ZIM vs IRE, 2nd T20I: Preview, Prediction, Fantasy Tips

Gary Ballance plays a shot [Source: Associated Press]

After a close-fought battle in the first T20I, Zimbabwe are set to collide against the visiting Ireland side in the second game of the series on Saturday.

Despite missing key players including Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe won the opening T20I by 5 wickets, but credit had to be given to Ireland who fought hard, but ultimately failed to defend a below-par total of 114.

Kudos to a resurgent Zimbabwe attack, who were ruthless and bowled at tight lines and lengths to trouble the opposition. Under the astute leadership of Dave Houghton, we have seen an aggressive Zimbabwe side and at-least the bowling was exceptional against an under-confident Irish side.

On the other hand, Ireland bowlers fought hard, but the failure of the batters meant they were always lagging behind in the game. With the series on the line, the Irish batters have to step up against a quality bowling attack. Another slip up and yet another series could be gone out of their hands.

Match Details

Date and Time: January 14, 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report

The surface at the Harare Sports Club will be a balanced one. The track will have something for the pacers up-front, but will ease up as the day progresses. Expect the toss winning side to chase on this track.

Probable XI

Zimbabwe won the opening T20I, and it is highly unlikely that they'll make a change to the winning combination. Barring an injury, the home side should go with the same combination.

Ireland lost a close game last time, but with no batting bench strength, they will stick to the same side.

Zim: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine (c), Gary Ballance, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara

Ire: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Ross Adair, Stephen Doheny (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Tyrone Kane, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Barry McCarthy

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keeper: Stephen Doheny

Batters: Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Harry Tector

All-Rounders: Sean Williams, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell

Bowlers: Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Wellington Masakadza, Mark Adair

Captain: Ryan Burl

Vice-Captain: Richard Ngarava

Prediction

As of late, Zimbabwe are a strong outfit at home. Despite missing some key players, they did well in the opening T20I, and expect the home team to come out victorious this around as well.

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