It may not have the same permutations as the upcoming Ashes or the fierce India-Pakistan battles, but the rivalry which exists between Ireland and Scotland is one that has been engaging viewers throughout numerous decades. In recent times, these two teams have established themselves as the crème de la crème of the minnows, and watching them compete in a three-match T20 series starting tomorrow is sure to be vastly compelling.
“Celtic cousins” were the words Scottish coach Grant Bradburn used to describe his Irish counterparts late last year, perfectly encapsulating the intimacy between these two sides. The rivalry first emerged in 1888, and each series is revelled in by the populace of both nations and even previous Irish skipper Kevin O’ Brien noted that series against Scotland “have extra edge”. Being two rapidly emerging Associates, every match they participate in against each other is seen as a chance for one team to exert their dominance and prove their superiority. Both teams are keen to show their ability and provide evidence that they can match up to the best.
Perhaps their rivalry is exemplified further when Ireland were granted ICC membership in 1993, a year before Scotland were given the same opportunity. Despite Scotland playing their first recorded match a full six years before Ireland, it seems as though Ireland’s progression over the years has been significantly greater, with them being labelled as the “leading associate”: a title Scotland would be itching to get their hands on. With their persistent growth, Ireland has boldly stated that they intend to become a full member by 2020, allowing them to become a permanent ODI playing nation and eventually, be granted Test Status.
On recent evidence though, the statement of the Irish may not seem as bold as people once believed. Indeed, throughout the last three ODI World Cups they have participated in (2007, 2011 and 2015 respectively), they have taken the scalps of Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, West Indies and Zimbabwe. Quite an accomplishment for a team still called associates.
Scotland, on the other hand are yet to win a single World Cup game in the three World Cups (1999,2007 & 2015) they have qualified for. Their loss against Afghanistan in the last World Cup must have been significantly galling as it condemned them to the bottom of their group, whereas Ireland only failed to qualify for the quarter-finals due to net run rate, finishing on equal points to the fourth placed West Indies.
The comment of Ireland’s World Cup skipper William Porterfield of “we’ve got that confidence and belief to come out and beat anyone,” shows how their positive World Cup experiences have developed them as a team. Beating Scotland in a three match T20 series on home turf should be a mere formality for a team which is climbing up the ranks as quickly as Ireland is. This is, after all, a team which has competed brilliantly at world events, showcasing their skills and instilling their nation with a sense of pride. Scotland, however, can draw comfort from a couple of recent displays against the Irish, displays which have proven that they can more than hold their own against their neighbours.
Warming up for the 2015 World Cup, Scotland demolished Ireland by 179 runs in Sydney: a hopeful start for a team eager to make their mark in the showpiece event. While their tournament was highly disappointing overall, such a performance was a small highlight — a glimpse at what might have been. The last ODI series the two nations competed in finished 2-1, and Scotland emerged victorious in the final game by eight wickets. Both games can provide confidence for the developing Scots as they have beaten the Irish in the last two games they played. While Ireland are definitely still favourites, Scotland would love nothing more than a series triumph over their fiercest rivals.
With both nations set to co-host the ICC World T20 qualifier from 6-26 July, both will be hoping that this series will be perfect preparation for the event. With only the top six qualifiers from this event being afforded the opportunity to participate in the first round of the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, both teams will be eager and expect to be amongst the best of these minnows. Teams like Netherlands, Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates are in the mix, and there promises to be some intriguing battles ahead.
When the T20 series between Ireland and Scotland begins tomorrow, while most eyes will be on Day 2 of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test or the Bangladesh vs India ODI, it is worth keeping in mind that the battle of the two rival minnows of Ireland vs Scotland may yet be equally enthralling. As each team holds high hopes for their cricketing future, such matches are of massive importance to them, and it is about time the world took greater notice of these fixtures.
