ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI: Zimbabwe and Ireland are set to face off in the opening match of their three-game ODI series, with both sides eager to take the early lead. Ireland comes into the contest with confidence after securing victory in the one-off Test, while Zimbabwe, strengthened by the return of key players like Sikandar Raza, will be determined to bounce back.
Zimbabwe’s home advantage, combined with their experienced core, gives them a strong foundation. Meanwhile, Ireland’s dynamic batting lineup, led by Harry Tector and Paul Stirling, will look to capitalize on their recent form. With both teams evenly matched, expect a thrilling contest to kick off the series.
Match Details
- Match: 1st ODI – Zimbabwe vs Ireland
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Date & Time: Wednesday, 14th February, 13:00 Local Time
- Series: Ireland Tour of Zimbabwe, 2025
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)
| Team | Wins | Losses | Ties | No Result | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 8 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 42.11% |
| Ireland | 10 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 52.63% |
The Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, has been a prominent venue for One Day Internationals (ODIs) since 1992. The pitch here offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, with an average first-innings score of 227 runs. Batsmen can capitalize on the consistent bounce and carry, while bowlers, especially seamers, may find early movement. Spinners often play a crucial role in the middle overs, exploiting any turn available.
ODI Statistics at Harare Sports Club:
- Total Matches Played: 183
- Matches Won Batting First: 84
- Matches Won Batting Second: 94
- Tied Matches: 1
- No Result Matches: 3
- Average First Innings Score: 227
- Highest Team Score: Australia’s 350/6 against Zimbabwe on August 30, 2014
- Lowest Team Score: Zimbabwe’s 35 all out against Sri Lanka on April 25, 2004
Scoring Pattern at Harare Sports Club:
- Below 200: 40 instances
- Between 200 and 249: 57 instances
- Between 250 and 299: 54 instances
- Above 300: 17 instances
Weather Condition
Weather conditions can significantly influence match outcomes. In February, Harare experiences warm temperatures with high humidity and frequent rainfall. On February 14, 2025, the forecast predicts cloudy and humid conditions with a thunderstorm, a high of 79°F (26°C), and a low of 64°F (18°C).
These conditions could lead to a damp outfield and a pitch that offers movement for seamers early on. Captains should consider these factors when making decisions at the toss, as the weather might favor bowlers initially, with batting becoming easier as the pitch dries out.
ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Lineups
Zimbabwe
Benjamin Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Blessing Muzurbani, Richard Ngarva, Newman Nyamburi, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, John Campbell, Wesley Madhevere
Ireland
Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling (c), Graham Hume, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Andy McBrine, Mathew Humphreys
Probable Best Players – ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza is Zimbabwe’s most experienced all-rounder and a match-winner with the bat. His ability to control the middle overs and accelerate when needed makes him a key player.
- Blessing Muzarabani is Zimbabwe’s leading pacer, known for his pace and bounce. He can trouble Ireland’s top order with his movement, especially in the early overs.
Ireland
- Harry Tector is Ireland’s most consistent ODI batter. His ability to anchor the innings and score fluently against both pace and spin makes him crucial for Ireland.
- Mark Adair is Ireland’s best pace option, providing early breakthroughs with the new ball and effective death-over bowling. His ability to swing the ball could trouble Zimbabwe’s top order.
ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Prediction
Scenario 1: Zimbabwe Batting First
- Projected Score: 230-240 runs
- Reasoning: With experienced batters like Craig Ervine and Sean Williams anchoring the innings, Zimbabwe can build a solid platform. Sikandar Raza is key in the middle overs, capable of accelerating the scoring rate. However, Ireland’s Mark Adair and Craig Young can challenge Zimbabwe’s top order with the new ball. If Zimbabwe loses early wickets, they might struggle to reach 270.
Scenario 2: Ireland Batting First
- Projected Score: 210-220 runs
- Reasoning: Ireland’s batting strength lies in Harry Tector, Paul Stirling, and Andrew Balbirnie, who can capitalize on Zimbabwe’s pace attack. However, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will be a major threat early on. If Ireland’s middle order, featuring Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker, fires, they could push towards 270. But Zimbabwe’s spinners, especially Wellington Masakadza, could restrict runs in the middle overs.
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