ZIM vs IRE, 3RD ODI: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Zimbabwe and Ireland will play in series decider [Source: Associated Press]

We have come to the series decider. There is nothing to separate the two teams as Zimbabwe and Ireland once again collide in the third and the final ODI on Monday. The series is evenly poised at 1-1, so we are in for a fascinating ride, that's for sure.

If Zimbabwe crawled their way back in the first ODI, then Ireland showed grit and determination to steal the win in the second match on Saturday.

There is something about Harry Tector at the moment. He scored a blistering ton in the first ODI, and notched up a match-winning 75 in the last match. He stands like a brick wall and Zimbabwe have a big headache on how to dismiss the in-form batter. With a win the last match, the visitors will be riding high on confidence.

Talking about Zimbabwe, they fought hard, but the total of 294 was a bit too much for the home team. They need to up their game, especially with the series on the line. The batting has faltered big time, and the openers need to shoulders responsibility if Zimbabwe are to seal the series.

Match Details

Date and Time: January 23, 12:45 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report

The track at Harare Sports Club is a batting paradise, and it was pretty evident right from game one. It has assistance for the pacers up-front, but it gets flatter as the game progresses. Truckloads of runs were scored in the first two matches, and expect the tradition to continue in the series decider as well.

Probable XI

No injury concern for Zimbabwe heading into this clash, but coach Dave Houghton believes in giving a long run to its players. So expect the home side to play with the same side.

Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie is ruled out of the series and that's their only headache. But they did sort things up in the last match and the winning formula won't be changed.

Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Chamu Chibhabha, Gary Ballance, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Victor Nyauchi

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Stephen Doheny, Murray Commins, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Joshua Little

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keeper: Stephen Doheny

Batters: Gary Ballance, Innocent Kaia, Harry Tector, George Dockrell

All-Rounders: Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza

Bowlers: Brad Evans, Tendai Chatara, Joshua Little, Mark Adair

Prediction

A tight one to call. Both teams have nerves of steal, but Zimbabwe have a cutting-edge when it comes to series decider. A difficult call, but Zimbabwe should win this in a close-fought contest.

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