News

HARARE, Zimbabwe – After an ODI series with plenty of intriguing moments, Ireland will be eager to get back to winning ways in the upcoming three-match T20I series. Here’s what fans need to know before the action begins – including how to watch.

The last time they met in a bilateral T20I series in Zimbabwe (December 2023), Ireland won the series 2-1, having lost the first game by a single wicket and then taking victory more comfortably in the remaining two. This result however was a reversal of the T20I series they played earlier that year where Zimbabwe won 2-1.

Fans can watch the series online via www.icc.tv.

Fionn Hand, 26, has been added to the T20I as a replacement for the injury Barry McCarthy. He was speaking from the team hotel.

How has training been so far since you’ve arrived?

“It’s been fantastic to get back on grass wickets and feel the pressure again, with the sun on my back. There’s nothing like being out there in the thick of it.”

Having seen conditions for the ODIs at the Harare Sports Club, what will be a challenge at the ground now with the T20Is?

“Having watched some of the recent matches on TV and from the stands, I’ve noticed the variability in the bounce. The second innings appears to be the better time to bat, but as we approach the first two T20s, I don’t anticipate much change in conditions throughout the two-and-a-half-hour window of both innings. Regardless of the toss, we will look to learn from the first innings and adapt accordingly. As for the final T20I under lights, it’s a new experience at Harare Sports Club. While we have had day-night games in Abu Dhabi against South Africa, where we adapted well and drew the series, we’ll be stepping into unfamiliar territory. However, we’re optimistic about building on last year’s series win away from home and taking it one step further.”

Who do you think will be the key opposition players in this series?

“On the bowling front, the wickets have posed a challenge, and Muzarabani has proven to be a handful, particularly when unpredictable. Their batting line-up is equally dangerous, with powerful hitters across the top order and middle order, so our strategy will be to break their rhythm early and not let them get going.”

FIXTURES

• 22 February 2025: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 1st T20I (Harare; 1.30pm start)
• 23 February 2025: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 2nd T20I (Harare; 1.30pm start)
• 25 February 2025: Zimbabwe Men v Ireland Men – 3rd T20I (Harare; 6.30pm start; D/N)

NB: Times are local to the venue (Zimbabwe is +2 hours ahead of Ireland)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ireland

• Paul Stirling – With 147 T20I caps, over 3,600 T20I runs and vast experience in franchise cricket, Ireland’s white-ball captain will be crucial for getting his side off to an electric start.
• Josh Little – The pacer has become a feature of the T20 franchise cricket circuit and will be a vital asset for Ireland with his pace, swing and left-arm angle.
• Lorcan Tucker – The explosive batter was moved to the top of the order in T20I cricket for Ireland’s series against South Africa but never got to fully showcase his talents due to a concussion injury.

Zimbabwe

• Sikandar Raza – The veteran all-rounder leads this Zimbabwean T20I side and brings all of his experience with the bat in the middle order and with his off-spin bowling.
• Blessing Muzarabani – With bounce generally on offer at Harare Sports Club, the tall quick bowler always becomes a key weapon for Zimbabwe no matter the format.
• Ryan Burl – The leg-spinner always provides a stern challenge to batters in the shortest format with all of his variations and experience.

VENUE & STATS

Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe’s premier cricket venue, can provide bounce and movement for fast bowlers with the ability to extract this out of the pitch. Keep an eye out for Castle Corner, especially in the first two T20Is, where you’ll generally always find a party atmosphere. Always expect songs, but also dance moves.

• Average 1st innings score: 153
• Average 2nd innings score: 133
• Highest total recorded: 234-2 (by India vs. Zimbabwe in 2023)
• Lowest total recorded: 90-9 (by Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan in 2022)
• Highest successful chase: 194-5 (by Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe, 2021)
• Lowest scored defend: 115-9 (by Zimbabwe vs India, 2024)

SQUADS

• Ireland T20I Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

• Zimbabwe T20I Squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Johnathan Campbell, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Nyasha Mayavo, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.