ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between Zimbabwe and Ireland?

African nation Zimbabwe (ZIM) and the European associate side Ireland (IRE) will be facing each other in a three-match ODI series, starting on Friday, February 14, at the renowned Harare Sports Club, in Harare. The two sides will be tested in this series which will feature some talented players who have given impressive performances in the format.

The recent one-off Test was a great battle, where in the end, Ireland went on to get a victory, especially after losing the lead in the first innings. This time the two teams will feature new skippers from the red ball format where Paul Stirling will be taking the reins from Andy Balbirnie, while Craig Ervine will be leading the hosts in the series. This will also be an opportunity for them to come back after a heartbreaking loss in the Bulawayo Test.

Speaking of recent performances in the ODIs, Zimbabwe have failed to win a single game in their last five matches. Ireland too have only managed to get a solitary victory over South Africa in October, last year. Hence, this series can be a confidence builder for both teams who will want to find out which combinations within the team could work for the two teams going forward.

Match Details

Pitch Report: Harare Sports Club

The renowned Harare Sports Club has been a ground that has produced some contrasting results. There have either been big scores on the board or either ended up in lower scores for the competing teams. However, it is the team chasing that has had the most success on this ground, and most of the time it has been a hard and solid wicket which is great for the batters. Hence, the skippers will most likely be tempted to bowl first after winning the toss at this venue.

Head-to-Head Record

ZIM vs IRE Predicted Playing 11

Zimbabwe:

Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani.

Ireland:

Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Craig Young

ZIM vs IRE Probable Best Performers

Probable Best batter: Paul Stirling

The experienced Paul Stirling is known for being a big-hitter at the top and the ground at Harare is a perfect ground for a player of his calibre. He is also the highest run scorer for Ireland in this format as well. Hence, the Irish captain will certainly be the player to watch out for in the ODI series opener.

Also Check: Most runs in the series

Probable Best bowler: Richard Ngarava

Though it is Blessing Muzarabani who has been the star on most occasions for Zimbabwe, pacer Richard Ngarava has shown notable consistency in the 50-over format thus far. Notably, the pacer has taken 12 wickets from the last eight matches he has played at an average of 27.33 and an economy of 4.79.

Also Check: Most wickets in the series

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first will win the match

Scenario 1

• Zimbabwe win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay: 80-90
• IRE: 280-300
• Zimbabwe to win the match

Scenario 2

• Ireland win the toss and opt to bowl first
• Powerplay: 60-70
• ZIM: 260-280
• Ireland to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.