Ireland vs Zimbabwe, 2019: 2nd ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Zimbabwe’s poor form in their tour of Europe continued as they lost to Ireland in the first of the 3-match ODI series. Earlier in the Netherlands, the Hamilton Masakadza-led team lost twice in the 2-match ODI series and only won the final T20I that too in the Super Over. In fact, Zimbabwe has been poor in ODIs since the World Cup qualifiers at home in 2018. They lost 13 matches in a row before defeating UAE by 4-0 margin in an away series.

Zimbabwe has been defeated 17 times in their last 20 ODIs and would look to chase this record. The first ODI was a thrilling encounter as the hosts won the game chasing 255 with four wickets and nine balls to spare. Craig Ervine’s 105 played a crucial role in powering Zimbabwe to finish on 254/9. Andy Balbirine anchored the chase with 102 before he got run out in the 46th over but Ireland reached the target safely.

Match Details:

The 2nd game of the 3-match ODI series between Ireland and Zimbabwe will be hosted by the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

The match starts at 9:45 AM local time (10:45 AM GMT) (3:15 PM IST). The game will be live streamed on Ireland Cricket Website.

Last five completed ODI matches:

Ireland: W, L, W, L, L.

Zimbabwe: L, L, L, W, W.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Civil Service Cricket Club usually provides early movement for the pacers and the tracks slow down as the game progresses. Chasing big score hasn’t been easy as in the last five ODIs, the team batting first won three times after posting 200+ and lost twice ending up less than 200.

Average first innings score: 210 (Last Five ODIs)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 3

Probable Playing XIs:

Ireland:

Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andrew Balbirnie, William Porterfield (C), Kevin O Brien, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Shane Getkate, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, Tim Murtagh.

Zimbabwe:

Solomon Mire/Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Hamilton Masakadza (C), Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Peter Moor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara.

Bench – Chris Mpofu, Ainsley Ndlovu, Richmond Mutumbami, Elton Chigumbura.

Team News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Mark Adair made a great start to his ODI career with 13 wickets from seven ODI matches. He also scored 114 runs at an average of 22.8 and a strike rate of 118.75. The all-rounder picked a 4-wicket haul also scored an unbeaten 21 in the previous match. Adair will be crucial for Ireland in coming games in this series.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Craig Ervine and Andrew Balbirnie will be first preferred multiplier options as they scored centuries in the first ODI and are the trustable batters in their line-up. Brendan Taylor is in great form and the all-rounders Mark Adair, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza always stay in the game.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Brendan Taylor, Lorcan Tucker

Batters – Andrew Balbirnie (C), Craig Ervine (VC), Paul Stirling

All-Rounders – Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Mark Adair

Bowlers – Andy McBrine, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Brendan Taylor (C), Lorcan Tucker

Batters – Paul Stirling, Craig Ervine, William Porterfield

All-Rounders – Shane Getkate (VC), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza

Bowlers – Tendai Chatara, Boyd Rankin, Donald Tiripano

Expert Advice:

Zimbabwe openers haven’t been in a great form including the captain Hamilton Masakadza himself. They could be taking the field in the 2nd ODI with a new opening combination.

Probable Winners:

Zimbabwe is expected to level the series despite a great fight from Ireland.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.