This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
Following the hosts’ 2-1 victory in the T20Is, Zimbabwe and Ireland will now switch to the ODI format. For the spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup, both teams are competing. Zimbabwe will now participate in the World Cup qualifiers after failing to directly qualify from the Super League. Ireland, on the other hand, stands a chance to advance directly and will hope to strengthen their starting lineup and regain much-needed confidence before their final Super League match.
The second match in the three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Ireland is scheduled for Saturday, January 21. The match will take place at the Harare Sports Club.
Craig Ervine’s Zimbabwe continued where they left off in the T20I series. The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after winning the first match by three wickets (DLS Method). The match was marred by rain, but somehow the home team remained composed.
Harry Tector and skipper Andrew Balbirnie’s hundreds for Ireland were in vain. Before suffering an injury, Balbirnie scored 121 out of 137. Ireland batted first and posted a respectable score of 288/4 with Tector remaining unbeaten at 101.
Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza each took one wicket, with Victory Nyauchi taking two of the wickets. After that, it rained, and Zimbabwe needed 214 runs to win in 37 overs, according to the revised goal. After being reduced to 99/4 in 22.1 overs, Ervine’s men were in trouble.
However, Raza and Ryan Burl’s 76-run partnership brought Zimbabwe back into the game. With six fours and two sixes, Burl made good use of the long handle, scoring 59 runs off 41 balls. Clive Madande hit a boundary with four balls remaining to save Zimbabwe’s game.
Teams Preview Zimbabwe Zimbabwe won the decider match of the T20I series 2-1. Innocent Kaia or T Marumani are expected to partner skipper Craig Ervine at the top of the order. With experienced players Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, and Ryan Burl in their playing XI, they have a strong middle order. If Zimbabwe needs more batters, Gary Ballance might make his debut.
In the playing XI, their bowling unit will consist of pacers Richard Ngarva, Luke Jongwe, and Tendai Chatara. Their spin quartet in the playing XI will be Wellington Masakadza, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, and Sean Williams. They have a strong bowling team that bowls a lot of different games.
Zimbabwe’s Predicted Playing XI includes Sean Williams, Innocent Kaia, and Ryan Burl.
The actual playing XI for Zimbabwe is as follows: Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, Sean Williams, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarva, Seam Williams, Wellington Masakadza, Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine, Tendai Chatara, and Clive Mahande.
Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Craig Ervine, Clive Madande, Sikandar Raza, Garry Ballance, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, and Brad Evans of Ireland In the preview, Ireland opener Andrew Balbirnie had a pleasant T20I series, and he will be joined in the ODIs by experienced Paul Stirling. The middle order’s core will consist of George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, keeper Lorcan Tucker, and Harry Tector, with available back-ups Tyrone Kane and Stephen Doleny.
The XI’s pace attack will be led by Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, and Mark Adair, with Curtis Campher serving as the pace bowling all-rounder. The spin attack will be led by Gareth Delany, who will be accompanied by Harry Tector, Paul Stirling, and George Dockrell. Depending on the circumstances, Andy McBrine might end up in the starting XI. Ireland’s anticipated playing XI includes Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, and Andrew Balbirnie.
Ireland’s actual playing XI includes Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, Lorcan Tucker, and Andy McBrine.
Pitch Report
The Harare Sports Club’s pitch is ideal for both batters and bowlers. The team that won the toss should choose to bowl first because the first overs are difficult for the batting team. On this wicket, a score of over 280 runs is a good target.
Comparing ZIM and IRE, the most likely winners are:
Best-liked batter: Harry Tector In the first ODI, middle-order batter Harry Tector performed exceptionally. He batted aggressively, which may assist Ireland in gaining momentum in the middle overs. In the previous match, he scored a century, and he hoped to do the same in the next one.
Best-liked bowler: Mark Adair In the first match, 26-year-old Mark Adair took two crucial wickets. He was also economical, and Zimbabwe will be put under pressure early on if he maintains the same level of performance.
Weather Forecast for Ireland vs. Zimbabwe There is a possibility of rain throughout the match, so the DLS Method may be used once more. The temperature will hover around 22 degrees Celsius.
Prediction for the match between Ireland and Zimbabwe Both Zimbabwe and Ireland appeared to be strong hitters in their previous match. If play is halted due to rain, the chasing team is expected to have a significant advantage.
Prediction: The team that bats second wins.
