This article will talk about the probable XIs for both teams and continue with the Dream11 predictions and the winning fantasy team for the 1st T20I between Ireland and South Africa that is scheduled to take place on the 19th of July 2021.
After an unforgettable ODI series for the hosts Ireland where they drew level the series 1-1 against the higher-ranked South African team, they will now take them in the T20I series. The first of the 3 matches will take place at the Village in Malahide on Monday.
South African team led by Tenba Bavuma came back to their winning ways in the 3rd ODI after a dominating batting performance for the openers Jannneman Malan and Quinton de Kock who both centuries in the teams 346/4. However, they will be disappointed with the way they bowled throughout the ODIs.
The Proteas won their last T20I series against the World Champions West Indies at their own shores earlier this July and will be high on confidence to replicate the same here in Ireland. They will be happy with the form of Quinton De Kock but would like a few of their middle-order batsman including Bavuma to step up.
The hosts Ireland led by Andy Balbirnie played their last T20I way back in March of 2020 and this will be the first series in quite a while for them. But they will take heart from the fact that they played competitive cricket throughout the series, barring with the ball in the last ODI.
Match Details
Venue: The Village, Dublin
Pitch and Weather: The pitch played well through the ODI series and it will remain the same in this match as well. Batsmen will enjoy the ball coming onto the bat but pacers will get assistance in the early overs. The average score of the first inning will be around 160-170 and is traditionally a high-scoring venue. The weather will be clear on the match-day and we can expect a complete game of cricket without any rain interruptions. The temperature is expected to set around 18-19C.
Date and Time: July 19, 2021, 4.00 PM Local, 8.30 PM IST
Probable Playing XIs
Ireland will welcome their great all-rounder Kevin O’Brien in the playing XI. He did not feature in ODIs as he had announced his retirement from that format. He will likely open with Paul Stirling who looked in bad form throughout the ODIs. The youngsters Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker will have a huge role to play for them in the middle-order along with skipper Andrew Balbirnie.
South Africa will have a much more settled outlook in this format after having played recently in the West Indies. Tenba Bavuma is likely to slate himself at the top of the order along with De Kock and the all-rounder George Linde will be back for the Proteas. They will also most likely bring back Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi after resting them in the last ODI.
Ireland: Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie(C), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(WK), Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Craig Young, Mark Adair
South Africa: Temba Bavuma(C), Quinton De Kock(WK), Aiden Markram, Rassie Van Der Dussen, David Miller, George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo/ Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Bjorn Fortuin
Match Prediction
South Africa will enter the contest as the huge favorites to go 1-0 up in the series. The Irish haven’t played this format in a while and this might cause their undoing. But if they can play the same way they did in the 2nd ODI, we are ought to have a close and exciting contest on Monday.
Fantasy Tips
Batsmen: Russie Van der Dussen is the highest-ranked batsman from either side set of players featuring in this match. He looked in good touch in the ODIs as well. David Miller is the finisher in the South African ranks and this is his most favored format. So they both can be picked along with Aiden Markram, who will want to continue his good T20 form from the West Indies tour. Paul Stirling can be the batsman from Ireland in your fantasy team along with the veteran Kevin O’Brien.
Wicket-Keeper: Quinton De Kock will be the best pick from the wicket-keeping section. He is expected to continue his run-scoring spree in this 3-match series as well.
All-rounders: Simi Singh scored a cracking century, albeit in a losing cause in the 3rd ODI, and can be picked as one of the all-rounders of the fantasy side. The other one can be George Linde, a useful batsman to go with his bowling skills.
Bowlers: The no.1 ranked T20 bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, along with Kagiso Rabada can be picked from South Africa as genuine wicket-takers. From Ireland Josh Little, who impressed in the ODIs can be picked.
Captaincy Choices
Fantasy Team: Quinton De Kock(c), Paul Stirling(VC), Aiden Markram, Rassie Van Der Dussen, David Miller, Kevin O’Brien, George Linde, Simi Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Josh Little
Captain – Quinton De Kock
Quinton De Kock as a captain in the fantasy team is a no-brainer with the form he is in currently. He was the highest run-scorer for the Proteas in their last T20 series against West Indies.
Vice-Captain – Paul Stirling
The Irish opener had a quiet time in the ODI series. But a proven performer at this level for Ireland can be made the vice-captain as he has a better chance to score big.
Dream11 Team
