The three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Ireland (IRE) is all set to commence on January 12 at Harare Sports Club. The series will mark Gary Ballance’s return to international cricket as the former England international recently switched sides after deciding to play for Zimbabwe, his birth country.
Now, with Sikandar Raza not being part of the squad for the T20I series, the 33-year-old will play a massive role in the squad. Along with Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Ryan Burl, he will be part of Zimbabwe’s core team as the nation is eyeing to do well in the upcoming ODI World Cup and in the next T20 World Cup. Notably, speedster Blessing Muzarabani will also miss the series as he is currently recovering from an injury.
Their opponent Ireland are short on star power as well. The team will miss the services of opener Paul Stirling and Josh Little, who currently are engaged in the ILT20 and SA20 respectively. Nevertheless, the Andrew Balbirnie-led side will fancy their chances against Zimbabwe as they have some serious talent in their ranks. They performed well in the recently concluded T20 World Cup and thus will be full of confidence.
Check out: ZIM vs IRE 1st T20I Live Score
Match Details
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Date & Time: January 12, 4:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
The surface at Harare will slightly be on the slower side. The batters need to spend some time in the middle to get adjusted to the conditions before going after the bowlers. The team winning the toss should elect to bowl first and anything above 170 can be considered to be a good total on this pitch.
Predicted Playing XIs for ZIM vs IRE
Zimbabwe (ZIM):
Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Gary Ballance, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Clive Mandade, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Luke Jongwe
Ireland (IRE):
Andrew Balbirnie, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Tyrone Kane, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Neil Rock, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Fionn Hand.
Probable Best Performers from ZIM vs IRE
Probable best batter: Gary Ballance
The 33-year-old Gary Ballance can actually make a difference in the first T20I of the series. He has played 100 T20 matches so far in his career, scoring 1087 runs at a strike rate of 122.67. If he manages to get a good start, Ballance can make his innings count.
Probable best bowler: Richard Ngarava
In the absence of Blessing Muzarabani, ace pacer Richard Ngarava will be key for the team in the series. In 31 T20I matches he played so far, the 25-year-old picked up 31 wickets at an economy rate of 7.82.
Today’s Match Prediction: Zimbabwe to win the match
Check Here: ZIM vs IRE My Dream11 Team
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
