they take on Scotland in the 7th ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 match. The Irish side failed to live up to their reputation in the last game against Oman and went down due to poor bowling efforts. They must win this game to stay alive in the competition. The Scotts don't have a good record against Ireland, but they will fancy their chances. The stakes are high for Ireland in this game, and we expect them to play at their best.  

Ireland Preview     

Andrew Balbirnie's side suffered a shocking defeat against Oman in its opening game. They had the game in their bag after a decent score on the board. The bowlers failed to complement the batsmen, and the  Irishmen lost the game by 5 wickets. They can't afford another loss, and we expect a determined effort from the team.  

Paul Stirling and Andy McBrine have a lot of experience, and the side will expect early fireworks from them. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker have done well in recent games, and the side will expect a good show from them in the middle order, along with George Dockrell. Gareth Delany will need to do well down the order with the tail. 

Joshua Little and Mark Adair used the new ball well in the last game, and a similar show from them will put the side in a strong position. Graham Hume and Benjamin White have crucial roles during the middle overs, and the side will need disciplined bowling performances from them. Andy McBrine, Dockrell, and Harry Tector add depth to this attack, and they must deliver the goods.  

Expected Starting XI for Ireland     

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Benjamin White 

Scotland Preview     

Richie Berrington shall have high expectations as they gear up for their first match. The team boasts seasoned players who have been together for many years and know each other's game. Their record against Ireland since 2014 has been dismal, and Berrington and his men have to rise to the occasion as Ireland will come hard at them.  

A strong start is necessary, and openers George Munsey and Christopher McBride must lay a platform. Berrington has to hold the innings together in the middle order, and he will look to build partnerships with Matthew Cross and Tomas Mackintosh. The side needs to use its depth in the line-up well and needs Alasdair Evans, Brandon McMullen, and Michael Leask to deliver the goods.  

Brandon McMullen and Michael Leask need the early breakthroughs as Ireland has a very strong batting line-up. Safyaan Sharif will be happy with the dry surface where the ball will turn sharply, and he needs to put his side in a comfortable position. The side will also need a good show in the supporting role from Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, and Evans.  

Expected Starting XI for Scotland     

Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), George Munsey, Tomas Mackintosh, Brandon McMullen, Christopher McBride, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Alasdair Evans, Mark Watt  

TOSS: To Bat First      

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, is a high-scoring wicket, and we have seen sides put up big scores at this venue. The wicket slows down as the game progresses, and the side winning the toss would like to bat first and put up a big score on the board.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

Bulawayo will have clear skies on June 21, and we expect perfect batting conditions. Batsmen can play their strokes freely with little assistance for the fast bowlers on this surface. As the wicket wears down, the spinners can turn the ball. The side batting first needs a 300-plus score to win this game.  

OUR PREDICTION      

Scotland must play out of its skin to do well in this game. They have a strong batting line-up, but the bowling attack will face a formidable batting line-up. The onus would be on Stott bowlers to put the side in a strong position. Ireland has a strong batting line-up and two quality fast bowlers. It will give them an edge in this contest.  

Our Prediction is for Ireland to win