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Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Harare, Preview: Hosts aim to seal series

Zimbabwe's win in the first match against Ireland would have given them some confidence.

Ireland have been known for their ability to defeat major teams and would be no surprise if they manage to bounce back © AFP (File Photo)
Ireland have been known for their ability to defeat major teams and would be no surprise if they manage to bounce back © AFP (File Photo)

Following a thrilling two-wicket win over the visiting Irish team, hosts Zimbabwe would aim to seal the series, when they face off again in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Zimbabwe recently lost the series against Pakistan recently, but the win in the first match against Ireland would have given them some confidence. However, going by the tradition, Ireland have been known for their ability to defeat major teams and would be no surprise if they manage to bounce back and stay alive in the series by squaring it. SCORECARD: Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Harare

Considering the previous game, Ireland had a good outing with the bat as batsmen like Gary Wilson and Ed Joyce played a crucial knock of 70 and 53, respectively, which helped Ireland put up an average total of 219 for 8. However, when it came to Ireland’s bowling it was a decent effort by Andy McBrine and George Dockrell, who claimed a couple of wickets each.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, too had an bright contribution from the bowlers John Nyumbu and Wellington Masakadza claimed a couple of wickets each. Their batting was a bit shaky but Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, who scored a 60 each lead the hosts to victory with just an over to spare.

The pitch has something in it for both batsmen and bowlers and hencea five-bowler strategy won’t be a bad choice. Ireland would definitely like to make a few changes, with Andrew Balbrine not scoring in the last game, he could well be replaced by Niall O’Brien. Also, Stuart Thompson could make way for Max Sorensen as a specialist lower-order batsman. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are most likely expected not to make any changes and disturb their winning combination. However, with the previous game being a close call, it won’t be a surprise if they make a change here and there. Out of the most expected change, Malcolm Waller’s poor run could mean he could well make way for Brian Chari. However, they are sure to make their bowling attack remain unchanged, as they had a decent contribution from each of them.

Squads:

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, John Nyumbu, Tinashe Panyangara, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Andy Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andy McBrine, John Mooney, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Time: 09:30 local | 07:30 GMT | 13:00 IST

(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer and is also a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) maniac. He can be followed on Twitter @Ayush24x7)

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