ZIM vs IRE, 1st T20I: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips

Ireland cricket team [Source: Twitter]

On Thursday, Ireland will lock horns with hosts Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series. The game will be played at the Harare Sports Club. 

Both teams fared well beyond expectations in the T20 World Cup held in Australia last year. While Zimbabwe recorded a magical win over the eventual finalists Pakistan, Ireland showed the exit door to the mighty West Indies, drubbing them in the Group stage. 

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe will miss the services of their trump card Sikandar Raza, who has been released from the national squad to participate in global T20 leagues. The Chevrons will also be without Blessing Muzarabani, who has been ruled out due to injury. So, the likes of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl and Richard Ngarava must step up to ensure the hosts' success in the series. Meanwhile, the eyes will be on former England cricketer Gary Ballance, who will likely make his Zimbabwe debut in this clash. 

On the other hand, Ireland have come up with a robust squad studded with Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Harry Tector and Mark Adair. However, like their counterparts, the Irishmen will miss several key players, Joshua Little, Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker, due to T20 league commitments. Therefore, the onus will be on Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy and Stephen Doheny to not let the visitors miss their marquee players. 

Match Details

Date and Time: January 12, 04.30 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Live Streaming: FanCode app and Website

Pitch Report: The surface at the Harare Sports Club generally assists the batters, with marginal help for the spinners in it. Batting becomes trickier with time, as evident from the fact that the teams batting first have won four of the last six T20Is played at the venue. So, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first in the face-off. 

Predicted XIs

Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (C), Harry Tector, Stephen Doheny (WK), Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Tyron Kane, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (C), Innocent Kaia, Gary Ballance, Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Clive Mandane (WK), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-Keeper: Stephen Doheny
Batters: Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector
All-Rounders: Sean Williams, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell
Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Fionn Hand, Mark Adair/Barry McCarthy

Captain: Andrew Balbirnie
Vice Captain: Sean Williams

Prediction

Despite missing a few key players, Ireland have a solid line-up packed with all-rounders. So, if the visitors play as per their potential, they'll likely emerge victorious in this match. 

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