DUBLIN, July 23, 2025 – The scenic Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin plays host today to the final T20I of Zimbabwe Women’s tour of Ireland, and there’s plenty riding on this last encounter—if not in terms of the series result, then certainly for momentum, pride, and preparation. With the series already clinched 2-0, Ireland Women come into this match with wind in their sails. Zimbabwe Women, meanwhile, have one final shot at rewriting the narrative before shifting to the longer format.
The series has so far been a masterclass in consistency and composure from the hosts. But the question now is: Can they complete the clean sweep, or will Zimbabwe finally click as a unit and pull off an upset?
Ireland’s Dominance: A Series of Total Team Performances
Ireland have played like a team with intent and clarity. Gaby Lewis, one of Ireland’s most dependable top-order batters, has not only led with composure but also brought tactical acumen to the fore. She has rotated her bowlers smartly, managed pressure well, and guided younger players around her.
In Laura Delany and Orla Prendergast, Ireland have two of the most valuable all-rounders in Associate and emerging cricket. Their ability to swing matches with both bat and ball has kept Zimbabwe constantly under pressure. The pair have also been instrumental in bridging the transition between Ireland’s experienced core and its promising youth brigade.
Amy Hunter, still in her teenage years, has blossomed into a mature campaigner behind the stumps. Her glove work has been clean, and her ability to step up with the bat in key moments adds an extra layer to Ireland’s top order.
Then there’s the supporting cast—Ava Canning, Louise Little, and Cara Murray—all of whom have played crucial roles with the ball. The seam attack, led by Canning, has made early inroads, while Murray has applied the brakes in the middle overs with tidy leg-spin.
Zimbabwe’s Struggles: Flashes of Promise, But No Firepower
In contrast, Zimbabwe Women have struggled to assert themselves. While individuals have shown potential—Modester Mupachikwa’s batting technique, Kelis Ndhlovu’s raw talent, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s experienced leadership—the team has faltered in critical phases.
Their batting collapses have been a recurring issue. Whether chasing or setting a target, Zimbabwe have failed to stitch together meaningful partnerships. A lack of intent during the powerplay has also allowed Ireland to dominate early.
With the ball, Zimbabwe have shown some promise through Ndhlovu and Lindokuhle Mabhero, but they’ve lacked penetration. Bowling full and wide during death overs, coupled with inconsistent fielding, has only compounded their woes.
Captain Mugeri-Tiripano now faces an uphill task—lifting the spirits of her team and ending the T20I series on a high.
Pitch Report: A Surface That Rewards Skill and Patience
The pitch at Pembroke Cricket Club is known for being a fair surface that provides a balanced contest. Early in the match, seamers can extract some lateral movement off the surface, particularly in overcast or humid conditions typical of Dublin. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, and stroke-making becomes easier.
Spin could play a role in the middle overs, especially if Zimbabwe field first and apply scoreboard pressure. But the key will lie in discipline—with both bat and ball.
Expected Conditions
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Temperature: 18–21°C
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Humidity: 65%
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Chances of rain: Minimal
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Dew factor: Low
Chasing teams have historically fared better at this venue, which could influence the toss decision.
Head-to-Head: Ireland’s Unblemished Record
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Matches Played: 08
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Ireland Women Won: 08
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Zimbabwe Women Won: 00
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No Result: 00
This head-to-head statistic paints a stark picture. Zimbabwe have never beaten Ireland in T20Is, a mental barrier they’ll desperately want to overcome today.
Players to Watch: Match-Winners & X-Factors
Ireland Women
🟩 Gaby Lewis (Captain): The batting linchpin of this Irish side. Calm, technically sound, and aggressive when needed. Her leadership has added another feather to her cap.
🟩 Orla Prendergast: A true all-rounder in every sense. Her pace and bounce can surprise, and she’s dangerous with the bat in middle overs.
🟩 Laura Delany: Offers balance and stability. Her experience in crunch moments has been invaluable.
🟩 Amy Hunter: Clean striker and agile behind the stumps. Could be a future captain in the making.
Zimbabwe Women
🟥 Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (Captain): Zimbabwe’s most experienced hand. The team needs her to step up both tactically and with the bat.
🟥 Kelis Ndhlovu: A dynamic all-rounder. Has the potential to change games but needs more support from teammates.
🟥 Modester Mupachikwa: One of Zimbabwe’s few bright sparks with the bat. Technically strong and capable of building an innings.
🟥 Lindokuhle Mabhero: A promising pacer who could exploit early movement if conditions assist.
Probable XIs
Ireland Women (IR-W)
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Gaby Lewis (c)
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Leah Paul
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Amy Hunter (wk)
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Orla Prendergast
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Laura Delany
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Louise Little
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Ava Canning
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Cara Murray
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Arlene Kelly
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Alana Dalzell
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Jane Maguire
Zimbabwe Women (ZM-W)
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Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c)
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Modester Mupachikwa (wk)
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Kelis Ndhlovu
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Vimbai Mutungwindu
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Nyasha Gwanzura
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Loreen Tshuma
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Lindokuhle Mabhero
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Tendai Makusha
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Nomvelo Sibanda
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Mitchel Mavunga
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Francesca Chipare
Dream11 Fantasy Picks
Wicketkeepers
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Modester Mupachikwa
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Amy Hunter
Batters
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Gaby Lewis
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Leah Paul
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Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
All-rounders
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Laura Delany
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Orla Prendergast
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Kelis Ndhlovu
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Louise Little
Bowlers
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Cara Murray
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Lindokuhle Mabhero
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
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Option 1: Gaby Lewis (C), Kelis Ndhlovu (VC)
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Option 2: Orla Prendergast (C), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (VC)
Backups to Consider
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Jane Maguire
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Lara McBride
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Mitchel Mavunga
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Tendai Makusha
What’s at Stake: Series Pride vs Series Perfection
While Ireland have already clinched the series, this match offers them a shot at a flawless 3-0 victory, reinforcing their credentials ahead of bigger international assignments. For Zimbabwe, the final T20I presents a psychological battleground. A win would not just end the series on a positive note—it would also send a message to the cricketing world that Zimbabwe Women can bounce back and compete.
Moreover, with the ODI series approaching, both teams will be keen to fine-tune their combinations and carry momentum forward.
Verdict: Ireland Favourites, But Zimbabwe Have Nothing to Lose
On form, discipline, and execution, Ireland have been superior in every department. They’re expected to dominate again today, especially if they bat first and set a commanding total.
However, Zimbabwe may just play with the freedom that comes when expectations are low. If their top order fires and their bowlers hit their lines early, they could finally breach Ireland’s fortress.
One thing is certain: this finale is more than a dead rubber—it’s a test of character, resilience, and future potential.
Match Details:
📍 Venue: Pembroke Cricket Club, Dublin
🕗 Time: July 23, 3:00 PM GMT / 4:00 PM Local / 8:30 PM IST
🎥 Live Streaming: Check Cricket Ireland or Zimbabwe Cricket official channels for regional availability.
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