Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Only Test: Probable XI, Match Prediction, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, and Live Streaming Details

By Sportz Connect

Modified Jul 24, 2024 15:30 IST

Irish skipper Andrew Balbirnie fielding in the slip cordon (Image Courtesy: X/Cricket Ireland) — Irish skipper Andrew Balbirnie fielding in the slip cordon. (Image Courtesy: X/Cricket Ireland)

Ireland are all set to host Zimbabwe for a one-off Test, starting from Thursday, July 25. The Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast will be hosting this exciting clash.

The highly experienced Andrew Balbirnie will be leading the Irish side in the Test against Zimbabwe. The likes of Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair will play a crucial role for the hosts along with their skipper.

Ireland last played a Test in February. It was against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi and a solid all-round display saw them win the Test by six wickets. They can draw inspiration from that win and look to emulate a similar performance while taking on Zimbabwe at home.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be led by Craig Ervine. Just like Balbirnie, Ervine also has led the national side previously and has a good amount of experience at the highest level. He has the company of experienced players like Sean Williams, Prince Masvaure, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tendai Chatara.

Zimbabwe haven’t played a Test for more than 12 months. They will be hoping to adapt to the conditions quickly in Ireland and bring out their A-game to show their capabilities in the longest format.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Match Details:

Match: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Only Test, Zimbabwe tour of Ireland, 2024

Date and Time: July 25 – July 29, 2024, 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head

Ireland and Zimbabwe are yet to face each other in the longest format. The Test beginning from Thursday will be their first meeting.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Pitch Report

The pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club is expected to be a well-balanced one. The seamers will get plenty of assistance with the new ball in the morning session. As the Test progresses, the surface is expected to get better to bat on. There won’t be much assistance for the spinners.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Weather Forecast

There is a 60% chance of rain predicted on the opening day of the Test. There won't be ideal conditions for a game of cricket as there is rain predicted on all five days. The temperature is expected to be under 20 degrees Celsius.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Probable XIs

Ireland

Team News

All the players in the squad are available for selection.

Probable XI

Peter Moor, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Graham Hume

Zimbabwe

Team News

No injury concerns. All the players are fully fit.

Probable XI

Roy Kaia, Prince Masvaure, Johnathan Campbell, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Clive Madande (wk), Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction

The one-off Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe begins on July 25 in Belfast. Both sides will be looking to adapt to the conditions quickly and fire in unison to come out on top in this only Test.

With rain predicted on all five days, expect the Test to end in a draw.

Prediction: Expect the Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe to end in a draw.