Zimbabwe vs Ireland, ZIM vs IRE 2023, Today Match Prediction 07 December 2023

ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Zimbabwe will be keen to start their season on positive note when they take on Ireland in the opening match of the T20I series played at Harare Sports Club, Harare on Thursday.

The home side will be looking to field their strongest combination in this fixture. Captain Craig Ervine will be hoping that the side can show discipline in all three departments against Ireland.

On the other hand, Ireland will have to adjust to the conditions to put up a strong fight against Zimbabwe. Captain Paul Stirling will be hoping that the side can put on a decent show in this opening encounter.

Both teams have competed 12 times in the history of the 20-over Format. Zimbabwe and Ireland have won six matches apiece.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

ZIM

IRE

L L

IRE

152/8 in 20.0 7.6

IRE vs IND

India won by 33 runs 20 Aug 2023

IND

185/5 in 20.0 9.25

IRE

139/7 in 20.0 6.95

IRE vs IND

India won by 2 runs (DLS method) 18 Aug 2023

IND

47/2 in 6.5 6.88

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Zimbabwe Preview

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the experienced trio of Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Since December 2021, Sikandar Raza has topped the batting charts for Zimbabwe in T20 internationals. In 35 matches played, Sikandar Raza has accumulated 1185 runs at an average of 39.50 with ten half- centuries to his name.Besides Raza, Sean Williams has shown decent form with the bat and accumulated 606 runs in 24 innings at an average of 27.54 with four half-centuries to his name.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani to deliver timely breakthroughs.

Since December 2021, spinner Sikandar Raza has topped the bowling charts for Zimbabwe in the 20-over format. In 35 T20s played, Ngarava has taken 39 wickets at an average of 17.10.

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Craig Ervine (captain), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara.

Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:

Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brain Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Ireland Preview

In the batting department, the side will be relying on captain Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell to deliver the bulk of the runs.

Since December 2021, Andrew Balbirnie has topped the batting charts for Ireland in T20 internationals. In 38 matches played, Balbirnie has accumulated 862 runs at an average of 23.29 with six half-centuries to his name.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher to deliver timely breakthroughs.

Since December 2021, medium-pacer Mark Adair has topped the bowling charts for Ireland and claimed 48 wickets in 42 innings at an average of 24.85.

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Paul Stirling (captain), Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(wk), G Hume, Gareth Delaney, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Benny McCarthy/Craig Young, and Curtis Campher

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

Gareth Delany, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared at Harare is expected to give some assistance to the bowlers. The spinners will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.

ZIM vs IRE Pitch Report

Harare Sports Club, Harare is going to host the 1st T20I game of the series between Zimbabwe and Ireland. Since Jan 2023, Zimbabwe have won three T20Is matches out of four played against Ireland.

Toss: To Bat

Both the teams will be keen to win the toss, bat first and restrict the opposition to less 155 runs. Majority of the matches played at this venue have been won by side batting first.