We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
The last two ODIs at The Village in Dublin have been won by the teams defending. In the same period, the average first and second innings score read 318 and 261 respectively.
Teams
Probable XI for Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, Joshua Little
Probable XI for New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham (c & wk), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Mitchell Santner/Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne
Power Players
Tom Latham will be a big wicket for Ireland, given his ability to bat for longer periods. He has slammed two unbeaten hundreds in his last five ODIs. He also scored 104 when he last played against Ireland in Dublin.
Andy McBrine was adjudged the Player of the Series in the Caribbean for his all-round exploits. Besides picking 10 wickets, he also added 128 runs with the bat in three games.
Harry Tector got 64* and 39 against India in the recently concluded T20Is. He also finished the ODIs against West Indies as the leading run-getter (159). His ability to hit boundaries at regular intervals can help fantasy players accumulate bonus points.
Smart Picks
Although Lockie Ferguson is playing ODIs after two years, he will spearhead the attack for the Kiwis. His pace could pose a serious threat to the hosts.
Martin Guptill can be inconsistent, but his audacious stroke play often helps New Zealand race ahead in the powerplay. He scored 106 in his last ODI against Netherlands.
Craig Young will lead the seam attack for Ireland. His 9 wickets in 3 games was instrumental in helping Ireland beat the West Indies.
Henry Nicholls will be responsible for anchoring the New Zealand innings in the middle overs. He has added 367 runs at 40 in his last 10 ODI innings.
Given his ability to move the ball around, Matt Henry could open the attack for New Zealand. He has bagged 11 wickets, including the best figures of 4 for 27 in his last five ODIs.
The dasher in Paul Stirling can get runs thick and fast in the powerplay. His last 5 ODI knocks read 44, 21, 43, 33, and 32. He also has a happy knack for breaking partnerships.
Mitchell Santner might not be a big turner of the ball, but his ability to keep things tight often keeps him amongst the wickets. His batting and fielding skills can also generate useful fantasy points.
Simi Singh too can be a dark horse in fantasy leagues. Just a year ago in Dublin, he slammed 100* against South Africa in an ODI. He is also a capable off-spinner who operates in the middle overs.
Match Preview
Both sides have locked horns only four times in ODIs. On all those occasions, New Zealand have come out on top. That said, Ireland will be confident post their ODI series win against West Indies in the Caribbean. On the other hand, New Zealand appear a slightly depleted side with several big guns missing. Nonetheless, an intriguing contest awaits us.
Time: 10 July, 3.00 PM IST