Hosts Zimbabwe and Ireland will face off in the 1st of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) on the 18th of January 2024, at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, at 12:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). The series kicks off with the ODIs and will be followed by 5 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Squads:
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Adel Zimunu, Ashley Ndiraya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loreen Tshuma, Chiyedza Dhururu (WK), Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Francisca Chipare, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Pellagia Mujaji
Ireland – Laura Delany (C), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Joanna Loughran, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell
Players to watch out:
Mary-Anne Musonda
The 32-year-old batter, in 11 ODI appearances, has managed 192 runs, including the highest score of 103* she scored on ODI debut. Mary-Anne, in her previous few outings in T20Is, registered successive scores of 28, 33, 22, and 21. The team will rely on their seasoned campaigner for the runs this series.
Kelis Ndhlovu
The 18-year-old all-rounder, in 3 ODI outings, has only added 12 runs to the tally. However, she averages 21.23 in the shortest format and can be trusted to deliver for the team. With the ball, in ODIs, Kelis has scalped 10 wickets, including a 5-fa. She will be counted on to step up for the side.
Leah Paul
The 24-year-old all-rounder, averaging 26.73 in ODIs, has amassed 695 runs from 26 outings, while also taking 6 wickets from 18 bowling innings, registering bests of 137 and 2/24. Leah warmed up for the series by scoring a solid 49-ball 42 and returning figures of 0/14 (5). She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Orla Prendergast
The 21-year-old all-rounder in ODIs has scored 411 runs, including the highest score of 71, from 18 outings, while registering the best figures of 2/4 and has taken a total of 5 wickets from 10 outings. Orla, in the warm-up fixture, top-scored for the team, notching up an unbeaten 56. Her all-round efforts will be crucial for the team’s success.
Pitch:
The Harare Sports Club presents a good batting deck and has an average score in the 230s. However, it poses a formidable challenge for batters during the middle overs, especially when up against spinners.
Weather:
With rains on the radar throughout the day, there is a possibility of rain playing spoilsport and potentially resulting in a washout. The temperature is expected to hover in the early 20s (°C), with light winds and humidity at 89%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Mary-Anne Musonda, Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Ashley Ndiraya, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Kelis Ndhlovu, Precious Marange, Ava Canning
Match details:
Date – January 18, 2024
Time – 12:45 PM IST
Venue – Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Broadcast – A live-stream link for the game will be shared on Zimbabwe Cricket – Women and Ireland Women’s Cricket social media pages.
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