India vs Ireland - 5 things to look forward to

After 4 wins in as many matches, India’s World Cup campaign shifts from Australia to co-hosts New Zealand. And with the change in surroundings, comes a lot of lateral movement to deal with. The world champions will come face-to-face with a spirited Irish side.While many want to call it an easy outing for India, some would disagree after watching Ireland’s recent performances. The Associate nation are currently in the quarter-final places having won 3 of their 4 matches by beating West Indies, UAE and Zimbabwe while succumbing to defeat at the hands of The Proteas.Here are five things to look forward to from this clash:

#1 Stuart Binny\'s inclusion

After getting a lot of exposure during the tri-series Down Under, Stuart Binny’s role in the Indian setup has been restricted to warming the benches. But come Tuesday, things might change for the Karnataka all-rounder. His exploits with the bat will be crucial lower down the order and his bowling may prevent India from leaking runs in the middle overs

Considering Ravindra Jadeja’s indifferent form with the bat, and the conditions favoring a seam bowling all-rounder, Binny might just get a look in and become the second in his family, after father Roger Binny, to play for India in a World Cup match.

#2 Small boundaries, big entertainment

The last game played at Seddon Park saw South Africa beat Zimbabwe in a high-scoring affair. The ground is most famous for its small boundaries, and that will act as an incentive for the star-studded Indian batting line-up. With some power hitters like Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan and MS Dhoni in the Indian side and the likes of Kevin O’Brien in the Irish team, a lot of entertainment awaits.

With a capacity of only 10,000, this ground in Hamilton first hosted an ODI in 1981. It was a low scoring game between India and New Zealand that the hosts won due to some great bowling by Gary Troup. Stuart Binny’s father, Roger Binny played in that game, with 18 runs and the wicket of John Wright to his name.

#3 An Indian batting resurgence

Two quiet games against UAE and West Indies have ensured that no Indian batsman figures in the top ten of this World Cup’s highest run-getters list. While the Indians did start out strongly with the bat, with Virat Kohli’s hundred against Pakistan, followed by Shikhar Dhawan’s against South Africa – the list currently is dominated by players from the African continent. Shikhar Dhawan, who is 18th on the list with 233 runs would want to make amends and break into the top ten on Tuesday.

#4 Ed Joyce vs Mohammed Shami

Ed Joyce has been by far, Ireland’s best batsman in the World Cup. He has scored 233 runs at an average of 58.25 from the four games that he has played. Hence, it’s only natural that one would like to see how he fares against India’s best bowler on current form, a certain individual named Mohammed Shami. Shami has been at his lethal best, picking wickets early and attacking with the odd short delivery. When India take field, Shami versus Joyce would be a mouthwatering contest.

#5 Another possible upset in Pool B

Pool B has had just a single upset, early on in the World Cup when Ireland beat West Indies in a thrilling chase. If the Irish are able to do an encore, and beat India tomorrow, then West Indies’ road to the knockouts becomes problematic. West Indies captain Jason Holder would be hoping that India get the better of Ireland on Tuesday, lest his team has to join Eoin Morgan-led England. on a flight out of Oceania and back home earlier than expected.