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The Ireland vs Zimbabwe prediction for the 1st ODI of the 2025 series is set to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to start their campaign on a high note. The match will be played on Friday, 14th February 2025, at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. With Ireland coming off a Test win and Zimbabwe looking to leverage home advantage, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s analyze the match details, team previews, and fantasy tips to predict the outcome.
Table of content
- 1 Match Details
- 2 Team Previews
- 3 Ireland Preview
- 4 Zimbabwe Preview
- 5 IRE vs ZIM Squad
- 6 Fantasy Team XI – Dream11 Prediction for Today Ireland vs Zimbabwe
- 7 Favourite Team in Today’s Match
- 8 ODI History
- 9 Head-to-Head Stats
- 10 Pitch Report
- 11 Weather Report
- 12 Toss Prediction:
- 13 Match Prediction
- 14 FAQ – IRE vs ZIM 1st ODI
- 15 Match Summary
- 16 Share this:
- 17 Like this:
- 18 Related
Match Details
| Match | Ireland vs Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Date | 14th February 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 PM |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Series | Ireland tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
Team Previews
Ireland Preview
Ireland are currently ranked 11th in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings with a rating of 52. While they recently secured a Test victory against Zimbabwe, their ODI form has been inconsistent, suffering a 2-1 series loss against South Africa.
Despite these struggles, Ireland remain a dangerous side in white-ball cricket, boasting a squad filled with experienced and talented players. Paul Stirling will lead the team, with Josh Little, Curtis Campher, and Barry McCarthy forming a strong core.
Key Players to Watch
1. Paul Stirling – Captain & Opening Powerhouse
Paul Stirling is Ireland’s most experienced batter, known for his aggressive stroke play. With over 5000 ODI runs, he has the ability to dominate any bowling attack. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding Ireland through this series.
2. Harry Tector – Ireland’s Rising Star
Tector has been one of Ireland’s most consistent batters over the last year. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key player. He will be expected to play a major role in strengthening the middle order.
3. Curtis Campher – The All-Rounder
Campher is Ireland’s most reliable all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. His ability to pick up crucial wickets and play impactful innings in the lower middle order makes him an asset to the team.
4. Josh Little – The Pace Spearhead
Josh Little has been Ireland’s best fast bowler, known for his pace and accuracy. His ability to generate bounce and movement will be key in troubling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Team Composition & Strategy
Batting Lineup
- Openers: Paul Stirling & Andrew Balbirnie – Both players provide a solid and experienced start.
- Middle Order: Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and George Dockrell – A mix of experience and young talent capable of handling pressure.
- Lower Order: Andy McBrine & Mark Adair – Both are capable hitters who add depth to the batting lineup.
Bowling Attack
- Pace Quartet: Josh Little, Graham Hume, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, and Craig Young provide variety in the attack.
- Spin Department: Andy McBrine & Matthew Humphreys – McBrine is the lead spinner, with Humphreys playing a supporting role.
Challenges for Ireland
- Inconsistent middle order: The team has relied too much on Stirling and Tector.
- Struggles in spin-friendly conditions: Zimbabwe’s spinners could pose a big challenge.
- Bowling depth: While their pace attack is strong, they lack a world-class spinner.
Ireland’s Strategy for the Series
- Aggressive start from Stirling & Balbirnie to put Zimbabwe on the back foot early.
- Contain Zimbabwe’s key batters like Sikandar Raza by using pace variations.
- All-rounders must step up to contribute with both bat and ball.
Ireland will be determined to bounce back from their recent ODI losses and aim to secure a series win against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe currently sit 13th in the ICC ODI rankings, with a rating of 51. They have struggled in ODI cricket, most recently losing a series 2-0 against Afghanistan.
Despite this, Zimbabwe will fancy their chances at home, where conditions will favor their spin-heavy attack. The team will be led by Craig Ervine, with their star batter Sikandar Raza returning from a strong T20 League performance.
Key Players to Watch
1. Sikandar Raza – Zimbabwe’s Backbone
Raza is Zimbabwe’s best player and in the form of his life. He has the ability to play long innings, accelerate when needed, and contribute with the ball. His performance will be crucial for Zimbabwe’s chances.
2. Blessing Muzarabani – Zimbabwe’s Fast Bowling Leader
Muzarabani is Zimbabwe’s most consistent fast bowler, known for his ability to generate bounce and movement. He will be key in troubling Ireland’s batting lineup.
3. Craig Ervine – Captain & Anchor
Ervine’s experience in the top order provides stability to Zimbabwe’s batting. His ability to play spin and pace well makes him a key player in the series.
4. Sean Williams – The Veteran All-Rounder
Williams brings valuable experience with both bat and ball. He will be expected to hold the middle order together and provide support with his left-arm spin.
Team Composition & Strategy
Batting Lineup
- Openers: Jonathan Campbell & Benjamin Curran – A fresh opening pair with potential.
- Middle Order: Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, and T. Marumani – A blend of experienced and young players.
Bowling Attack
- Pace Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani & Richard Ngarava – Both will lead Zimbabwe’s attack with the new ball.
- Spin Options: Wellington Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams – A strong spin-heavy approach, ideal for home conditions.
Challenges for Zimbabwe
- Inconsistent top order: Zimbabwe’s openers have struggled in recent series.
- Over-reliance on Sikandar Raza: If he fails, Zimbabwe’s batting often collapses.
- Pace attack depth: Beyond Muzarabani and Ngarava, the pace attack lacks experience.
Zimbabwe’s Strategy for the Series
- Target Ireland’s spin weaknesses with their strong spin attack.
- Utilize Raza & Williams as all-rounders to control the middle overs.
- Bat deep and avoid collapses, ensuring a strong finish in the death overs.
Zimbabwe have the home advantage, but they must step up in ODI cricket to challenge Ireland effectively.
IRE vs ZIM Squad
Zimbabwe Squad: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Nyasha Mayavo, Johnathan Campbell, Tinotenda Maposa
Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young
Fantasy Team XI – Dream11 Prediction for Today Ireland vs Zimbabwe
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Stirling | Batsman |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
| Andrew Balbirnie | Batsman |
| Craig Ervine | Batsman |
| Curtis Campher | All-rounder |
| Sean Williams | All-rounder |
| Josh Little | Bowler |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
| Barry McCarthy | Bowler |
| Richard Ngarava | Bowler |
| Lorcan Tucker | Wicketkeeper |
Fantasy Analysis:
- Paul Stirling and Sikandar Raza are must-haves due to their consistent performances.
- Curtis Campher and Sean Williams provide excellent all-round options.
- Josh Little and Blessing Muzarabani are the key bowlers to watch out for.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Tadiwanashe Marumani (Zimbabwe) – Inconsistent form and low recent scores.
- Morgan Topping (Ireland) – Limited impact in recent matches.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Ireland are the favourites to win this match. Their strong batting lineup, led by Paul Stirling, and a disciplined bowling attack give them an edge over Zimbabwe.
ODI History
Ireland ODI History
- Total Matches Played: 204
- Won: 81
- Lost: 105
- No Result: 15
- Tie: 3
Zimbabwe ODI History
- Total Matches Played: 579
- Won: 153
- Lost: 403
- No Result: 16
- Tie: 7
Head-to-Head Stats
| Total Matches Played | 22 |
| Ireland Won | 10 |
| Zimbabwe Won | 8 |
| No Result | 3 |
| Tie | 1 |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is balanced, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. A total of 260+ is considered competitive.
Weather Report
The weather in Harare is expected to be clear with no chances of rain. The temperature will be around 28°C, ideal for a cricket match.
Toss Prediction:
Winner: Zimbabwe
Match Prediction
Ireland are predicted to win this match due to their strong batting lineup and recent form.
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Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – IRE vs ZIM 1st ODI
What time does the IRE vs ZIM match start?
The match starts at 1:00 PM on 14th February 2025.
Where can I watch the IRE vs ZIM match?
The match will be broadcasted on Fancode.
Who is the captain of Ireland?
Paul Stirling is the captain of Ireland.
Who is the captain of Zimbabwe?
Craig Ervine is the captain of Zimbabwe.
What is the predicted score if Ireland bat first?
The predicted score is 260+.
Who is the favourite to win the match?
Ireland are the favourites with a 70% chance of winning
What is the head-to-head record between Ireland and Zimbabwe?
Ireland leads with 10 wins out of 22 matches.
Match Summary
The Ireland vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI promises to be a thrilling contest as Ireland aims to continue their winning momentum, while Zimbabwe looks to leverage home advantage. Ireland’s strong batting, led by Paul Stirling, and a disciplined bowling attack make them favorites. Zimbabwe will rely on Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani to challenge Ireland. The pitch at Harare Sports Club is balanced, and the weather is expected to be clear. Ireland are predicted to win, but Zimbabwe could spring a surprise with a strong performance. Stay tuned for an exciting match!
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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