Resurgent West Indies face Ireland threat tomorrow

Mohali, Mar 10 (PTI) Aware that any slip-up could pose
a serious threat to their quarter-final chances, a resurgent
West Indies will take on giant-killers Ireland in an
interesting group B match of the cricket World Cup here
on Friday.
With two vctories in three matches, the West Indies are
standing on the brink of quarter-finals and a win against
Ireland at the PCA Stadium tomorrow will more or less secure
their place in the last-eight stage.
With four points in their kitty, the West Indies are in
the third place in Group B behind India and England but ahead
of South Africa on net run rate. The top four sides from each
group qualify for the quarter-finals.
After the thrashing at the hands of South Africa in their
tournament-opener, the Caribbean side made a strong comeback
and demolished the Netherlands and co-hosts Bangladesh in
their next two outings.
But the West Indians are aware of the challenges posed by
the Irishmen and would do well not to take the game lightly as
tough matches against India, Australia and England await them
in the tournament after tomorrow's day encounter.
"We have played against them quite a lot and know what
they are capable of. But we can't take any side for granted in
this tournament especially after the way Ireland played
against England," senior West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan
said ahead of tomorrow's match.
"Every game is a must win game for us in this tournament.
We will just go out there play and enjoy."
The West Indies have a strong batting line-up and will be
looking to explosive Chris Gayle for a solid start.
Young Darren Bravo showed great potential at the number
three position while the middle-order has loads of experience
in Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivanarine Chanderpaul.
Also, in Keiron Pollard down the order, the West Indies
have a batsman who can tear apart any bowling side on his day.
However, the West Indies, who have a legacy of producing
great fast bowlers, have some concerns on the bowling front.
Apart from Kemar Roach, they don't have a quality pacer in
their attack.
And captain Darren Sammy would be hoping that Roach, who
took 3-19 against Bangladesh and 6-27 against the Netherlands,
including a hat-trick, will carry on his good work in the
coming matches.
In Suliemen Benn, the West Indies have a cunning
left-arm spinner who has invariably bowled well upfront.