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ZIM vs IRE 2nd ODI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Clash?

The ODI season is in full swing as Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Ireland (IRE) prepare to face off in the second match of their bilateral series at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, February 16, 2025. With Zimbabwe leading the series 1-0, this match presents an opportunity for the hosts to secure a series victory, while for Ireland, it is a must-win encounter to keep their hopes alive.

ZIM vs IRE
ZIM vs IRE

Match Overview

  • Fixture: Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 2nd ODI
  • Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
  • Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
  • Time: 12:30 PM IST . 9:00 AM Local Time

Zimbabwe enters the match with confidence, having won the first ODI by 49 runs. The hosts delivered a well-rounded performance, with Brian Bennett and Craig Ervine leading the charge with the bat, while the pace duo of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani ensured a disciplined bowling display.

On the other hand, Ireland struggled in all departments in the first match. Their bowlers were expensive, and their batting lineup failed to convert starts into match-winning contributions. With Paul Stirling’s side on the back foot, they must deliver an improved performance to level the series.

Team Form & Key Players to Watch

Zimbabwe (ZIM) – Strengths & Key Players

Zimbabwe’s batting and bowling units clicked well in the first ODI, making them slight favorites heading into this contest.

Key Players:

✔ Brian Bennett A match-winning all-round performance in the first ODI saw him shine with the bat and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His form remains vital for Zimbabwe.
✔ Craig Ervine (Captain) The experienced batter played a calm and composed knock, providing the stability Zimbabwe needed at the top.
✔ Blessing Muzarabani & Richard Ngarava Both pacers executed their plans brilliantly, restricting Ireland’s batters and taking crucial wickets.
✔ Sikandar Raza The all-rounder is a proven match-winner, and although he didn’t fire in the first ODI, his ability to impact both departments makes him a key figure.

Ireland (IRE) – Strengths & Key Players

Ireland struggled to gain momentum in the first match, but they still possess enough firepower to bounce back.

Key Players:

✔ Paul Stirling (Captain) The veteran opener and leader will need to play a commanding innings to set the tone for Ireland.
✔ Harry Tector One of Ireland’s most consistent batters, Tector’s ability to build partnerships will be crucial.
✔ Joshua Little Ireland’s most potent pacer, he will need to deliver early breakthroughs to put Zimbabwe under pressure.
✔ Curtis Campher A valuable all-rounder, Campher’s contribution with both bat and ball could be a game-changer.

Pitch & Weather Report

Pitch Analysis Harare Sports Club

  • The Harare surface is known for assisting batters early on, but it slows down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play.
  • Pacers can extract movement under overcast conditions, making early wickets crucial.
  • The average first-innings score in ODIs at Harare Sports Club is around 250-270, indicating that a competitive total is key.

Weather Forecast

  • Partly cloudy skies are expected, but rain is unlikely to interrupt play.
  • Temperatures will hover around 25-28°C, with some humidity assisting swing bowlers in the early stages.

Match Prediction: Who Will Win?

Why Zimbabwe Could Win

✔ Momentum is on their side after a convincing victory in the first ODI.
✔ Their batters are in better form, with key players already contributing well.
✔ The pace duo of Muzarabani and Ngarava is in rhythm, making life difficult for Irish batters.
✔ Home advantage and familiarity with conditions could prove decisive.

Why Ireland Could Win

✔ Desperation to stay alive in the series could fuel a stronger performance.
✔ Stirling and Tector have the ability to anchor a big chase or set a solid total.
✔ The bowling unit is capable of bouncing back, particularly if Joshua Little delivers early wickets.

Final Prediction:

Zimbabwe holds a slight edge, given their form and home advantage, but Ireland cannot be ruled out. If their batting lineup steps up, they have a realistic chance to level the series.

✔ Predicted Winner: Zimbabwe (ZIM) A well-balanced squad with better execution in the first ODI makes them favorites to clinch the series.

Possible Playing XIs

Zimbabwe (ZIM) Probable XI:

  1. Craig Ervine (C)
  2. Brian Bennett
  3. Sean Williams
  4. Sikandar Raza
  5. Ryan Burl
  6. Clive Madande (WK)
  7. Wellington Masakadza
  8. Luke Jongwe
  9. Richard Ngarava
  10. Blessing Muzarabani
  11. Victor Nyauchi

Ireland (IRE) Probable XI:

  1. Paul Stirling (C)
  2. Andrew Balbirnie
  3. Harry Tector
  4. Curtis Campher
  5. Lorcan Tucker (WK)
  6. George Dockrell
  7. Mark Adair
  8. Andy McBrine
  9. Joshua Little
  10. Barry McCarthy
  11. Craig Young

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