Cricket Match Prediction | Zimbabwe vs Ireland | 2nd ODI | Feb 16 – Can ZIM win the series against IRE in this fixture?

ZIM vs IRE Match Analysis

Zimbabwe and Ireland will play each other in the 2nd match of the three-match ODI series on February 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM BST at Harare Sports Club, Harare. Zimbabwe made a strong comeback in the ODIs after their Test defeat. They will aim to maintain their momentum with another win in this match and secure the series.

Ireland suffered a heavy defeat in the first ODI but will be eager to bounce back in the next match. They will draw confidence from their recent wins against Zimbabwe.

ZIM vs IRE Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe posted a strong total of 299/5 in their 50 overs, with Brian Bennett leading the charge, scoring an impressive 169 runs off 163 balls. Craig Ervine (66 runs) and Ben Curran (28 runs) provided solid starts, maintaining the momentum for a big score. However, their middle order struggled, with no other player surpassing the 20-run mark outside the top three.

ZIM’s bowlers then restricted the opposition to just 250 runs, with Blessing Muzarabani (4/51) and Richard Ngarva (3/56) claiming 7 wickets between them, effectively halting the opposition’s run-scoring. Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza also contributed with a wicket each.

Zimbabwe Squads

Zimbabwe

Nyasha Mayavo, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Craig Ervine, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani.

Ireland 

Ireland’s batters were dismissed for a mere 250 runs in the match. Curtis Campher was the top scorer with 44 runs, while Stirling, Harry Tector, L Tucker, and G Dockrell got starts but couldn’t build on them, losing wickets at regular intervals.

With the ball, IRE conceded 299 runs in their 50 overs. Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, and Graham Hume each claimed a wicket. Joshua Little had an expensive outing, while Matthew Humphreys bowled a more economical spell.

Ireland Squads

Ireland

Morgan Topping, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Andy Balbirnie, Barry McCarthy, Lorcan Tucker, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Craig Young, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland outfield report

Harare Sports Club, Harare

The pitch will stay the same during the game, thus both teams will try to chase down the total. The match day in Harare is predicted to be quite cloudy with a chance of rain. However, we only anticipate minor, sporadic delays during the game. It can slow down as the series goes on.  

ZIM vs IRE Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last 5 encounters, IRE won 2 and ZIM won one.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Zimbabwe has a 53% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.