Ireland vs Zimbabwe Prediction: Potential for a thriller!

The T20 format of cricket is surely the most lucrative one in the world. The influx of ever-growing T20 leagues has created a talent pool that is well aware of the ins and outs of the game. At any rate, it creates a lot of drama and close matches, while also challenging the teams to make adjustments at a quick rate. The Associate nations have benefitted from this format a lot as they can now finish games in a short period to accommodate more and more. Zimbabwe will take on Ireland in the first round of the T20 World Cup in this Associate game. 

Zimbabwe last played against Sri Lanka in a T20 Warm Up Game and they were blown away by 33 runs. In that game, their bowling conceded 188 runs and that can be a concern against the stacked batting side, nonetheless, Warm-Ups are not the complete reflection of how things will go. Zimbabwe has been undergoing a turbulent period and their team was even suspended for a decent amount of time, but they are back and continue to be one of the top Associate nations.

Sikandar Raza has been the heartbeat on the batting end and his ability to pierce through even quality bowling has given Zimbabwe a big chance to win. He is also well-adept at using his bowling skills and has been the leading wicket-taker for them while he is a livewire in the field. In terms of batting, Regis Chakbva can go off to a flyer while Craig Ervine plays a crucial role at the top. Wesley Madhvere has had his moments too and he can also tonk the ball for sure.

In terms of bowling, Ryan Burl can spin the web as a leg-break bowler and he was widely effective in the series against Australia. What will Sean Williams bring to the table? Has Blessing Murzarbani brought some cohesion to the pace attack or will he even get a place? Can Tendai Chatara help with the matters with his variations? Death bowling can be an issue for Zimbabwe.

Ireland comes into the game after losing to Namibia by 11 runs in a rather shabby batting showing. But overall, the Irish men have been sprinkling a lot of success in the Associate scene for a long time. Their ability to pick power hitters has helped matters a lot. However, they have had a tough time keeping up with the times and despite a load of talent, they have surely underachieved in many areas, not justifying the talent level they have had.

But there is no doubt that they have a team that can compete at a high level. Paul Stirling, the veteran hitter plays a “X-Factor” type of role at the top but has been short of runs lately. Another veteran Andy Balbirnie accompanies him as the other opener and he can do a decent enough holding job. Lorcan Tucker’s development has been huge while Curtis Campher has played a big role. George Dockrell’s rise as a power striker helps in the middle but the middle order can be a bit off-the-radar at times.

In terms of bowling, the duo of Josh Little and Mark Adair is surely handy in the context of Australian decks. Little has especially been impressive as a strike bowler first-up. Curtis Campher has had his moments but consistency has been a big issue for him. Gerathy Delany has kept it tight but Simi Singh has been too costly at times. Campher and Simi are amazing talents but their consistency is a huge issue.

Batters: Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker, Andy Balbirnie, Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhvere, Regis Chakabva.

Bowlers: Josh Little, Mark Adair, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl.

The Irish team will enter with a lot of confidence after they performed well against Afghanistan in the recent T20 series. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe rides heavily upon Sikandar Raza, one of the best players in the world who has time and time again rescued them. However, this over-reliance has also cost them. There is one big problem for Ireland though, their middle-order can skittle at times and in the Australian landscape, where the new ball talks a lot, stability in the middle is desired. I believe Ireland will get off to a flyer while batting and overall, I’d back them to win. However, I don’t see Zimbabwe going down without a fight.