Zimbabwe vs Ireland, ZIM vs IRE, Today Match Prediction 12 January 2023

zim vs ire Match Prediction & Analysis

Zimbabwe and Ireland have enjoyed a healthy rivalry over the years. In fact, they always tend to produce some memorable encounters that don’t get as much attention as some of the other famed rivalries. The two teams will face off again as Ireland tour Zimbabwe for a limited-overs series this month beginning with three T20Is followed by three ODIs. All the matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club. The first T20I is all set to be played on January 12.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Zimbabwe Preview

Zimbabwe had a memorable T20 World Cup last year where they beat Ireland, Scotland, and even Pakistan. Apart from missing the services of star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe will also be missing some key players such as fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, wicketkeeper-batter Regis Chakabva, and batter Milton Shumba due to injuries. 

In Raza’s absence, the likes of Sean Williams, skipper Craig Ervine, and Wessly Madhevere will have a huge responsibility. Another batter to watch out for is Ryan Burl who has scored 187 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 31.17 and a strike rate of almost 120. 

Gary Ballance, the former England batter, who recently signed a two-year deal with Zimbabwe Cricket, has been included in the squad for the T20I series and is likely to play a crucial part owing to his experience. While the 33-year-old hasn’t played an international T20 match yet, Balance has featured in 100 T20s, scoring 1807 runs in them at an average of 23.16 and a strike rate of 122.67 with 7 fifties.

On the bowling front, Zimbabwe has left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava who has taken 10 wickets in his last 9 matches at an economy of 7.10. We feel left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza will make a big impact in this series. The wily spinner has taken 31 wickets in 36 T20Is and an economy of 7.20.

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine (c), Gary Balance, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Clive Madande (wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza

Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:

Richard Ngarava, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Clive Madande, Garry Ballance, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Tendai Chatara, Sean Williams

Ireland Preview

Ireland is coming off a really good T20 World Cup campaign where they beat Scotland, West Indies, and eventual champions England. They will miss the services of Josh Little and Paul Stirling who will be busy playing the SA20 and ILT20 respectively.

A lot will depend on how Lorcan Tucker performs in this series. The wicket-keeper batter has collected 253 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 31.63 and a strike rate of 124.  He also finished as Ireland's highest run-scorer in this World Cup, scoring 204 runs at an average of 40.80, including a best of 71* against Australia in the Super 12s.

George Dockrell has also been in good nick, scoring 206 runs in his last 10 international matches at an average of 41.20 and a strike rate of 136.42. Captain Andrew Balbirnie has the experience of 86 T20Is where he has amassed 1810 runs at an average of 23.20 and a strike rate of 125.86.

Among the bowlers, the ones to watch out for are leg-spinner Gareth Delany (9 wickets in the last 10 matches at an economy of 8.03) and fast bowler Mark Adair (9 wickets in the last 10 matches at an economy of 9.16).

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Stephen Doheny, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Fionn Hand, Tyrone Kane, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Barry McCarthy, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The Harare Sports Club pitch gives good assistance to bowlers, particularly seamers who get decent purchase off the wicket throughout. Spinners will be hard to tackle once the pitch slows down and grips. However, batters who settle down will have the opportunity to make big runs.

The weather in Harare on the day of the match will be sunny and pleasant.  

Venue Details

The average score batting first in T20Is at the Harare Sports Club is 158. The highest score posted at the venue is a massive 229-2 by Australia. Totals in excess of 170 have been achieved 13 times here out of 34 games. The batting first should be looking to set a target of around 175 runs.

Toss: To Bat

The team batting first has won 22 of the 34 T20Is played here. The captain winning the toss is hence likely to bat first in this match.