ZIM vs IRE 2023, Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2023 Squads, Live Streaming

ZIM vs IRE 2023: After indulging in fierce competition during T20 World Cup 2022, Both Zimbabwe & Ireland will lock horns in a three-match T20I & ODI series beginning on January 12. This will be the first time when both teams will come into a face-off after T20 World Cup 2022. Ireland will tour Zimbabwe under the leadership of Andy Balbirnie. The tour will begin with three-match T20I series on January 12 followed by three-match ODI series on January 18.

The series will be crucial as both the teams will aim to check their capability & tick all the boxes ahead of the ODI World Cup Qualifier 2023 in June-0july window. Zimbabwe is already out of contention to qualify directly for the World Cup 2023 in India while Ireland still has the chance to grab eight automatic qualification slots. Ireland is in a tussle with South Africa, Sri Lanka & West Indies for the much-desirable eighth spot. They need to win all their remaining ODI fixtures i.e ODI series against Zimbabwe & home series against Bangladesh & hope that Sri Lanka, South Africa & West Indies lose their respective fixtures in order to stay in contention for the direct qualification.

Zimbabwe Preview

The three-match ODI series would be special for Zimbabwe as it would act as a preparatory ground for the World Cup Qualifiers 2023 in June-July window. England’s batter Gary Balance will make his debut for Zimbabwe after signing a two-year contract with England to play for his birth country i.e Zimbabwe.

With the good news, there comes bad news for Zimbabwe as they will miss the services of experienced player Sikandar Raza who has been given  NOC to participate in the inaugural edition of the ILT20. On the other hand, pacer Blessing Muzarbani who is recovering from an injury will also miss the series as he hasn’t recovered fully.

Ireland Preview

Ireland would try to win this series in every possible way in order to stay in contention for direct qualification for the marquee event. Coming to the team they will also take the field without their key players. The management has given permission to opener Paul Stirling to feature in ILT20 while pacer Josh Little has been granted a NOC to play in the inaugural edition of the SA20. But the duo will return back for the crucial ODI series which is also a part of the ICC World Cup Super League.

Meanwhile, the management has taken a major decision of resting Simi Singh who was a regular name of Ireland’s squad due to a string of poor performances. Ireland squad has decided to hand a maiden call-up to Ross Adair for the T20I series on the back of his impressive performance in List A format. He has been included in Ireland’s squad as Lorcan Tucker’s replacement who will miss the T20I series due to his commitment to the ILT20.  Ireland has also decided to hand a debut cap to uncapped player Stephen Doheny for both ODI & T20I Series. The management has recalled pacer Tyrone Kane for both series who is all set to return to the squad after a gap of four years.

With both the teams heading into the series without their key players which team will win the series & standout is what will be known at the grounds of Harare Sports Club on January 12.

ZIM vs IRE 2023: When did Zimbabwe & Ireland last play a bilateral series?

Ireland & Zimbabwe has last played a bilateral series back in 2019. Zimbabwe toured Ireland for three-match ODI & T20I series. Ireland won the ODI series with a 3-1 score to mark their first series victory at their home ground against a full-member team. The victory also marked Ireland’s first series sweep at their home ground against a full-member nation. However, the T20I series was tied at 1-1 after the first fixture was washed out due to rain.

Whether Zimbabwe would take revenge for their 2019 loss or Ireland will overshadow the hosts? All the questions would be answered when both teams will take the field.

ZIM vs IRE 2023 Schedule

Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2023: Squads

Zimbabwe T20I squad: 

Gary Ballance, Ryan Burl, Craig Ervine (C), Tendai Chatara, Bradley Evans, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Wessely Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Sean Williams

Ireland T20I squad:

Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Andy Balbirnie (C), Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy,  Fionn Hand, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White

ZIM vs IRE 2023: Broadcast Details

The three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Ireland series can be viewed on Fancode App.