ZIM vs IRE Dream11 Prediction, 1st ODI: Zimbabwe vs Ireland Fantasy XI, Playing 11, Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Add as a preferred source on Google

ZIM vs IRE Dream11 Prediction, 1st ODI: Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Ireland (IRE) are set to lock horns in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on February 14. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM IST.

With both teams eager to kick off the series with a win, an exciting contest awaits cricket fans. Zimbabwe has had a poor run in ODIs recently, suffering four losses in their last five games, including an 8-wicket defeat against Afghanistan in December.

Meanwhile, Ireland is coming off a 2-1 series loss to South Africa but will take confidence from their 69-run win in the final ODI of that series.

Match Information

• Date: February 14, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM IST
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
• Broadcast: FanCode
• Live Stream: FanCode

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at Harare Sports Club is known for assisting bowlers, especially fast bowlers who can capitalize on early movement. With the conditions favoring pacers, batters will need to show patience and resilience to build their innings. Historically, chasing teams have had the upper hand, winning 104 out of 200 ODIs played at this venue.

The weather could play a significant role in this match, with temperatures ranging between 24-29°C, high humidity at 80%, and wind speeds of 11 km/h. With an 80% chance of rain and a 48% probability of thunderstorms, rain interruptions are likely, making the toss a crucial factor in determining the game’s outcome.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Preview:

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Zimbabwe enters this ODI series with a desperate need to turn their fortunes around in the 50-over format. Their recent performances have been disappointing, with four losses in their last five ODIs, including an 8-wicket defeat to Afghanistan in December 2024. However, playing at home in Harare, Craig Ervine’s men will be eager to bounce back.

The return of experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza is a massive boost for Zimbabwe. Raza, known for his match-winning contributions with both bat and ball, will be a key player to watch.

Alongside him, senior players like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine will have to lead from the front with the bat. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will spearhead the pace attack, while Wellington Masakadza is expected to play a crucial role in the spin department.

Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge will be to put together a solid batting performance, as their top order has struggled for consistency. If they can build partnerships and avoid early collapses, they stand a good chance of making an impact in this series.

Ireland (IRE):

Ireland, on the other hand, arrives in Zimbabwe with some confidence, despite their recent 2-1 ODI series loss against South Africa. They ended that series on a high note with a 69-run win, which should give them momentum heading into this game.

The team will be led by the experienced Paul Stirling, who remains one of their most destructive batters. Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker add further stability to the batting order. Ireland’s all-round strength lies in the contributions of Curtis Campher and Andy McBrine, both of whom can turn the game around with their dual abilities.

Their bowling attack will be spearheaded by Josh Little, Mark Adair, and Barry McCarthy, with Matthew Humphreys and McBrine adding variety with spin. Given their recent success in the Test match against Zimbabwe, where their bowlers dominated, Ireland will look to continue their strong performances in the limited-overs format.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Key Players

• Sikandar Raza (ZIM): 4259 ODI runs, 92 wickets.
• Paul Stirling (IRE): Experienced opener with multiple ODI centuries.
• Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): Strong recent form with 16 wickets in ILT20.
• Andy Balbirnie (IRE): 3074 ODI runs, 8 centuries.
• Mark Adair (IRE): Key all-rounder with effective bowling skills.

ZIM vs IRE Dream11 Prediction

Fantasy XI

• Wicketkeepers: Lorcan Tucker
• Batters: Paul Stirling, Craig Ervine, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie
• All-rounders: Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher
• Bowlers: Mark Adair, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Captain Choices

• Sean Williams
• Paul Stirling

Vice-Captain Choices

• Sikandar Raza
• Andrew Balbirnie

Team News

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza returns after missing the Test match. Wessly Madhevere replaces Dion Myers.

Ireland: Josh Little returns to the squad after a long absence.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Probable Playing 11

Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Josh Little, Craig Young.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Full Squads

Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Nyasha Mayavo, Johnathan Campbell, Tinotenda Maposa.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Morgan Topping, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young.