With the Women’s ODI calendar buzzing with intense contests, Ireland Women have drawn first blood in their home series against Zimbabwe Women, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series after a comprehensive 97-run win in the 1st ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.
Ireland, driven by an all-round performance from Orla Prendergast, will now aim for a clean sweep in the 2nd ODI on July 28, while Zimbabwe are desperate to level the series and build momentum heading into their upcoming international assignments.
The series is more than just a bilateral encounter—it serves as a litmus test for Zimbabwe’s rebuilding side and Ireland’s growing stature as a competitive force in women’s cricket. With World Cup qualification cycles approaching, both teams will be looking to build solid white-ball credentials.
Ireland Women: Riding a Wave of Confidence
In the first ODI, Ireland showed maturity, composure, and cricketing intelligence—three pillars that defined their victory. Their total of 288/9 was a reflection of calculated aggression, led by a trio of batters: Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter, and Orla Prendergast. The top and middle order blended aggression with stability, laying a platform that Zimbabwe simply could not chase down.
Orla Prendergast, who earned the Player of the Match, was pivotal—not just with the bat but also with the ball. She represents Ireland’s new generation of match-winners, a player capable of changing the game in both innings. Jane Maguire and Cara Murray provided excellent bowling support, exposing Zimbabwe’s batting frailties.
The Irish side will walk into the 2nd ODI with confidence, knowing their batting depth and bowling variety give them the edge on home turf.
Zimbabwe Women: In Need of Spark and Structure
For Zimbabwe, the first ODI exposed their rustiness and lack of depth under pressure. Chasing 289, they were never in the hunt, folding for 191 despite a promising start by skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and flashes of resistance from Kelis Ndhlovu.
The middle order collapsed under pressure from Ireland’s disciplined seamers and spinners. Zimbabwe’s bowling also lacked penetration, allowing Ireland to post a mammoth total.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Zimbabwe have the talent—Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Nomvelo Sibanda are seasoned campaigners. It’s now about converting starts and finding someone to play the anchor or finisher roles with authority.
With nothing to lose in the 2nd ODI, Zimbabwe could take the aggressive route—reshuffling the order, unleashing their spinners early, or promoting their in-form batters.
Pitch and Conditions: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
The Civil Service Cricket Club offers a balanced surface that helps both pacers and batters. Early seam movement is a given in Belfast, especially in morning conditions, but the pitch tends to settle nicely as the game progresses.
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Average first innings total: ~210 in ODIs
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Recent WODI Trends: Teams batting first have won more often, but it remains a bat-or-bowl-first toss dilemma depending on overhead conditions.
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Conditions on Match Day: Forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies with minimal rain, making it ideal for a full day’s play.
Key Insight: If Ireland win the toss, expect them to bat first and pile scoreboard pressure again. Zimbabwe, however, might prefer chasing to keep the game in their control during the latter half.
Head-to-Head Record (WODIs)
Matches | Ireland Won | Zimbabwe Won | No Result |
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26 | 11 | 11 | 4 |
Despite an equal WODI record, momentum is currently in Ireland’s favour. They’ve won the last 3 encounters convincingly, thanks to improved domestic depth and strategic planning.
Player Spotlight
Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
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Role: All-rounder
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1st ODI Performance: 40+ runs & 2 wickets
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A dynamite in Ireland’s squad. She sets the tone in the middle overs and contributes heavily with the bat.
Kelis Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe)
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Role: All-rounder
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A rare bright spot in Zimbabwe’s lineup. Can bowl tight lines and is a handy lower-order batter.
Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
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Role: Opener
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One of Ireland’s most dependable batters, Lewis’ ability to anchor and accelerate makes her dangerous in ODIs.
Jane Maguire (Ireland)
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Role: Medium-pacer
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Known for her ability to swing the ball early and bowl disciplined spells at the death.
Tactical Battles to Watch
1. Ireland’s Powerplay Approach vs Zimbabwe’s New-Ball Attack
Ireland made full use of the powerplay in the first ODI. Can Zimbabwe’s quicks adjust lengths and bowl tighter lines to prevent another strong start?
2. Zimbabwe’s Middle-Order Resistance
Mugeri-Tiripano and Chiedza Dhururu need to hold fort in the middle overs and rotate strike effectively. Collapse here could again derail any hopes of chasing or setting a competitive total.
3. Ireland’s Use of Spin vs Zimbabwe’s Stroke-players
Cara Murray’s leg-spin and Leah Paul’s left-arm orthodox variations will be key in the middle overs against stroke-makers like Ndhlovu.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips (IRE-W vs ZIM-W)
Wicketkeepers
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Amy Hunter (Ireland) – In form, reliable glovework.
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Chiedza Dhururu (Zimbabwe) – Capable of scoring in the lower middle order.
Batters
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Gaby Lewis (Ireland) – Reliable opener, must-have pick.
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Laura Delany (Ireland) – Anchors the middle overs.
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Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (Zimbabwe) – Skipper and most dependable batter.
All-rounders
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Orla Prendergast (Ireland) – Obvious captaincy choice.
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Arlene Kelly (Ireland) – Economical and picks up key wickets.
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Kelis Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe) – Can contribute with both bat and ball.
Bowlers
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Jane Maguire (Ireland) – Good with new and old ball.
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Cara Murray (Ireland) – Spin threat on a pitch that will help her later in the innings.
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Kudzai Chigora (Zimbabwe) – Best bowling prospect in Zimbabwe’s attack.
Dream11 Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Option 1:
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Captain: Orla Prendergast
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Vice-Captain: Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Option 2:
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Captain: Laura Delany
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Vice-Captain: Kelis Ndhlovu
Dream11 Wildcard Backups
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Ireland: Alana Dalzell, Ava Canning
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Zimbabwe: Francisca Chipare, Nomvelo Sibanda
Full Squads
🇮🇪 Ireland Women
Captain: Gaby Lewis
Squad: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Coulter Reilly, Louise Little, Arlene Kelly, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Lara McBride, Alana Dalzell, Ava Canning
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Women
Captain: Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Squad: Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c), Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Francisca Chipare, Nomvelo Sibanda, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Tendai Makusha, Nyasha Gwanzura, Kudzai Chigora, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Michelle Mavunga
Match Prediction
Ireland Women look the stronger of the two sides based on current form, home conditions, and all-round strength. Unless Zimbabwe pull off something extraordinary, it’s likely that the Irish will cruise to a 2–0 series victory.
Prediction: Ireland Women to win by 5–7 wickets or 40+ runs.
Broadcast and Streaming
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Live Streaming: FanCode (India)
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TV Broadcast: Details vary by region (check local listings)
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Live Scores: Available on ICC, ESPNcricinfo, and official Cricket Ireland platforms
Final Thoughts
The 2nd ODI between Ireland and Zimbabwe Women may appear one-sided on paper, but it holds crucial implications for both teams’ growth and visibility in the international circuit. A Zimbabwe comeback would spark renewed hope for the visitors, while a clean sweep would cement Ireland’s rise in the white-ball game.
With conditions set to favour good cricket, this ODI promises competitive energy, individual brilliance, and a fair share of tactical drama. Whether you’re a neutral viewer or a passionate fan, this is one match you won’t want to miss.
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