Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women 3rd T20I: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

The first two matches of the 3-T20I series between Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women have been abandoned without a ball being bowled. Now it is time for the 3^rd and the final encounter. The final match will be played on July 14 at Bready Cricket Club, Magheramason, Bready.

Ireland Women although had qualified for Women’s World T20 in West Indies, were defeated in all their home matches against West Indies in May. But they have a good past where they have beaten Bangladesh thrice, Pakistan twice, and South Africa once. But their biggest blow came post World T20 when a bunch of senior cricketers retired. The young cricketers have so far tried to make up for the same and expected to do that even in this tour.

For Zimbabwe Women, the T20I status has been a new one. They attained one post the decision of ICC to provide T20I status to all Twenty20 matches. Since then they have won 14 matches although played mostly against Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This series is a good opportunity to acquire a good reputation as a T20 team.

Head to head

This will be the first time these two sides will face each other for any international match across all formats.

Key players

Kim Garth (Ireland Women): Kim Garth Garth is the mainstay for Ireland batting line up. In fact, she is arguably their best bowler as well. Overall she is the most important player for the side who leads from the front. Even the series against West Indies where Ireland were beaten up ruthless, Garth scored 146 runs at 73 and claimed 4 wickets.

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (Zimbabwe Women): Mugeri-Tiripano, the No. 3 bat for Zimbabwe Women is a combination player. She provides solidity to the middle order and simultaneously collects runs. In the Africa Region Qualifier for the World T20, she batted at an average of almost 40 and a strike rate of 132.

Likely XIs

Ireland Women: Mary Waldron (wk), Gaby Lewis, Kim Garth (c), Rebecca Stokell, Shauna Kavanagh, Una Raymond-Hoey, Louise Little, Sophie McMahon, Lara Maritz, Celeste Raack, Anna Kerrison.

Zimbabwe Women: Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Josephine Nkomo, Anesu Mushangwe, Ashley Ndiraya, Precious Marange, Tasmeen Granger, Nomvelo Sibanda, Nomatter Mutasa.

Prediction

Ireland to win the final match and series 1-0.