With Ireland claiming the One-Day International (ODI) opener and the 2nd ODI resulting in a tie, the 3rd and final game of the series, the series decider, is scheduled for the 23rd of January 2024. The game will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, at 12:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
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:
Ashley Ndiraya
The 31-year-old batter has added 225 runs to the tally, including the highest of 47 from 12 ODI outings. Ashley has notched up scores of 47 and 41 this series and can also be a handy contributor with the ball. It’ll be expected of the seasoned campaigner to continue with this batting form while also delivering with the ball.
Loreen Tshuma
The 27-year-old all-rounder, from 11 ODIs, has picked up 6 wickets, including the best figures of 2/48, maintaining an economy rate of 4.36. Loreen, in this series, has returned figures of 0/9 and 2/48 while also chipping in with the bat. It’ll be hoped she capitalizes on the form she is in.
Gaby Lewis
The 22-year-old batter, in 40 ODIs, has racked up 1167 runs, including the highest of 96*, at an average of 32.41, and she has also taken 10 wickets. Gaby has been a standout for the team this series, registering successive scores of 65* and 42. The team will count on her to continue with this momentum.
Arlene Kelly
The 30-year-old all-rounder in ODIs, from 14 outings, has accumulated 199 runs and taken 21 wickets from 17 innings, registering bests of 34 and 4/35. Arlene continues to impress, now registering figures of 1/22 and 4/35 this series, while also chipping in with the bat. She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Harare Sports Club favors the spinners, creating ideal conditions for bowling, evident from the average score of 203. However, batters once settle in and find their rhythm can accumulate runs effectively as the ball comes off the bat nicely.
Weather:
With light winds, humidity at 56%, and the temperature forecasted to hover around 25°C, the conditions are pleasant to be at the cricket. The overhead is expected to be partly cloudy with the chances of rain, minimal.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Ashley Ndiraya, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Kelis Ndhlovu, Precious Marange, Cara Murray, Freya Sargent
Match details:
Date – January 23, 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.