Zimbabwe vs Ireland Head to Head, 1st ODI: Zimbabwe will host Ireland in the 1st ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on February 14. Both teams are looking to bounce back from inconsistent performances in recent months, making this a crucial series in their long-term ODI plans.
Zimbabwe's recent ODI form has been far from ideal, suffering losses against Pakistan and Afghanistan. Their struggles at home have been particularly concerning, including a defeat in the one-off Test against Ireland.

However, they have the experience to turn things around, with senior players like Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza expected to lead the charge. The hosts will be eager to put up a strong performance and regain momentum in the format.
Ireland, on the other hand, comes into this series on a high after securing a 63-run win in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. They have dominated the recent ODI encounters between the two sides, winning their last three completed matches. Skipper Paul Stirling will look to carry the batting unit, while the likes of Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, and George Dockrell provide additional firepower. With their bowling attack led by Joshua Little and Craig Young, the Irish will be confident of maintaining their winning run.
This ODI series presents an opportunity for both teams to improve their ICC ODI rankings. Neither side qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, making this a vital series in their preparation for the 2027 edition. Zimbabwe will look to capitalise on home conditions, while Ireland will aim to extend their dominance over their African opponents.
As both teams take the field in Harare, the focus will be on which side can handle the pressure better. Zimbabwe will seek redemption on home soil, while Ireland will be determined to continue their winning momentum. With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, an exciting contest is on the cards.
Ireland holds a slight edge in the ODI head to head record against Zimbabwe, winning 10 of the 22 ODI matches played between the two teams. Zimbabwe have won eight matches, with one match ending in a tie and three producing no result.
Their first-ever ODI encounter came in the 2007 World Cup, where the match ended in a thrilling tie at Sabina Park.
| Category | Zimbabwe | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 22 | 22 |
| Won | 8 | 10 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
| Tied | 1 | 1 |
| Home Won | 6 | 4 |
| Away Won | 1 | 5 |
| Neutral Won | 1 | 1 |
| STAT | For Zimbabwe vs Ireland | For Ireland vs Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Win Batting 1st | 3 | 4 |
| Win Chasing | 5 | 6 |
| Highest Total | 326 | 331/8 |
| Lowest Total | 131 | 104 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 270/5 | 258/6 |
| Lowest Total Defended | 211/9 | 242/9 |
| Most Runs | Craig Ervine (574) | Paul Stirling (608) |
| Highest Scorer | Brendan Taylor (121) | Andy Balbirnie (121*) |
| Most Sixes | Sikandar Raza (10) | Andy Balbirnie (11) |
| Most Hundreds | Craig Ervine (2) | Andy Balbirnie (2) |
| Most Fifties | Sean Williams (5) | Paul Stirling (5) |
| Most Wickets | Sean Williams (13) | Tim Murtagh (18) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Ed Rainsford (5/36) | Josh Little (6/36) |
Zimbabwe holds a narrow 6-5 advantage over Ireland in ODIs played on home soil. However, despite their overall lead, Zimbabwe has struggled in recent meetings, with Ireland remaining unbeaten in their last five ODIs in Zimbabwe.
Matches played: 13
Won by Zimbabwe: 6
Won by Ireland: 5
No result: 2
Ireland has won three of the last five ODI meetings, while two matches ended with no result. Their most recent encounter saw Andy Balbirnie guide Ireland to a seven-wicket win via the DLS method.
Total Matches: 200
Matches Won Batting 1st: 90
Matches Won Chasing: 104
Average 1st Innings Score: 229
Highest Total: 408/6 (50 Ovs) by Zimbabwe vs USA in 2023
Lowest Total: 35/10 (18 Ovs) by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka in 2004
Highest Successful Chase: 328/3 (46.4 Ovs) by South Africa vs Australia in 2014
Lowest Total Defended: 129/10 (32.4 Ovs) by Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan in 2017
Most Runs: Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe) - 2165
Highest Individual Score: Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe) - 178*
Most Sixes: Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) - 47
Most 50s: Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe) / Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) - 12
Most 100s: Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) - 5
Most Wickets: Prosper Utseya (Zimbabwe) - 52
Best Bowling Innings: Fidel Edwards (West Indies) - 6/22
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Nyasha Mayavo, Johnathan Campbell, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ben Curran, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza and Tinotenda Maposa.
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Morgan Topping, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell.