Twenty20 World Cup / Alan Dudman / 09 June 2009 /

Both sides have already qualified for the Super 8 but Alan Dudman still expects Gautan Gambhir to wreak havoc against a weak Irish attack at Trent Bridge on Wednesday...

Team News

Defending Twenty20 champions India have already booked their place in the Super Eights following their domination of Bangladesh, and they'll be playing without Virender Sehwag who has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a shoulder injury. Hardly surprising news, and hardly a blow considering the fine form of Rohit Sharma alongside Gautan Gambhir.

Ireland's best player and bat Niall O'Brien could be a big worry, he heard a crack in his ankle (in his own words), whilst in action against Bangladesh. Injections, painkillers and scans will hopefully give him a chance of playing here. He said on Monday he expects to be fit so fingers crossed - Ireland need him.

Match Odds

South Africa were [1.06] against Scotland, and here India are available to back at [1.10]. Not much of a difference, but Ireland look a far better side than Scotland. There is no reason to think India will trade any bigger than [1.13] during this match though.

Ireland are available at [10.00], and much depends on the shoulders of the O'Brien brothers who both starred in the win against Bangladesh. With the possibility of a lottery-like reduced game, Ireland may attract interest at double figures with some capable players. However, the news on Niall O'Brien's fitness will be of great importance - as he will be needed for the Super Eights.

Pitch Conditions

The second game at Trent Bridge is facing the worst forecast possible with rain and thunder threatening to ruin the match. Any kind of play in total runs is high risk considering the forecast.

However, the Indian batsmen showed a liking for the deck in the first game here and are loaded with quality in the spin department. Slow-left armer Pragyan Ohja took 4-21 against Bangladesh, and it does turn at Trent Bridge.

Top Batsman

Niall O'Brien is far and away the most accomplished player for Ireland, he plays for Northants and looks a cut above his team mates. I hope he is fit as he should be backed in the Ireland Top Bat Market at [4.20].

If you are batting at five, six or seven for India it is unlikely you are going to get a decent look in here against a pretty feeble bowling attack bar Boyd Rankin. The two Indian openers Gautan Gambhir and Rohit Sharma are in fine form, the latter is more explosive, so Gambhir is the solid back at [5.00].

Featured Market

Most sixes would have been interesting had it not been for the forecast, but Yuvraj may not get too much of a go. I think the Indian openers will both get runs here and Gambhir and Sharma can be backed between [2.54] and [2.34] to score a fifty in the match.

Recommended bets:
Back Gautan Gambhir @ [5.00] in the Top Indian Batsman market.
Back Gambhir to score a 50 @ [2.54]

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