Zimbabwe vs Ireland Prediction: Zimbabwe won a thriller in last game

Zimbabwe and Ireland are going head to head in the 2nd Match of T20 Series at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe on 09 Dec 2023. Zimbabwe won the triller in the first game with only one wicket remaining. Who will win this game of cricket?

The first T20I match between Zimbabwe and Ireland was an intense night game that ultimately came down to the wire. Ireland batted first and scored 147 runs, losing eight wickets in the process. Despite struggling, Zimbabwe managed to reach the target without losing any wickets on the last ball of the game. Sikandar Raza once again displayed his batting prowess, scoring an impressive 65 runs from 42 balls. He was also the leading bowler, taking three wickets for 28 runs. Ireland had a strong start to their innings, with their top-order batsmen contributing well to the score. Sikandar Raza was outstanding in his bowling performance, taking three wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. Additionally, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, the opening bowlers, also took two wickets each. The success of Zimbabwe's innings relied heavily on the efforts of their captain, Sikandar Raza, who contributed a quick 65 runs from 42 balls, including two sixes. He received good support from wicketkeeper-batsman Clive Madande.

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (WK), Brian Bennett, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Zimbabwe narrowly defeated Ireland on the final ball of the match, with just two runs needed for victory. Muzarabani managed to hit the last delivery, which was wide of the wicketkeeper, securing a one-wicket win for Zimbabwe. This game marked the first-ever international match played under the lights at this venue. Sikandar Raza played an exceptional role in leading Zimbabwe to victory, giving them a 1-0 series lead over Ireland. Despite the Irish players performing well in the powerplays with both bat and ball, the Zimbabwean captain prevented them from winning. Andy Balbirnie made a strong start for Ireland, hitting Ngarava for three boundaries in the first over. He also struck Muzarabani for a four and a six. However, Muzarabani redeemed himself by dismissing Paul Stirling with a low full toss. Sikandar Raza continued to dominate after the powerplay, eventually removing Andy Balbirnie from the game. From that point on, the Irish team struggled to maintain their momentum.

Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little

It is challenging to achieve high scores at this particular venue due to the slowing down of the surface over time, resulting in more opportunities for spinners. The Harare Sports Club typically offers a slow track, where a score of around 160 runs is considered satisfactory. As the innings progress, the track becomes even slower, making it difficult to successfully chase large totals. The majority of matches hosted at this venue have been won by the teams batting first. 

The weather forecast for this match indicates bright and sunny conditions, with temperatures expected to reach around 34 degrees. There is no possibility of rain during the game, and the humidity levels will be relatively low, suggesting dry conditions.

The first game of the series was highly competitive and extended until the very last ball. The second game will also be held at the same venue, giving the home team, Zimbabwe, an advantage. We predict that Zimbabwe will emerge victorious in this contest, securing an insurmountable lead in the T20I series.