ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 3rd ODI match between Zimbabwe and Ireland?

The third ODI between Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Ireland (IRE) will be played on Tuesday, February 18 and this will be the decider of the three-match ODI series which will once again take place at the Harare Sports Club. It is all or nothing for both teams in this final 50-over encounter and is set to be a cracker of a contest.

The Zimbabwe side had started the series well and dominated the Irish batters in the first ODI which featured great knocks from Brian Bennett and skipper Craig Ervine along with an incredible spell by Blessing Muzarabani who took four wickets in the game to secure a victory over the visitors.

The Irish did not start the ODI series well but came back well with a six-wicket win in the second match thanks to the all-round performance from Curtis Campher. The third ODI is set to be a battle for glory and a chance for both teams to claim an ODI series win. These teams might not be top-ranked teams in ODI cricket but have been playing some great cricket so far.

Match Details

Pitch report: Harare Sports Club

The Harare Sports Club has been a mixed venue for the teams. While in some instances it has been helpful for the bowlers in other instances the batters have enjoyed batting on the surface. The trick on this wicket is to bat as long as you can and it tends to get slightly better down the line. The best thing to do is bowl first on this wicket and restrict the batting team to a modest total.

Head-to-Head record

ZIM vs IRE Predicted Playing 11

Zimbabwe

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

Ireland

Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.

ZIM vs IRE Probable Best Performers

Probable Best batter: Brian Bennett

Brian Bennett has proven that he could be a powerhouse opening batter for Zimbabwe. Though he failed to convert his start into a big innings in the second ODI, the first ODI was proof enough that he could play big knocks and put pressure on the bowlers.

Probable Best bowler: Mark Adair

Mark Adair has been one of the top bowlers for Ireland in all formats of the game. He had proved himself in the last match as well where he took an incredible four-wicket haul to put the pressure on the Zimbabwe batters in the first innings itself. The visitors will want another incredible knock from the pacer in the deciding match.

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

Scenario 1

Zimbabwe wins the toss and opts to bowl first
Powerplay: 50-70
IRE: 270-290
Zimbabwe to win the match

Scenario 2

Ireland wins the toss and opts to bowl first
Powerplay: 45-60
ZIM: 240-260
Ireland to win the match