Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 1st ODI: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Zimbabwe | PC: Twitter

After a highly competitive and closely fought three-match T20I series, Zimbabwe and Ireland will focus on the One-Day International series, comprising three matches. 

The first match of the series between the two sides will be played at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Wednesday, January 18. Riding high on confidence from the series win in the T20I series, Zimbabwe will look to start this series on a high.

On the other hand, Ireland gave a tough fight to the hosts in the T20I series. Expect nothing less from them in the ODIs, as they are capable enough to spring a surprise in white-ball cricket. All in all, a cracking 50-Overs game beckons at Harare.

Match Details 

Date & Time: January 18, 12:45 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare 
Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report 

The pitch at Harare will have some moisture in it, so it will offer significant assistance to seamers early on. However, the wicket will be dried up with time and behave as a batting beauty in the second half. So, whoever wins the toss will indeed look to bowl first. 

Predicted Playing XI

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Gary Ballance, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (WK), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara

Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Paul Stirling, Craig Ervine, Harry Tector
All-Rounders: Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Andy McBrine
Bowlers: Joshua Little, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Mark Adair

Captain: Paul Stirling
Vice-Captain: Sikandar Raza

Prediction

The team batting second has found great success at this venue in the 50-Overs format. Overall, Ireland is a force to be reckoned with in this format, with the likes of Loran Tucker, Paul Stirling and Josh Little holding the impetus for the Men in Green.

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