The penultimate match of the ongoing three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Ireland will take place on Sunday (February 16). The game will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.
Zimbabwe won the first ODI by 49 runs to go 1-0 up in the series. They can wrap up the series by winning the second game while Ireland will have to win the game at any cost to keep the series alive.
Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 299/5 in the allotted 50 overs. Brian Bennett was the pick of the batters for Zimbabwe, scoring a career-best 169 runs off 163 balls. It was also his maiden ODI ton. Captain Craig Ervine did not disappoint either as he played an important knock of 66 runs.
In reply, Ireland were all out for 250 runs with Curtis Campher’s 44 being the best effort from their batters. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani impressed with the ball, taking 4 wickets. With the second game now all set to take place, here are all the predictions for the contest.
ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction – Who will win the 2nd ODI? Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025:
Match Details
Match: ZIM vs IRE, 2nd ODI
Date: February 16, 2025
Time: 01: o0 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Live streaming: FanCode
Live broadcast: The match won’t be telecast live in India
ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record
Zimbabwe have bridged the gap with Ireland in the head-to-head record following their win in the first ODI. Both teams have played 23 games against each other so far and Zimbabwe have now won nine of them.
On the other hand, Ireland have won 10 ODIs against the African outfit. One ODI between the two teams ended in a draw while three games ended with no result.
Total Test Matches Played: 23
Zimbabwe Won: 9
Ireland Won: 10
Last 5 Matches: Zimbabwe won – 1 | Ireland won – 2
Pitch Report & Conditions
The first game at the Harare Sports Club showed that the batsmen as well as bowlers will get ample support from the surface. Fast bowlers managed to strike early when Ireland batted and they will be looking to make an impact with the new ball once again.
However, given the record of the venue, it won’t be surprising if the batsmen struggle to do well in the upcoming game. They did well on a fresh surface but might struggle to score big on a used pitch in the upcoming game.
Chasing Record:
While Ireland failed to chase down the total in the first ODI against Zimbabwe, the chasing teams still have a slightly better record at the Harare Sports Club. Of the 186 ODIs played at the venue, teams batting second have won 95 games while teams batting first have won 86 games.
Weather Report
The weather forecast is a big concern for the second ZIM vs IRE ODI. There is a good chance of rain playing spoilsport during the game. There is a 46 percent prediction of rain in Harare around 9:00 AM, half an hour before the start of the game.
So, there is a chance that the start of the game might get delayed due to rain and a wet outfield. After 1:00 PM, the chance of rain is around 50 percent.
ZIM vs IRE Match Prediction – Zimbabwe and Ireland Probable XIs
Zimbabwe Playing 11:
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Ireland Playing 11:
Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little
Form and Fitness
There are no fitness concerns for any of the two teams as of now.
Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| Zimbabwe | 250-260 | 220-230 |
| Ireland | 230-240 | 230-240 |
ZIM vs IRE Players to perform prediction
ZIM: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava could make a big difference for Zimbabwe in the game.
IRE: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, and Josh Little could be decisive for Ireland in the upcoming ODI.
ZIM vs IRE Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for ZIM in the match: Craig Ervine or Brian Bennett
Who will score the most runs for IRE in the match: Andrew Balbirnie or Curtis Campher
ZIM vs IRE Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Richard Ngarava or Blessing Muzarabani
Who will pick the most wickets for IRE in the match: Josh Little or Matthew Humphreys
Conclusion: Who will win the match?
With momentum on their side, Zimbabwe will start the second ODI against Ireland as slight favorites and are expected to win the game.