The vibe in Belfast is electrifying as history is made, for the first time, Zimbabwe’s women’s team tours Ireland for a white-ball bilateral series that includes a three-match T20I series followed by a two-match ODI series from 20th July 2025. With Gaby Lewis leading the charge for Ireland after a ruthless T20I whitewash, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano marshalling Zimbabwe’s resilient young side, expect a blend of emerging talent and proven performers to thrill fans.
Fantasy 11 Picks for Zimbabwe tour of Ireland 2025, 1st ODI:
Wicketkeeper –
Amy Hunter
The 19-year-old prodigy may be young, but she’s playing with a maturity well beyond her years. Fresh off a brisk T20I half-century (59 off 40) against the same Zimbabwean attack, Hunter’s experience as a middle-order anchor becomes critical in the longer format. With 977 runs in 36 ODI innings at a healthy strike rate of 86 and an average of 29.60 (1 century, 6 half-centuries), she guarantees points both as a batter and behind the stumps (catches, stumpings). Given her recent touch and proven ability to build innings, she’s a must-pick.
Batters –
Laura Delany
A seasoned campaigner, Delany brings reliability and the bonus of handy medium pace. Her 1,337 ODI runs (average: 23.87) and 6 fifties complemented by 31 wickets (economy 4.74) underline her all-round value. Her experience in pressure situations is invaluable for points from both departments. Expect her to steady the middle-order and chip in with key overs if conditions assist seamers at Stormont.
Gaby Lewis
Lewis leads from the front, her 1,648 runs in 56 ODI innings (average: 31.69; 13 half-centuries) put her among Ireland’s most consistent run-getters. The opener’s aggressive, composed style allows her to dictate the pace and set up big totals or chases. Given her fine touch right across the T20I series and leadership responsibilities, Lewis is a cornerstone for your top order and fantasy points haul.
Leah Paul
Paul has developed into a valuable top-order player, adapting to both seam and spin. With over 1,151 runs (average: 26.76, 9 fifty-plus scores including a hundred) and the added bonus of left-arm orthodox bowling (6 wickets, economy 5.39), she’s a classic dual-threat. Expect runs in the powerplay and possible breakthroughs if the wicket takes a turn.
All-rounders –
Orla Prendergast
At just 23, Prendergast has blossomed into one of Ireland’s most dynamic all-rounders: 952 runs (SR 74.37, average 29.75) and 23 wickets at 31.86 (economy: 4.96). Her intent, evident in acceleration during middle overs and tight seam bowling, makes her a consistent provider of both batting and bowling points. Prendergast’s ability to contribute across the scorecard justifies the captaincy armband. Her undeniable all-round pedigree, ample runs, a healthy strike rate, and wicket-taking knack make her a default captain pick. She rarely has a quiet game, and her versatility means she will be at the heart of Ireland’s efforts, maximising fantasy point potential.
Beloved Biza
Zimbabwe’s most promising multi-dimensional prospect, Biza’s 189 runs at a strike rate of 61.16 (avg: 31.50) in limited chances show a clutch temperament. Her 4 wickets at an average of 30.75 and economy of just 4.39 make her a low-risk, high-upside fantasy option with dual-utility. She’s one of Zimbabwe’s best hopes against the Irish attack.
Arlene Kelly
Kelly’s 38 wickets at 31.68 in 31 innings (including two four-fors) highlight her ability to deliver breakthroughs, often in middle overs. Add 384 runs (strike rate 64.64), and you have a lower-order all-rounder who can swing tight games with ball or bat, ideal for fantasy multipliers, especially if early wickets fall.
Kelis Ndhlovu
Zimbabwe’s most valuable ODI all-rounder, Ndhlovu’s bowling is high-impact: 16 wickets in just 11 innings, average 17.62, with a standout five-wicket haul and a miserly 3.19 economy. With 171 runs, including a half-century too, she brings wicket-taking threat and batting depth, crucial in fantasy, especially against a team that sometimes falters against left-arm spin. In a team short of star power, Ndhlovu’s all-round skills shine. If Stormont’s pitch offers turn, her bowling could run riot against Ireland’s left-handers, while her batting at No. 5/6 gives her license to attack.
Bowlers –
Cara Murray
A leggie with bite, Murray has 48 wickets from 31 ODI innings (average: 32.16, two five-wicket hauls), underlining her match-winning potential. With an economy of 6.29, she is an attacking option who can run through lineups on surfaces with a slight turn. Handy lower order runs also add extra points.
Jane Maguire
Maguire’s 17 wickets in 22 innings (economy 4.56) make her a steady seamer, especially in home conditions where extra bounce and early movement can be rewarded. A classic Irish swing bowler, she’ll look to trouble Zimbabwe’s top order and has contributed useful lower order runs (76 runs, SR: 64.40).
Kudzai Chigora
Although relatively new to ODI cricket, Chigora has proven economical (economy: 6.14) and effective (2 wickets at 21.50). Zimbabwe will bank on her for early breakthroughs and to exploit any swing in Belfast conditions. Budget-friendly and with a chance to swing the fantasy tide if she gets on a roll. She has had an impressive outing in the recently concluded T20I series.
This Fantasy 11 for the first ODI between Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women combines form, home advantage, matchups, and the value of multi-dimensional players. It leans on Ireland’s dominant core, Hunter, Lewis, and Prendergast, but ensures Zimbabwean talent (Biza, Ndhlovu, and Chigora) gets you differential points. With the Irish side buoyed by their T20I sweep, expect their key all-rounders and bowlers to cash in, while Zimbabwe’s young stars look to rise.
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