Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, Match Preview
A wet-out field helped Zimbabwe take an important series as they now lead the series 1-0. They can not lose the series, and will hope to sign off well, giving them some crucial points in the ODI Super League.
Ireland on the other hand may be a touch disappointed with the way things ended in the second ODI. They got off to a reasonable score on the board and would have backed themselves to defend it. In the first ODI as well, they made some powerful strides before losing their way, and are now fighting to draw the series.
They have been pretty good in the World Cup Super League, ranked seventh with three wins. A win could take them up two spots, and be a massive boost as the league heats up. Ireland have been making strong move in international Cricket and would not like to have a set back in the form of a series loss. They have looked good in patches and will be hoping to conclude the series well.
Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, Team News
Ireland is likely to go unchanged with their top-order finding form in the second ODI. The bowling didn’t get a chance with rain coming in the way, and that may prompt Ireland to go with the same side.
Zimbabwe may look at swapping Luke Jongwe for another pacer. Luke was expensive in the second innings, and off rhythm, which could influence a change.
Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, Predicted XIs
Ireland: William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Andy Balbairne, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Andy Mcbrine, Craig Young, Josh Little
Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Craig Ervine, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessley Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, Players to Watch out for
Brendan Taylor
Brendan Taylor is padding up for one last time as he has decided to call time on his international career. He has been a part of the setup for 17 years, and took a break in the middle to play county Cricket for three years. The former captain is one of the most prolific Zimbabwe Cricketers, and is 110 runs short of the leading run-scorer of Zimbabwe. With one game to go, Taylor will look to finish on a high and if possible, finish as Zimbabwe’s leading run scorer in One Day Cricket.
Paul Stirling
Paul Stirling spent a lot of time at the crease in the second ODI. He made 33 runs in 71 balls, and helped Ireland get a decent platform. With the series on the line, Paul Stirling may look to provide his side another platform, although at a faster rate.
Ireland Vs Zimbabwe, Pitch Report
The surface has been helpful for batters in the first two games, but has also assisted the bowlers occasionally. Zimbabwe found some purchase in both games, and a score above 250 should be competitive.
