Ireland will take on Zimbabwe in the third T20I of the five-match series at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, on Wednesday, 1 September. Ireland won the second game by seven wickets to level the series.
Ireland’s persistence with Kevin O’Brien finally paid off when he made a 41-ball 60 in the second T20I. They chased down 153 with nine balls remaining.
O’Brien had been going through a shambolic run, but Ireland kept backing him. He added 59 runs with Paul Stirling (37) for the opening wicket. George Dockrell scored 33 as well.
Harry Tector is likely to retain his place ahead of Curtis Campher. Shane Getkate was economical in the first two T20Is, and picked up three wickets in the last game. Barry McCarthy was a bit expensive but Simi Singh was impressive, conceding just 19 from his quota of four overs.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will expect more from their openers, Wesley Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani. The batting unit needs to click as a whole. They were 64/5 at one stage in the last game before Milton Shumba and Ryan Burl forged a crucial partnership.
Burl also picked two wickets and is now the leading wicket-taker for the visitors. Blessing Muzarabani has missed both games, and there is no confirmation on his availability for the third T20I.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Pick Burl and Singh. They are great utility players for a fantasy team.
- Among batters, pick Regis Chakabva, Stirling and O’Brien.
- Getkate has been the most efficient Irish bowler. He should be there in your team.
Probable XIs
Ireland: Ady 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
Overall, an exciting contest awaits, and Zimbabwe should win this to go 2-0 up.