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After a narrow defeat in a thrilling first ODI, Ireland will be looking to level the three match series with Zimbabwe when the sides meet again tomorrow at the Harare Sports Club.
Once again the wicket is expected to favour spin bowlers, with Ireland highly likely to name two full time spinners for the second game in a row after Andrew McBrine, George Dockrell and Paul Stirling bowled 30 overs between them in Friday’s opener.

The trio took four wickets for 117 runs at an economy rate of under four per over in the match as Zimbabwe chased down their target of 220 with just six balls and two wickets to spare as a partisan home crowd got behind Zimbabwe.

Ireland will once again have the support of the local Irish community, with the Mashonaland Irish Association expected to turn out in force to support Ireland once again over the weekend.

George Dockrell, who made his 50th ODI appearance yesterday, looking forward to getting back out and levelling the series.

“It’s always tough coming out on the wrong side of a tight game, but we have learned plenty from the game and we’re looking forward to the chance to level the series on Sunday.”

Another close match is expected after the sides once again competed in a match that went to the wire, with Ireland hoping small gains in all departments will see them over the line in the second match.

“We now have a much better understanding of the pitch and conditions here, which will help us with both batting and bowling in the second match. We’ve had a training day today to work on the few things we talked about after the match that we think will give us that extra 5% that will win us the game.”

Dockrell took 2-29 in the opening game and will be hoping for a similar performance on Sunday as he approaches 200 wickets for Ireland. The left armer has moved to 197 international wickets, although he is more concerned about the overall result than reaching personal milestones.

“It’s always nice to do well personally, but my main concern is coming back and winning the second ODI and levelling the series before the final game.”

The second match in the series will get underway at 9.30 local time, which is an 8.30am start Irish time, with live updates throughout the game on cricketireland.ie. You can follow all the action from the tour on our official twitter (@irelandcricket) and facebook pages.