Zimbabwe v Ireland 1st ODI preview: Ireland present tough challenge for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe v Ireland 1^st ODI preview: Ireland present tough challenge for Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe have had two very mediocre home series against New Zealand and Pakistan. Despite winning a game against each they failed to cash in and handed over the advantage at crucial times. The fact that Pakistan and New Zealand are two world-class sides might lead us into believing that Zimbabwe were a no match but that is far from reality. They had their moments but lack of experience and some irresponsible batting cost them. The three match ODI series against Ireland is a great opportunity for them to improve the home record.

Zimbabwe

The series against Pakistan also showed the world that there is a lack of unity between the team management. A few days ago batting coach Andy Waller told the media that the Zimbabwe players could not care less about their team’s win or loss. That is not an inspiring statement and the hosts would like to prove a point against Ireland.

Zimbabwe are staying positive after the demoralizing defeat against Pakistan and look eager to correct their home record. Ireland last toured the country in 2010. Even on that occasion the teams played a three-match ODI series, all of which were played at Harare Sports Club itself. The previous series had ended 2-1 in favour of the home side.

Nobody can forget the first full international between Ireland and Zimbabwe at the 2007 World Cup, which ended in a heart-stoppingly dramatic tie.

Sean Williams has been scoring profusely in the previous two series but needs support from the rest of the side. Injuries and poor form will shape up Zimbabwe’s playing eleven. Hamilton Masakadza has been dropped from their squad, while Graeme Cremer is hobbling around with crutches and is out of cricket for 3 weeks. Elton Chigumbura will hope for the batsmen to step up after a disappointing outing against Pakistan. If they can beat Ireland it will be the much-needed moral boost for the team.

Ireland

The visitors played an ODI against the Australian side a couple of months ago. Even though they did not win the game, the Australians were, made to toil hard. The Irish team has a lot of talented players and with the much-needed experience they will be a force to reckon in near future.

William Porterfield, the skipper is a veteran and a delightful left-handed batsman and will be a big asset in the series. Then there is the prowess of Ed Joyce, who can win matches on his own

The newcomers in the side have come after performing exceedingly well in the domestic circuit and will be expected to rise to the occasion. One of the reasons Ireland cricket authorities wanted to arrange this Zimbabwe tour is because the condition of pitches in Zimbabwe is very different from that in Ireland and the stint will keep them in good shape for playing in unfamiliar environments.

The two sides share quite a bit of history as well. They have only played each other seven times in full internationals – six ODIs and a lone T20 – but those games have produced a string of close results, and the odd bit of controversy.

Ireland did not want to risk aggravating Kevin O’Brien’s tweaked hamstring by playing him against Australia at home in August, but he is back to full fitness now and they have no injury worries. Given the conditions, they may want to play spinner Andy McBrine to partner George Dockrell ahead of seamer Craig Young.

Like the Pakistan series all games will be played at the Harare Sports Club. There is virtually nothing to separate the teams and we can expect a closely contested series.

Pitch

The Harare track has been offering considerable assistance to the spinners off late and is expected to follow similar pattern.

Stats to ponder

1. Zimbabwe have won three of the six ODIs between these teams, with Ireland winning two and one match ending in a tie. Of these six games, three were decided only in the last over.

2. Brendan Taylor is Zimbabwe’s leading run-scorer against Ireland, but of the current team Williams tops the table with 205 runs from four innings. Chris Mpofu is Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker against the Irish in the current squad, with six scalps at 25.66.

3. Kevin O’Brien tops both the bowling and batting tables for Ireland against Zimbabwe, with nine wickets at 24.33 and 181 runs at 36.20.

Probable XI:

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Andy Balbirnie, Niall O’Brien (wk), Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney, George Dockrell, Tim Murthagh, Andy McBrine.

Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Elton Chigumbura (c), Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Tino Mutumbodzi, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Panyangara, John Nyumbu.