Ireland skipper hails Little ahead of crunch game

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie believes bowler

Josh Little could hold the key to Ireland’s chances of reaching the ICC T20

World Cup 2021 Super 12s after he starred against Sri Lanka. Little returned career-best figures of four for 23 in Abu Dhabi, but could not prevent Sri Lanka from winning by 70 runs. The 21-year-old left-arm bowler might have been on the losing side here but his performance was impressive, taking his 2021 T20I wicket tally to 12 from nine matches.

“I was excited at eight for three. Josh Little bowled to his plans and he has been a real find for us this year, he has bowled beautifully for us up top and we put them in real trouble,” ICC quoted Balbirnie. “Josh is a huge asset. He has been a force in ODI cricket this year and really come to the fore,” he added.

Ireland now face a crucial game against Namibia. Both teams have lost to Sri Lanka and beaten the Netherlands so far and the winner of today’s clash will progress to the Super 12s.

“We are excited, they are the games you want to play in when you grow up watching cricket and see the knock-out games,” Balbirnie said.