IRE vs ZIM Team Previews
In February of this year, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test victory. They clinched a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, securing a coveted Test trophy. Mark Adair, a versatile all-rounder, played a pivotal role with the ball, taking five wickets in the first innings. Curtis Campher, Paul Stirling, and wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker also stood out with their batting, while captain Andy Balbirnie led the charge in a near-perfect chase for the Irish team.
To build on their recent success in Test cricket, Ireland will once again depend on captain Balbirnie and other senior players to dominate against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe cricket team has not played a Test match since February 2023, their last appearance being against West Indies in Bulawayo, where they lost by an innings and four runs, ending the series 0-1.
Under the guidance of Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe aims to make a strong impression on their Test debut. Ervine, who has scored 391 runs in the last five Tests, will lead the team. Fast bowlers Victor Nyauchi and Blessing Muzarabani are expected to be key players in Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Match Details & Live Streaming
Information Details
Date and Time July 25 to July 29, 3:30 PM IST
Venue Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
Live broadcast & streaming FanCode app and website
Pitch Report
The playing conditions at Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club often favor fast bowlers, with something to offer the batters as well, especially after facing the new ball. While the stadium has yet to host a Test match, it has played host to a number of fast bowlers-friendly white-ball international matches involving the hosts Ireland.
IRE vs ZIM Only Test: Probable Playing XIs
Ireland: A Balbirnie (c), P Stirling, C Campher, H Tector, L Tucker (wk), A McBrine, M Adair, C Young, J McCollum, M Humphreys, G Hoey
Zimbabwe: R Kaia, D Myers, C Ervine (c), P Masvaure, S Williams, B Bennett, J Gumbie (wk), B Muzarabani, R Ngarava, T Chatara, V Nyauchi
