Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 1st T20I 2023: Match preview, playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details

The first T20I between Zimbabwe and Ireland will take place on Thursday, December 7.

Published - 06 Dec 2023, 13:42 IST | Updated - 06 Dec 2023, 14:00 IST

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Zimbabwe and Ireland are set to play two white-ball series which consists of three T20Is and as many ODIs. The T20I series will kick off on Thursday, December 7, and will conclude on December 10. Meanwhile, the ODI series are scheduled to be played on December 13, 15, and 17, respectively. All the matches will be contested at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

Paul Stirling will lead Ireland while Zimbabwe's T20I side will be captained by Sikandar Raza. Zimbabwe will eye to clinch both series whereas Ireland are also expected to put up a strong challenge to the home team. Zimbabwe and Ireland have played 12 T20I matches against each other with both teams winning on six occasions each.

Harare Sports Club Pitch Report

The pitch in Harare generally favours both batters and bowlers in white-ball format. Pacers will get more assistance as per the previous games played at this venue. Teams bowling first will have more chances to register a win at this ground.

ZIM vs IRE Probable Playing XI, Ireland Tour of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will come up with a strong lineup when they take on Ireland in the first T20I. They have added some new faces to their squad including the uncapped duo of Brian Bennett, middle-order batter, and Trevor Gwandu, fast bowler.

Predicted XI: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine, Trevor Gwandu, Luke Jongwe, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba

Ireland

Paul Stirling could be key for Ireland as the tour will mark his maiden assignment as a full-time white-ball captain. Ireland will also come up with a different XI as they have omitted several players from the squad that faced India in August.

Predicted XI: Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk)