Zimbabwe vs Ireland Match Preview, 1st ODI

Zimbabwe and Ireland will take on each other in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, February 14. The two sides are coming off an iconic one-off Test.

The tourists ended up clinching the red-ball game by 63 runs. Interestingly, the hosts had a seven-run lead to themselves after their first innings. Blessing Muzarabani starred with a seven-for in the first innings of the game, before going on to score a career-best 47. However, the second half of the match was when the balance was titled towards Ireland. Almost everyone in the Irish batting unit chipped in to set a substantial target. The win was closed out by a six-fer by Matthew Humphreys, with Wessly Madhevere's gritty 84 going in vain.

Both sides are coming off ODI series results. Zimbabwe were thumped by Afghanistan. Ireland lost a three-match series to South Africa by a 1-2 margin.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The renowned Harare Sports Club has been a ground that has produced some contrasting results. There have either been big scores posted on the board or matches ending up with teams struggling to put forth a substantial total. However, it is the team chasing that has had more success on this ground, Hence, the skippers will most likely be tempted to bowl first after winning the toss at this venue.

Head-to-Head Record