ODI SERIES: A preview

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The stage is set for an intriguing three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe Men and Ireland Men at Harare Sports Club. Here’s what fans need to know before the action begins – including how to watch.

Zimbabwe and Ireland have played some thrilling encounters over the years. In ODIs, the two sides have faced off 22 times, with Ireland winning ten matches and Zimbabwe taking eight (three matches ended in no result and one was tied). The last time they met in a bilateral series in Zimbabwe (December 2023), Ireland won 2-0, with one match washed out. Earlier that year, the two teams shared the series 1-1, with the decider rained off.

Fans can watch the series online via www.icc.tv.

FIXTURES

14 February 2025: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 1 st ODI (Harare; 9.30am start)

Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 1 ODI (Harare; 9.30am start) 16 February 2025 : Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 2 nd ODI (Harare; 9.30am start)

: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 2 ODI (Harare; 9.30am start) 18 February 2025: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 3rd ODI (Harare; 9.30am start)

NB: Times are local to the venue (Zimbabwe is +2 hours ahead of Ireland)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ireland

Paul Stirling – The white-ball captain remains Ireland’s most explosive batter. With over 5,500 ODI runs, his ability to dominate Zimbabwe’s spinners will be key.

– The white-ball captain remains Ireland’s most explosive batter. With over 5,500 ODI runs, his ability to dominate Zimbabwe’s spinners will be key. Josh Little – The left-arm pacer continues to impress in franchise cricket and will be a vital asset with his pace and swing.

– The left-arm pacer continues to impress in franchise cricket and will be a vital asset with his pace and swing. Harry Tector – The middle-order batter has been Ireland’s most consistent performer in recent years in this format – he is currently ranked the 4th-highest ODI batter in world cricket. His technique against spin will be crucial in Harare.

Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza – The experienced all-rounder is the heartbeat of the Zimbabwean side. His middle-order contributions and off-spin will test Ireland’s batters.

– The experienced all-rounder is the heartbeat of the Zimbabwean side. His middle-order contributions and off-spin will test Ireland’s batters. Blessing Muzarabani – The tall fast bowler will look to exploit bounce at Harare Sports Club, making him Zimbabwe’s key weapon against Ireland’s top order.

– The tall fast bowler will look to exploit bounce at Harare Sports Club, making him Zimbabwe’s key weapon against Ireland’s top order. Richard Ngarava – A twin pace bowler with Muzarabani, Ngarava is particularly dangerous bowling across right-handers from over the wicket.

VENUE & STATS

Harare Sports Club has long been Zimbabwe’s premier cricket venue and is known for producing balanced ODIs. The Harare pitch generally troubles batters early on but tends to slow down as the match progresses. Fast bowlers who can extract bounce and movement upfront will also be effective.

Average 1st innings score (last 10 ODIs): 229

229 Chasing teams have won 104 of 185 matches at the venue, indicating that the toss could be crucial.

Highest total recorded: 408-6 (by Zimbabwe vs. USA in 2023)

408-6 (by Zimbabwe vs. USA in 2023) Lowest total recorded: 35 (by Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka in 2004)

35 (by Zimbabwe vs. Sri Lanka in 2004) Highest successful chase : 328-3 (by South Africa vs. Australia in 2014)

: 328-3 (by South Africa vs. Australia in 2014) Lowest scored defend: 129 (by Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan in 2017)

WHAT THE CAPTAIN’S SAID

Paul Stirling – Ireland Captain:

“[Having won three out of the last five ODIs here against Zimbabwe] gives you confidence certainly and I think that comes from winning those games not necessarily playing our best cricket. I still think we were underperforming slightly in a couple of those games and we still came out with the right result. There’s a lot factors always in Harare. There’s always gonna be a little bit of rain around you’ll always wondering, Is this toss gonna be important? When’s the rain gonna come? How many overs are we gonna play? There’s a lot of factors in there.”

Craig Ervine – Zimbabwe Captain:

“I think what we are trying to do as players and as a group is stick to our processes. I think everybody’s work ethic and our intensity has gone up because we feel that we need to raise the bar a little bit further and try and get guys to performing in an uncomfortable environment.”

SQUADS

Ireland ODI squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

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