Twenty20 World Cup / Jaymes Monte / 10 June 2009 /

Ireland are out to take advantage of an injury-ravaged Black Caps but Jaymes Monte fancies that man-of-the-tournament Brendon McCullum might have something to say about that. Meanwhile, supporters should dig out their har hats...

Team News

The New Zealand dressing room bares more resemblance to a hospital ward than the retreat of a cricket side competing in a World Cup at present. Captain Daniel Vettori has yet to play a game in the competition, opener Jesse Ryder was taken to hospital before the game against South Africa with a groin injury and James Franklin also missed the match due to pain in his knee. Ross Taylor then picked up a hamstring strain whilst at the crease, causing him to require a runner.

It means that the Black Caps are now looking at the possibility of making a surprise call up to the recently exonerated Shane Bond. Bond officially terminated his contract with the ICL earlier this week, and is very much back in the minds of the selectors.

For the Irish, Niall O'Brien appears to have shaken off any injury worries and I'd expect to see a similar side to the one that beat Bangladesh in heroic fashion.

Conditions

Despite a gloomy start to the day, the forecast looks positive for the afternoon with the rain apparently clearing up by midday.

Match Odds

Ireland's chances here depend largely on the fitness of the New Zealand side. Without Vettori, Ryder, Franklin and Taylor available I'd fancy Ireland's chances of running this one close. However, the likelihood is that at least two of the quartet will take to the field, meaning that the [1.15] on offer for New Zealand looks about right.

If you're on your toes and ready around the time of the team news being published, there may be some value in taking the Irish at [7.0] should New Zealand's injury fears be realised.

Top Batsman

This won't send shockwaves through the betting or cricketing world, but Brendon McCullum is the man to back here. He is the form man of the New Zealand side, if not the tournament, and can be backed at [4.0] to continue where he left off against South Africa.

Niall O'Brien is the class act in the Ireland side; it was his 40 from 25 balls that set them on their way to victory over Bangladesh and a super 8's birth. Back him here at [4.5].

Featured Market

An in-form McCullum along with Guptil and Oram and possibly Ross Taylor and/or Jesse Ryder means the Black Caps aren't short of big hitters. Throw the Irish O'Brien brothers into the mix and spectators would be well advised to bring a hard hat. In the Total Sixes market I'd be looking to '14 and over'.

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