Zimbabwe vs Ireland Prediction: Ireland can create history

Zimbabwe and Ireland are going head to head in the 3rd and final Match of the One Day Series at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe on 17 Dec 2023. The first game ended which helped Zimbabwe escape a defeat. Ireland came back strongly to win the second one. Who will win this game of cricket and the series?

Zimbabwe faces an uphill battle in the upcoming match as they strive to avoid a series defeat, currently trailing 1-0 with one game remaining. The team is determined to give their best performance and prevent a disappointing home loss.

In the previous match, Zimbabwe batted first but could only muster a total of 166 runs. W. Masakadza emerged as the top run-scorer with a commendable knock of 40 runs, but lacked support from other batsmen in the team. Despite their efforts, the bowlers couldn't defend the total, and the opposition comfortably chased it down with a 4-wicket victory. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe's bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Brandon Mavuta, showed promise by claiming 2 wickets each during the match.In the opening game of the series, the Zimbabwe batters got off to a decent start, with the openers each contributing 28 runs. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe deserves recognition for his fast 28 runs, reminiscent of a T20 game. He managed to hit four boundaries and one six during his innings. However, apart from Brandon Mavuta, who remained unbeaten on 28 runs from 22 balls with five fours, no other player made a significant contribution before the rain interrupted play. The Zimbabwe captain, Sikandar Raza, showed promise but was dismissed after scoring 15 runs.

Despite an average performance in their previous game, the Zimbabwe team will likely stick with the same playing eleven for the second match. The current combination was not thoroughly tested, and the team will rely on batters like Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Medande, and Brandon Mavuta to score more runs in the upcoming match. As for the bowling attack, Zimbabwe will once again depend on Richard Ngarava, Tanaka Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, and Blessing Muzarabani to take crucial wickets.

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams (c), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Clive Madande (wk), Luke Jongwe, Trevor Gwandu, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Ireland, on the other hand, is poised for the opportunity to secure a historic series victory against Zimbabwe on foreign soil. The team aims to maintain its exceptional form with both bat and ball to clinch the final ODI. In their previous match, Ireland secured a 4-wicket win by putting up a stellar bowling performance. Bowling first, they displayed sensational skills, dismissing the opposition for a mere 166 runs. Joshua Little played a crucial role, leveraging his experience to dismantle the batting lineup and claiming an impressive 6 wickets.

The ensuing chase posed its challenges, but the Irish batters successfully reached the target. Curtis Campher emerged as the leading run-scorer with a remarkable knock of 66 runs. Ireland is eager to carry forward this positive momentum into the final ODI.

Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young, Joshua Little

Ireland enters the match as the favored team. Zimbabwe is missing key players Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, and their batting lineup appears to lack the quality to achieve substantial runs or last the full 50 overs. The team's reliance on Sikandar Raza is crucial, but his recent performances in both games have been subpar, posing a significant concern. Presently, Ireland holds a clear advantage over Zimbabwe, making it advisable to support Ireland for the win.