The upcoming 3rd Twenty20 International (T20I) of the 5-match series will be a must-win for hosts Zimbabwe following Ireland’s successive wins. The game is scheduled for the 30th of January, 2024, at 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.
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, Kudzai Chigora, 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:
Kelis Ndhlovu
The 18-year-old all-rounder, from 25 T20I appearances, has accumulated 433 runs and bagged 23 wickets, registering respective bests of 58* and 3/15. Kelis, in the couple of T20Is this series, has registered scores of 20 and 52 while producing figures of 0/44 and 0/28. She’ll be relied upon for the goods.
Loreen Tshuma
The 27-year-old pacer has taken 27 scalps from 23 T20I outings, at an economy rate of 5.23 and produced the best bowling figures of 4/11, while also being handy with the bat. Loreen was effective in the ODIs and while she has been wicketless in the 2 T20Is so far, she’ll be backed to get back to her wicket-taking best.
Laura Delany
The 31-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, from 83 outings, has amassed 1129 runs, including the highest of 61, and claimed 54 wickets, including the best of 4/12, from 85 innings. Laura hasn’t been required much with the bat this series, while she has returned figures of 0/23 and 4/12 in the T20Is. Her form will remain crucial to the team’s success.
Orla Prendergast
The 21-year-old all-rounder, striking at 119.80, has posted 726 runs from 41 outings, while also bagging 22 wickets from 35 innings. Orla hasn’t had a bowl in this series yet, and with the bat, has managed a couple of good scores and starts. She is the batter in form, and it’ll be hoped she carries forward this form.
Pitch:
The Harare Sports Club features a well-balanced center wicket that caters to both batters and bowlers. While the smaller ground dimensions favor the batters, the average score in the 120s also implies that the pitch is likely to aid bowlers, especially spinners.
Weather:
The conditions at Harare Sports Club are expected to be pleasant for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and clear sunny skies. The temperature will be around 27°C, with light winds and humidity at 59%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Mary-Anne Musonda, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Laura Delany, Kelis Ndhlovu, Georgina Dempsey, Precious Marange, Cara Murray, Alana Dalzell
Match details:
Date – January 30, 2024
Time – 4:30 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.