Match Preview: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Only Test 2024

European side Ireland (IRE) are set to host Zimbabwe (ZIM) in a one-off Test match at the Civil Service Cricket Club, in Belfast, starting on Thursday, July 25. This is going to be the first time these two teams lock horns in the longest format of the game.

Ireland scripted history in March as they recorded their first-ever Test win by beating Afghanistan by six wickets in Abu Dhabi. Mark Adair was the Player of the Match in that encounter, finishing with figures of 5/39 and 3/56 in the two innings, respectively. Meanwhile, Paul Stirling and skipper Andy Balbirnie scored half-centuries in the two innings, respectively. This is a great opportunity for the European nation to register consecutive wins in the format after taking six years to get off the mark.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe haven't played a Test match since February 2023. It was a two-match Test series against the West Indies which the African side lost by a 0-1 margin. Gary Ballance, Craig Ervine, and Brandon Mavuta made some fine contributions during the series. However, Ballance retired from all forms of cricket in April 2023 and Zimbabwe will miss his services on this tour.

Ireland and Zimbabwe have intriguing head-to-head records in limited-overs cricket. In ODIs, Ireland have a 10-8 lead, while they are ahead by an 8-7 margin in T20Is. Cricket enthusiasts will hope for a riveting battle between the two sides as they square off against each other for the first time in red-ball cricket.

Also Read: Ireland announce squad for one-off Test against Zimbabwe

Civil Service Cricket Club Pitch Report

This is going to be the first Test match which will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club. The average score batting first is 181 in ODIs and 118 in T20Is. Overcast conditions are likely to welcome the two teams on Thursday. Fast bowlers will have conditions in their favour and would want to make good use of it. However, it will be important for them to bowl in the right areas instead of trying too hard. Batters will have to contend with the swing, especially when the ball is new.

Click here: IRE vs ZIM Live Score, Only Test

IRE vs ZIM Predicted Playing XI

Ireland (IRE):

PJ Moor, Andrew Balbirnie (C), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, James McCollum, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young.

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Craig Ervine (C), Roy Kaia, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (WK), Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi.

Also Read: Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell receive maiden Test call up for one-off Test against Ireland

IRE vs ZIM, Only Test, Where To Watch: