Zimbabwe vs Ireland Preview: Team News & Prediction | 1st T20 International

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Zimbabwe responded well to losing the one-off Test by taking the ODI series 2-1 against Ireland, who will hope for better fortunes in the T20i games.

Date/Time: Saturday February 22nd 2025: USA PT – 3:30am / USA ET – 6:30am / UK – 11:30am

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

Weather: Sunny spells but a chance of thundery showers with temperatures consistent at 24c. 

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – T Sports YouTube channel / US – T Sports YouTube channel

Zimbabwe Betting Analysis

On the back of a consistent ODI series which saw an innings of breakout brilliance, 169 in the first match, Brian Bennett will now aim to take that form with the bat into these T20is. Bennett backed up that monster knock with scores of 30 and 48 in the second and third games respectively. Whilst the change in format represents a risk, Bennett has earnt a level of trust and warrants a stake here to accrue 20+ runs.

Ireland Betting Analysis

After knee-injury forced bowler Mark Adair out of this T20i series, Craig Young has been drafted in as his replacement having already been a part of both the Test and ODI squads. Young has motivation to take the unexpected opportunity afforded to him and that additional factor could lead to a big performance. Consider a move on Young to take over 1.5 match wickets.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Expert Prediction

Zimbabwe clutched up when required in the rubber ODI and can use this as a springboard to further success in these T20i fixtures. The hosts are expected to do well in this format at home and it would be no surprise if Ireland regress a tad when considering the length of the tour. It’s been hard work for Ireland who have endured ups and downs, but Zimbabwe in this format are worth backing to take a lead.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Tip: Zimbabwe to win