Ireland, Dutch ready for own little battle
Published:Thursday | March 17, 2011 | 12:00 AM
CALCUTTA, India:
Ireland and the Netherlands will hope to capitalise on one last chance on the big stage in their World Cup clash at the Eden Gardens tomorrow.
With the World Cup set to be downsized to 10 teams from 2015 and, with Ireland and the Netherlands out of quarter-final contention already in this edi-tion, it is an opportunity for players to grab attention with individual performances.
The likes of Kevin O'Brien, of Ireland, and Ryan ten Doeschate, of the Netherlands, have already produced superb performances, and both teams will be looking for more.
Ireland have two points so far from a shock win over England, while the Netherlands are winless in five matches.
Expectations of Ireland increased after an astonishing chase against England in a high-scoring game at Bangalore, in which Kevin O'Brien made the fastest century ever at the World Cup.
He reached triple figures from 50 deliveries and his 63-ball 113 helped Ireland overtake England's formidable 327-8, with three wickets in the last over.