Following Ireland’s 10-wicket win in the 3-match One-Day International (ODI) series opener against hosts Zimbabwe, a must-win for the latter, the 2nd ODI will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe. The game is scheduled for 12:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 21st of January 2024.
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:
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
The 31-year-old batter hasn’t had the start she would have wished for, managing only 40 runs from 4 ODIs. Chipo averages 26.37 in the shortest format, amassing 844 runs from 40 outings, and in the series opener, she departed following a decent start (22). It’ll be hoped she capitalizes on the start.
Precious Marange
The 41-year-old off-spinner, from 9 ODI appearances, has added 121 runs and 6 wickets to her tally, registering respective bests of 29 and 2/48. Precious displayed outstanding form late last year in the ICC Qualifier event and will be backed to replicate the same success in the longer format following figures of 0/24 in the ODI opener.
Laura Delany
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in ODIs, from 52 outings, has amassed 1040 runs, including the highest of 109, and picked up 25 wickets from 37 outings, with the best of 3/26. Laura wasn’t required with the bat in the opener, while registering figures of 1/15 (4). The team will trust her to deliver the goods.
Ava Canning
The 19-year-old pacer, from 8 outings, has bagged as many wickets, registering the best figures of 4/36, maintaining an economy rate of 4.13. Ava has been bowling with great rhythm, and in the series opener, returned figures of 2/19. It’ll be expected of her to carry forward this momentum into the decider.
Pitch:
The wicket is expected to favor the batters; however, there will also be enough in it for the bowlers to make an impact as reflected in the average score of 196. The initial overs give an edge to the pacers, while spinners can shine in the middle overs.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day to get down to Harare Sports Club for some cricket as the radar doesn’t indicate any rain during match hours. The temperature is forecasted to be in the early 20s (°C), with light winds and humidity of 76%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Mary-Anne Musonda, Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Kelis Ndhlovu, Ashley Ndiraya, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Precious Marange, Cara Murray, Ava Canning
Match details:
Date – January 21, 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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