ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's 1st T20I?

Soumyajit Dutta

Paul Stirling and Sikandar Raza [Source: @ICC/X.com]Paul Stirling and Sikandar Raza [Source: @ICC/X.com]

After a 2-1 ODI series win, Zimbabwe will be a confident pack to take on Ireland in the upcoming 1st T20I game of the tri-match affair. The game is scheduled for February 22 and will be held at Harare Sports Club in Harare. fans will be able to catch all the live action from 5 PM IST.

ZIM vs IRE Predicted Score Today

Predicted First Innings Score:  140-150 Runs

Predicted Second Innings Score: 130-140 Runs

Who Will Win Today’s ZIM vs IRE Match?

Case 1: If Ireland Bat First

The toss-winning captain would like to bowl first given the fact that bowlers will get early help from the pitch. Hence, Ireland might face some trouble while chipping in with the bat. Nevertheless, skipper Paul Stirling will be crucial at the top, providing an aggressive start and countering early movement. Harry Tector will anchor the innings, ensuring stability while accelerating later. 

Curtis Campher’s ability to rebuild and finish strongly will be valuable, while Lorcan Tucker can rotate strike efficiently in the middle overs. Gareth Delany’s aggressive batting can help tackle Zimbabwe’s spinners, and Mark Adair’s late-order power-hitting could provide a strong finish. A balanced approach across all phases will be key for Ireland to set a challenging total.

Case 2: If Zimbabwe Bat First

If Zimbabwe bats first against Ireland, their top order will play a crucial role in setting up a solid foundation. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennet will be key in providing an aggressive start, while Dion Myers and Wessly Madhevere can stabilize the innings in the middle overs. Skipper Sikandar Raza’s experience will be vital in anchoring the innings and accelerating when needed. 

Ryan Burl, who was in good form in BPL 2024-25 and Tony Munyonga can add firepower in the later stages with their finishing abilities. If the top order lays a strong platform, Zimbabwe’s all-rounders can capitalize, ensuring a competitive total against Ireland as the Zimbabwe bowlers will also be ready to take on the Irish batters in the second half.

ZIM vs IRE Head-to-Head Record In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches Played15
Zimbabwe Won7
Ireland Won8
Tied0
No Result0

Harare Sports Club, Harare - Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch offers a balanced contest for batters and bowlers. Early moisture aids movement and bounce for pacers, making batting tricky initially. As the game progresses, stroke play becomes easier, with spinners gaining assistance later. Chasing teams have a better record, making bowling first a preferred choice.

Players To Watch Out For In ZIM vs IRE

Ireland

  • Paul Stirling will be a crucial batter for Ireland, given his ability to provide aggressive starts. With a recent knock of 89 off 102 balls against Zimbabwe, he has the experience to anchor the innings and take on the bowlers.
  • Curtis Campher offers balance with both bat and ball, having scored 63 and 44 in recent ODIs while also delivering a 3-13 bowling spell, making him a key middle-order player and a wicket-taking option.
  • Mark Adair will be vital in leading Ireland’s pace attack, having picked up 4-54 and 2-55 in recent ODIs against Zimbabwe. His ability to strike early and bowl at the death makes him a key asset.

Zimbabwe

  • Sikandar Raza will be a key all-rounder for Zimbabwe, providing stability in the middle order. His recent 58 against Ireland shows his ability to anchor the innings and he can also bowl economically under pressure.
  • Brian Bennett has been in superb form, with a blistering 169 in an ODI against Ireland, making him a dangerous top-order batter capable of accelerating the scoring.
  • Wessly Madhevere brings consistency and versatility to Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, with a crucial 61 in his last ODI against Ireland and an 84 in Tests, proving his adaptability across formats.