Ireland vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Ireland and Zimbabwe will face each other in the second match of the 3-match ODI series, at Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont in Belfast.  The first match saw Ireland winning by four wickets with nine balls to spare.

Ireland outperformed in all the departments against Zimbabwe in the first encounter. Paul Stirling is expected to deliver another all-around performance. James McCollum needs to convert good start to a big innings. Andrew Balbirnie with a blistering hundred didn’t let the loopholes of the middle order to get exposed. But the skipper William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien at number four and five must perform and do not depend on the lower order. Mark Adair took four wickets but conceded enough runs. The bowling attack led by Mark and Tim Murtagh need to check on the runs.

Zimbabwe are already going through tough times after their series loss against the Netherlands. The focus is to revive the team spirit first. The first game saw Craig Ervine posting a gutsy 115 post the early scalps. Ryan Burl’s cameo of 49 towards the end helped them to put 254/9. The way they came back after the initial collapse that was commendable. Even the bowlers did pretty well to restrict Irish batters with whatever they had on board. Sean Williams, although couldn’t do much the previous game is always useful with his all-around experience. Apart from giving the middle order support, he can trouble the opponent with left-arm spin as well. Tendai Chatara was exceptionally brilliant with the new ball and was well supported by Kyle Jarvis. The openers need to give a base on which the middle order can build the innings.

Head to head

Till now these two have played 11 matches in total. Zimbabwe are leading the count with 6-4. Not a huge margin so far and Ireland have the potential to decrease the same.

Key players

Paul Stirling (Ireland): Stirling picked up from where he ended and continued to showcase his all-around skills in the first match against Zimbabwe. He scored a calculated 57 off 74 and gave a solid start during the chase, His presence in the top order gives stability. His off break bowling comes handy when required.

Tendai Chatara (Zimbabwe) – Chatara opens the bowling for Zimbabwe. The last match saw him finishing with three wickets in nine over where he conceded only 36 runs. The most economical bowler broke the most important partnership of Ireland innings. Then he took two major middle-order wickets. No wonder he can be the key player for Zimbabwe to clinch a win.

Likely XIs

Ireland: Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andrew Balbirnie, William Porterfield (c), Kevin O’Brien, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Shane Getkate, Mark Adair, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin, Andy McBrine

Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk),  Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Peter Moor, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara

Prediction:

Ireland will continue the good form and win the match.