ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 2nd ODI match between Zimbabwe and Ireland?

The season for ODIs has started and Zimbabwe and Ireland will go up against each other once again at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, February 16 for the second game of the series. This will be a chance for Zimbabwe to claim a series win whereas for Ireland it will be a do-or-die situation.

Zimbabwe started their season in great fashion, winning the first game by a decent margin in the end. The batters performed well and the bowling attack made sure they made the Irish fight for their runs in the chase. Brian Bennett and skipper Craig Ervine who were the stars with the bat and the pace duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani bowled great spells to ensure a victory by 49 runs in the end.

On the other hand, it was a match to forget for the Paul Stirling-led side where all their bowlers were on the expensive side and the batters could not convert their starts into big scores in the end. They will have to bring their A-game in this upcoming match to keep the series in the balance and make sure they play some great cricket in the end.

Also Check: ZIM vs IRE, 2nd ODI – Live Cricket Score

Match Details

Pitch report: Harare Sports Club

The same ground will be hosting the second ODI of the series as well and though Harare was said to be a ground where the team chasing has won more, the conditions in the first ODI indicated otherwise. The pitch had something for the bowlers in the second innings where the pacers were getting some uneven bounce. This might lead to the skipper winning the toss and choosing to bat on this wicket.

Head-to-Head Record

ZIM vs IRE Predicted Playing 11

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.

Ireland

Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little.

ZIM vs IRE Probable Best Performers

Probable Best batter: Craig Ervine

There is no doubt that Brian Bennett’s knock was one of the best knocks from a Zimbabwe player this season but the support from skipper Craig Ervine should not be overlooked. He will want to continue playing bigger knocks than this in the upcoming ODI as well and will want to lead from the front once again.

Probable Best bowler: Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani has proved himself time and again why he has been one of the best pacers for Zimbabwe this season and bowled another incredible spell in the first game. The 28-year-old pacer’s four-wicket haul broke the back of the Ireland batting lineup and his team would want him to repeat a similar performance once again.

Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first will win the match

Scenario 1

Zimbabwe wins the toss and opt to bat first
Powerplay: 70-80
ZIM: 290-300
Zimbabwe to win the match

Scenario 2

Ireland wins the toss and opt to bat first
Powerplay: 50-75
IRE: 260-280
Ireland to win the match

Read More: ZIM vs IRE, 2nd ODI – Fantasy11 Prediction