Ireland and Zimbabwe are slated to go head-to-head in match no. 10 of the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Global Qualifier. The game will be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on the 29th of April, 2024, at 4:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Ireland – Laura Delany (C), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Joanna Loughran, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, Sharne Mayers, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiyedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Precious Marange, Pellagia Mujaji, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Francisca Chipare, Ashley Ndiraya
Players to watch out:
Amy Hunter
The 18-year-old keeper-batter, from 30 T20I innings, averaging 32.00, has racked up 722 runs at a strike rate of 110.80 and registered the highest of 101*. Amy warmed up for the tournament registering scores of 13 and 34 and followed up with a 25 in the opener. It’ll be expected of the seasoned batter to capitalize on the starts she has had.
Orla Prendergast
The 21-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has accumulated 913 runs from 46 outings and also scalped 26 wickets from 37 innings, registering bests of 75* and 3/10. Orla has displayed fine form on this tour of the UAE, registering consecutive scores of 32, 22, 0, and 22*. While she hasn’t bowled yet in this competition, she can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Mary-Anne Musonda
The 32-year-old batter, striking at 110.07, has accumulated 972 runs, including the highest of 60, from 50 T20I innings. Mary-Anne, in April-May against Papua New Guinea, registered scores of 54*, 37, and 24 in the 3 T20Is. Though she hasn’t scored many on this tour of the UAE, she’ll be backed to find her footing.
Precious Marange
The 41-year-old off-spinner, from 57 T20I outings, has claimed 56 wickets, including the best of 5/7, maintaining an economy rate of 3.93, and has added 231 runs to the tally from 33 innings. Precious hasn’t found her rhythm yet on this tour of the UAE, returning figures of 0/20 (3) and 1/26 (3) in the warm-up games. It’ll be hoped she returns amongst wickets.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Zayed Cricket Stadium poses a challenge for batters, offering substantial support to the bowlers, especially the spinners. To post a match-winning total in the 140s, the batters will need to demonstrate adaptability to excel on this wicket.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to be around 36°C, with humidity at 37%, and moderate winds. The chances of rain are minimal, and clear overhead conditions promise a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Laura Delany, Josephine Nkomo, Arlene Kelly, Kelis Ndhlovu, Audrey Mazvishaya, Cara Murray, Precious Marange
Match details:
Date – April 29, 2024
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and ICC TV.