West Indies beat Ireland by 44 runs

With other minnows failing to trounce a major team in this year's Cricket World Cup, Ireland have earned themselves the title of giant killers after beating England in their second match. Ireland not only beat England by 3 wickets, they also managed to chase down a massive total of 328 to victory. And in their most anticipated match against India at Bangalore last Sunday, Ireland came close to causing another major upset by running close to the mighty Men in Blue.
West Indies, on the other hand, have made their intentions clear in this tournament. They have played three games, lost one and won two. Their only loss came against a strong side, South Africa. But what they are mostly remembered for so far is their merciless thrashing of Bangladesh in their last game which they won by 9 wickets with 226 balls to spare.
As the two teams size up each other at Mohali on March 11, an aura of respect will be in the air but winning will be their only agenda. West Indies knows they have stronger opponents to face as the league stage progresses and Ireland will realize that losing this one will almost certainly water down their heroic performances in the tournament so far and bring them closer to exit.
The teams
Though West Indies have been ravaged by injuries especially the last one involving Dwayne Bravo, they have kept their little woes aside to perform impressively in the tournament. The squad is in sublime form. They can afford to smile as long as their top bowlers Kemar Roach, Sulieman Benn and Darren Sammy continue doing what they have done so far.
West Indies' last game against Bangladesh was rightfully won by the bowlers. However, their batting lineup is also very good. Gayle had a forgettable day against South Africa but Bangladesh bowlers had no answers to his flawless batting. He almost singlehandedly achieved the small target to finish with a strike rate of 102. If he can continue in the same vein and gets some support from the likes of Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Kieron Pollard, surely, Ireland will need another magical performance to bring down the men from the Caribbean.
The Irish have proved everyone wrong with their performances. All they need is a bit of consistency in their top order batters and strong support from their middle order to keep them in the game. William Porterfield failed against England but came strong against India. Kevin O'Brien was magnificent against England, but came short against India. Instead of creating a hero in every game, Ireland needs a good performance from the team as a wole to consistently win their following matches.
Ireland bowlers too have lacked consistency. Boyd Ranking has failed to get wickets while Mooney was completely out of form against India. Only Trent Johnson has maintained some form but he will need support from others like Paul Stirling, George Dockrell and the rest.
The pitch
The Mohali pitch promises runs but the quick bowlers will get assitance unlike many other pitches in India that have strongly favored spinners. This being the case, West Indies seem to have a strong squad of quickies and Ireland needs to up their game in that department.
Players to watch
Roach is on the roll and will be keen to have a go at the Irish at Mohali. Kevin O'Brien was upset after getting out early against India and will be looking to make amends when he faces the West Indians.
Who win?
From the way things have gone so far, you can't pick a favourite. But given their recent form and potent pace attack, West Indies surely have an edge over the Irish.