Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Updated Group Fixtures and Match Times
Ireland will put their undefeated record on the line when they play South Africa on Tuesday in Canberra, Australia, in a 2015 Cricket World Cup clash that could have huge implications on how Pool B plays out.
Both teams are likely to progress to the next round but will want to avoid a meeting with New Zealand or Australia, the top teams from Pool A, in the quarter-finals. With India locked into the top spot in Pool B, the race for second place is wide open.
Here's the schedule for the remaining group stage matches:
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| March 3 | 3:30 a.m. | South Africa v Ireland | Canberra |
| March 4 | 1 a.m. | Pakistan v UAE | Napier |
| March 4 | 6:30 a.m. | Australia v Afghanistan | Perth |
| March 5 | 10 p.m. (day before) | Bangladesh v Scotland | Nelson |
| March 6 | 6:30 a.m. | India v West Indies | Perth |
| March 7 | 1 a.m. | South Africa v Pakistan | Auckland |
| March 7 | 3:30 a.m. | Zimbabwe v Ireland | Hobart |
| March 8 | 10 p.m. (day before) | New Zealand v Afghanistan | Napier |
| March 8 | 3:30 a.m. | Australia v Sri Lanka | Sydney |
| March 9 | 3:30 a.m. | England v Bangladesh | Adelaide |
| March 10 | 1 a.m. | India v Ireland | Hamilton |
| March 11 | 3:30 a.m. | Sri Lanka v Scotland | Hobart |
| March 12 | 1 a.m. | South Africa v UAE | Wellington |
| March 13 | 1 a.m. | Bangladesh v New Zealand | Hamilton |
| March 13 | 3:30 a.m. | England v Afghanistan | Sydney |
| March 14 | 1 a.m. | India v Zimbabwe | Auckland |
| March 14 | 3:30 a.m. | Australia v Scotland | Hobart |
| March 15 | 10 p.m. (day before) | West Indies v UAE | Napier |
| March 15 | 3:30 a.m. | Pakistan v Ireland | Adelaide |
Few will have predicted Ireland to be undefeated at this stage of the competition, even with West Indies struggling coming into the tournament. And while their win over UAE was hardly convincing, the squad shouldn't be taken lightly.
Paul Stirling has been nothing short of sensational with the ball, sporting an economy of just 3.75 after two matches, and while spinner Andy McBrine missed the team's second match against UAE, he was phenomenal against West Indies, surrendering just 26 runs in 10 overs.
As shared by RTE Sport's John Kenny, former England international Graeme Swann thinks Ireland have a real chance of causing a massive upset against the Proteas, powered by their excellent bowling attack:
"Graeme Swann: Ireland can turn over South Africa next Tuesday in Canberra @rtesport @irelandcricket http://t.co/3z5HLLWLnD
— john kenny (@JohnKennyMedia) February 26, 2015"
That bowling attack will be severely tested on Tuesday, however. South Africa enter the contest with the two batsmen leading the entire tournament in batting average: JP Duminy (121) and AB de Villiers (108.50).
Duminy missed the clash against West Indies with a side strain, but it hardly mattered. After all, De Villiers was in a record-setting mood. Per ESPN Cricinfo's Freddie Wilde, he out-scored the entire Windies squad:
De Villiers' reaction after the historic feat goes some way to explain the form South Africa's batsmen are in right now, via BBC Sport:
Ireland have a number of talented players, and Niall O'Brien currently ranks third in batting average just behind the South African duo, but like so many minor cricket nations, depth is an issue. One or two quick wickets for Imran Tahir or Morne Morkel could put their opponents in real trouble.
The duo rank in the top 20 for wicket-takers, with Ireland's bowlers way down on the list. Backed by a deep and explosive group of batsmen, they can afford to take chances and will do just that against a relatively inexperienced Irish team.
For Ireland, consistency in batting is key. Six batsmen contributed double-digit runs against UAE, and a similar performance will be needed against the Proteas. It's pointless trying to match Duminy and De Villiers—strength in numbers is a far better approach.
Expect the Irish to continue impressing pundits and fans alike, but their unbeaten streak to end on Tuesday.
Final Prediction: Ireland put in a valiant effort, but South Africa's quality shines through in the end. Proteas win.
All statistics are courtesy of ESPN Cricinfo.
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