Cricket Match Prediction | Zimbabwe vs Ireland | Only Test | Feb 06 – Let’s see who will win?

ZIM vs IRE Match Analysis

Zimbabwe and Ireland will play each other in the only match of the one-match test series on February 06, 2025, at 2:00 PM BST at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Zimbabwe has long held associate member status and play significantly fewer matches than full-member nations. They will be aiming to kick off their tour of Ireland with a winning start.

Ireland, the newest entrant to Test cricket, made their debut in 2018 and have played only nine matches so far. After losing their first seven games, they bounced back strongly last year with two consecutive victories.

ZIM vs IRE Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will be led by their regular captain, Craig Ervine, on this tour. Joylord Gumbie and Benjamin Curran are set to open the batting, with T Kaitano expected to anchor the innings at No. 3. Experienced players Sean Williams and Craig Ervine will play key roles, while newcomers Nick Welsh and John Campbell are likely to make their Test debuts.

The bowling attack of ZIM will be spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava with the new ball, supported by Newman Nyamburu and Victor Nyauchi in the XI. Sean Williams, along with T Kaitano and Brian Bennett, will also feature in the lineup.

Zimbabwe Squads

Craig Ervine, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nyasha Mayavo, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Vincent Masekesa.

Ireland 

Ireland will open with their captain, Andrew Balbirnie, alongside Peter Moor. Their middle order boasts plenty of experience, featuring Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and Paul Stirling, all of whom have extensive international exposure. Andy McBrine and Barry McCarthy provide additional batting depth with their all-round abilities.

Their pace attack of IRE looks strong, with Barry McCarthy, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, and Craig Young leading the charge. Andy McBrine will be the frontline spinner, while Matthew Humphreys and Gavin Hoey are competing for the second spinner’s spot in the playing XI.

Ireland Squads

Andy Balbirnie, Peter Moor, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine, Paul Stirling, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Morgan Topping.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland outfield report

Given how challenging it is to chase in the fourth innings on this wicket, we anticipate that both captains will bat first. The weather in Bulawayo will be sunny and beautiful for the first three days of the match. The final two days of the match may bring sporadic rain and possibly ominous skies. 

The first games of the last two series have been played on Queens Sports Club’s typically flat ground, which has resulted in a draw. Since this is only a test match, we anticipate a little hotter pitch. After the early dampness subsides on the first day, batting will be simpler for the first three days. 

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last encounter, IRE won the match.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Ireland has a 55% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.