ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

Ireland will face Zimbabwe for the 1st ODI at Harare Sports Club [Source: @cricketireland/X.com]

Zimbabwe is all set to take on Ireland for the 1st ODI of the three-match series. The game is scheduled to begin on February 14 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. Fans will be able to catch the live action from 1:00 PM IST.

ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Team Previews And Comparison

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's recent ODI form has not been good suffering recent losses from Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were in a slump even when they faced Ireland for the last time back in 2023 too. With pride at stake this time, the Zims will be aiming to take on Ireland with both of their units.

Zimbabwe will be banking on their experienced core and rising talents. Skipper Craig Ervine will anchor the batting lineup alongside Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, who bring both stability and firepower. Ben Curran and Brian Bennet add depth to the batting order, while the all-round abilities of Raza and Wessly Madhevere will be crucial in both departments. 

On the bowling front, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani will lead the pace attack, while Wellington Masakadza’s spin could play a vital role in restricting Ireland. With a balanced squad, Zimbabwe will aim to dominate both with the bat and ball.

Ireland

Ireland also suffered a series defeat against South Africa last year and does not have a shiny record either with concerns about their recent form. Nevertheless, their record against Zimbabwe has been good as they have won 10 matches against them out of the 22 matches played while Zimbabwe managed 8 wins.

Skipper Paul Stirling will be the key figure in the batting lineup, along with Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector. The all-around ability of Curtis Campher and George Dockrell will provide balance, with both players capable of contributing with bat and ball. 

On the bowling front, Joshua Little and Craig Young will spearhead the pace attack, while Matthew Humphreys and Andy McBrine will play crucial roles in the spin department.

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ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Match Details And Live Streaming

ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Pitch Report: How Will Surface At Harare Sports Club in Harare Behave?

The surface at Harare Sports Club is expected to offer some assistance to fast bowlers early in the innings, allowing them to generate movement and create early breakthroughs with the new ball. However, as the game progresses, spinners will also come into play, especially in the middle overs. While they may not get a significant turn, they can still use the surface to their advantage by varying their pace and lengths.

The average first-innings score at this venue in ODI stands at 229, indicating a competitive but not overly high-scoring pitch. Given the conditions and past records, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first to make the most of the early movement on offer.

ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Playing XI Prediction

Zimbabwe's Probable XI: Benjamin Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Blessing Muzurbani, Richard Ngarva, Newman Nyamburi, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, John Campbell, Wesley Madhevere   

Ireland's Probable XI: Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling (c), Graham Hume, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Andy McBrine, Mathew Humphreys

ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Fantasy Tips And Key Players

• The Harare Sports Club has been a competitive ground overall with challenges from bowlers with low-scoring affairs. Hence, choosing a bowler and all-rounder-heavy squad will be a safe bet for fantasy teams.
• Risky Pick: Joshua Little will be a risky fantasy pick due to his inconsistency and propensity for expensive spells. While he has delivered standout performances in ODIs against Zimbabwe, his economy can sometimes soar. Hence, with no noteworthy performances in the past, Little can be a high-risk, high-reward option for fantasy teams.
• Safe Pick: Sikandar Raza can be a safe bet for the fantasy pick as he has been in decent form with the bat and the ball in the recently concluded ILT20 2025. The all-rounder will be crucial to rack up fantasy points in both departments and will be a safe pick for the fantasy teams.
• Ireland's Star: Mark Adair can be a potential game-changer for Ireland. With his recent stellar knocks with the bat and crucial tumbles with the ball in the recently concluded Zimbabwe Test series and ILT20 2025, he can turn the tables for Ireland's side in crucial moments.
• Zimbabwe's Expected Key Players: Benjamin Curran, Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzurbani, Richard Ngarva, Sikandar Raza
• Ireland's Expected Key Players: Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Mathew Humphreys

ZIM vs IRE 1st ODI Winner Prediction

Zimbabwe has not been extremely good with their ODI campaigns and has also lost more times against Ireland. Ireland, on the other hand, will be high on confidence after their recent Test win against the Zims and hence will be favourites to win the 1st ODI against Zimbabwe as well despite the away conditions.

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