ZIM VS IRE | Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2nd ODI: Can ZIM Seal the Series

Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2nd ODI: ZIM Aim for Series Win in Harare

Can IRE Bounce Back or Will ZIM Seal the Series

The Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025 continues with the 2nd ODI at Harare Sports Club on February 16. ZIM will look to seal the series after their 49-run victory in the 1st ODI, while IRE will aim for a strong comeback to keep the series alive.

Match Preview: ZIM vs IRE 2nd ODI

The opening match saw a dominant performance from ZIM, led by Brian Bennett, whose sensational 169 off 163 balls powered the hosts to a match-winning total of 299/5. IRE struggled in response, with Curtis Campher (44) and Paul Stirling (39) showing glimpses of fight, but failing to convert starts into big scores. The visitors eventually folded for 250 in 46 overs, with Blessing Muzarabani (4/51) and Richard Ngarava (3/56) dismantling their batting order.

Now, ZIM have a golden opportunity to clinch the series, while IRE must regroup quickly to stay in contention.

Key Players to Watch

Zimbabwe:

• Brian Bennett – The young opener was the match-winner in the 1st ODI, and another strong performance could seal the series.
• Sikandar Raza – A veteran all-rounder who can turn the game with both bat and ball.
• Blessing Muzarabani  – The fast bowler ripped through IRE’s batting lineup in the first match and will look to do the same again.

Ireland:

• Paul Stirling – A proven match-winner who must step up with a big innings.
• Harry Tector – One of the most consistent batters for IRE, he needs to lead from the front.
• Josh Little – The left-arm pacer had an off-day in the 1st ODI, but he remains IRE’s main bowling threat.

Match Details

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Date: February 16, 2025
Time: 01:00 PM Local Time

ZIM Squad: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Johnathan Campbell, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tony Munyonga, Wessly Madhevere, Nyasha Mayavo, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza.

IRE Squad: Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Jordan Neill, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys.

Match Expectations

For ZIM: A win today secures the series, giving them confidence ahead of the final game. Their batting looks solid, and if their bowlers repeat their 1st ODI heroics, they will be hard to stop.

For IRE: Their batters need to convert starts into big scores, and the bowlers must find better lengths to trouble ZIM’s in-form batting lineup. Stirling and Tector need to lead from the front for IRE to stay in the series.

Will ZIM seal the series, or will IRE fight back? Stay tuned for all the action!