Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test Match Pitch Report - Match Overview & Playing XI | Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025

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CFLL Staff

Published on

05 February 2025 | 06:06AM
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The lone Test match between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams look to make their mark in the longer format. Both sides are eager to prove their strength in Test cricket, making this encounter a crucial one for their progress in international cricket.


Zimbabwe, playing at home, will look to use the conditions to their advantage. Their squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents who can make a difference. Their batting unit has shown promise in recent games, and their all-rounders provide depth to the side. The key for Zimbabwe will be to build partnerships and use their spin and pace combination to keep Ireland under pressure.


Ireland, on the other hand, has made significant strides in Test cricket. Their batting lineup features aggressive stroke makers alongside technically sound players who can anchor innings. Their bowlers will need to adapt quickly to Zimbabwean conditions, where the pitch is expected to aid spinners as the game progresses.


As the two teams prepare for this highly anticipated clash, fans will be keeping a close eye on the ZIM vs IRE Live Score to track the momentum shifts in what promises to be an evenly contested match.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test Match Details

Series

Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025

Match

Zimbabwe vs Ireland

Date & Time

06 February 2025, 01:30PM

Venue

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

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Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test Match Weather Condition

06:00 am

Cloud

8%

Humidity

38%

Wind

18.7 km/h

27.6

o

Sunny

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Queens Sports Club Pitch Report

Pitch Condition

--

Batting Condition

--

Pace Bowling

--

Spin Bowling

--

Pace vs Spin on Venue

(Last 10 match)

The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is known for offering a balanced pitch that provides assistance to both batters and bowlers. The first two days generally favor batters, with a firm and dry surface allowing for stroke play. As the match progresses, the pitch starts breaking down, bringing spinners into play, especially on Days 4 and 5. Fast bowlers can expect some movement early on with the new ball, particularly in the morning sessions when there is moisture in the pitch. However, once the ball gets older, batting becomes easier. Spinners will come into the picture from Day 3 onward, making it crucial for teams to post a strong first-innings total. Batting first is often the preferred choice on this surface, as chasing in the fourth innings can be tricky with the ball turning and keeping low. A first-innings score of around 350+ would be a strong total to set up the match.

Zimbabwe Recent form

Last 5 Matches

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Ireland Recent form

Last 5 Matches

WLLLA
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Venue Scoring Pattern

Avg 1st Innings

337

X

408

Avg 2st Innings

Highest Total

699-10 by AFG vs ZIM

X

88-3 by ZIM vs PAK

Lowest Total

Highest Chased

X

Lowest Defended

Matches Won
Batting First

4

40%
|
60%
Bowling First

6

Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test Match Squad

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Zimbabwe Probable XI :

Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, Nick Welch, Wesley Madhevere, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Ireland Probable XI :

Paul Stirling, Peter Moor, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Craig Young, Mark Adair, Josh Little

Conclusion

With both teams looking to make a statement in Test cricket, the match between Zimbabwe and Ireland is expected to be a closely contested affair. Zimbabwe, with home advantage, will look to utilize their spinners effectively, while Ireland will rely on their batters to handle the conditions and post a strong total. The key battles in the match will be Zimbabwe’s all-rounders against Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack. The team that handles pressure better in crucial sessions will likely emerge victorious. Ireland’s ability to play spin will be tested, while Zimbabwe will need to maintain consistency in their batting to dominate. As the Test match unfolds, cricket enthusiasts will be closely following the ZIM vs IRE Live Score, with each session potentially shaping the outcome of this fascinating contest.