Zimbabwe v Ireland 3rd ODI preview: Can Zimbabwe make it 3-0?

Zimbabwe v Ireland 3rd ODI preview: Can Zimbabwe make it 3-0?: Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza. They have been the stars of a comprehensive Zimbabwe showing which has helped the hosts take an unassailable 2-0 lead against the Irish in the ongoing 3 match ODI series. Before the tour began there was nothing much to choose between the sides but things have changed considerably since. Ireland competed in both the games but failed to seal the crucial moments. Come the 3^rd ODI the Irish will look to salvage some pride while Zimbabwe will be eager to inflict more misery on the visitors.

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine made a fabulous ton in the second game to help Zimbabwe successfully chase 268. Sean Williams, Chibhabha and skipper Chigumbura have been in fine touch in the last few games and are shouldering the batting duties well.

Sikandar Raza has performed well both with the bat and bowl. In the first game he held his nerve brilliantly to make a match winning 60 after Zimbabwe were in serious trouble at 6 for 161 at one stage.

Wicket keeper batsman Mutumbami has not performed with the willow and will be under scrutiny. Sean Williams as always has given handy contributions and has also got support from the rest of the line up. The home team might try some new faces in the squad and rest the likes of Ervine who have been playing continuous cricket.

The pace bowling pair of Panyangara and Jongwe have been economical without being threatening. The off spin of Nyumbu has been difficult to handle for the Irish. Masakadza and Williams have largely struggled to control the runs and will hope for an improved showing.

Ireland

The feeling in the Irish camp is one of shock. The series wasn’t expected to follow the pattern it has.

The visitors’ batting has been over reliant on guys like Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson and Ed Joyce. William Porterfield needs to step up his performance with the bat after two disappointing outings. Andrew Balbirnie hasn’t faired any better either and his place is on the line. Kevin O’Brien has had a forgetful return from injury failing to contribute substantially.

The tourists were in the ascendancy for much of Zimbabwe’s innings in the first match but Sikandar Raza just took the game away with a fine knock.

Paul Stirling the aggressive opener played a fantastic innings in the second game and will be expected to carry on. The visitors will regret handing over three wickets to Raza, who is not the front line spinner.

George Dockrell has picked up 3 crucial wickets but is searching for an able spinning partner at the other end. Murtagh and John Mooney, the experienced customer have failed to provide early breakthroughs which has meant Zimbabwe have set batsman for the later overs.

Both teams have played competitive cricket over the course of the last two games and both matches went down to the wire. However, the hosts managed to hold their nerves in the crucial moments of the game and the home fans will be delighted with the series win. Ireland would not want to go home empty-handed while Zimbabwe will eye a 3-0 whitewash when the two sides clash.

Probable XI:

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Chamu Chibhabha, Richmond Mutumbami, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Tinashe Panyangara, John Nyumbu

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Andy Balbirnie, Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh.