Ireland will host Zimbabwe again on 29 August, for the second T20I at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin. Zimbabwe have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, beating Ireland by three runs in their previous encounter, a low-scoring thriller.
Barring Regis Chakabva, the Zimbabwe batters did not seem comfortable at the crease that day against the Irish bowlers, led by Craig Young. They were restricted to 117/7 after being put in.
Paul Stirling then scored 24 of Ireland’s first 27 runs before being cleaned up by Luke Jongwe. Kevin O’Brien made 25, but took 32 balls to reach there. Simi Singh got a 22-ball 28 not out, but it came all too late for his side, after their middle-order batters – Andy Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, and Curtis Campher – stumbled against the Zimbabwean bowlers. They finished on 114/9.
Despite the win, Zimbabwe may bring in Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani for Dion Myers and Richard Ngarava. Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, who did not take part in the last match, might be sidelined again.
Ireland will replace Benjamin White with Josh Little. Their batters failed last time, but are likely to be given another go.
No team is heading to this contest as clear favourites, as it is set to be another exciting encounter for the viewers.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on Zimbabwe. Make Chakabva captain. He has been in decent form.
– Muzarabani was excellent in Zimbabwe’s last tour in Bangladesh. He can be a decent vice-captain option.
– Do not ignore Stirling and Simi. They can produce good value with both and ball.
Probable XIs
Ireland: Andy Balbirnie (c), Neil Rock (wk), Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Curtis Campher, Shane Getkate, George Dockrell, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little.
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Milton Shumba, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani.
Prediction
Zimbabwe should win this contest.