All is set for the third and final ODI match of the three-match series between the hosts Ireland and Zimbabwe in Belfast on Sunday. The hosts already sealed the series by winning back-to-back matches while on the other hand, Zimbabwe are playing for their pride to end the series on a winning note to gain momentum before heading to the T20I series.
Ireland, having already clinched the series, they will be hoping to clean sweep the series thanks to Paul Stirling's back-to-back fifties, is in fine form and one can expect him to fire once again. While, James McCollum's 73 runs contribution in the last game in the top-order was the first half-century of his ODI career but, the experienced players like William Porterfield and Kevin O'Brien failed to produce an impact in the series. Besides all that, pacer Tim Murtagh and Mark Adair are the leading wicket-takers for Ireland and will continue their job for giving regular breakthroughs. The Irish side could tweak their playing XI as they already sealed the series.
While on the other hand, Zimbabwe came with their full strength squad for this series but unfortunately faced two defeats in two matches. Craig Ervine and Ryan Burl so far have been the best batsmen for Zimbabwe in this series expect both Zimbabwe will be hoping to get some contribution from Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor need to perform well in top up the order avoid the clean sweep. But, the problem continues in the
All is set for the third and final ODI match of the three-match series between the hosts Ireland and Zimbabwe in Belfast on Sunday. The hosts already sealed the series by winning back-to-back matches while on the other hand, Zimbabwe are playing for their pride to end the series on a winning note to gain momentum before heading to the T20I series.
Ireland, having already clinched the series, they will be hoping to clean sweep the series thanks to Paul Stirling's back-to-back fifties, is in fine form and one can expect him to fire once again. While, James McCollum's 73 runs contribution in the last game in the top-order was the first half-century of his ODI career but, the experienced players like William Porterfield and Kevin O'Brien failed to produce an impact in the series. Besides all that, pacer Tim Murtagh and Mark Adair are the leading wicket-takers for Ireland and will continue their job for giving regular breakthroughs. The Irish side could tweak their playing XI as they already sealed the series.
While on the other hand, Zimbabwe came with their full strength squad for this series but unfortunately faced two defeats in two matches. Craig Ervine and Ryan Burl so far have been the best batsmen for Zimbabwe in this series expect both Zimbabwe will be hoping to get some contribution from Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor need to perform well in top up the order avoid the clean sweep. But, the problem continues in the bowling department as well where Zimbabwe relying heavily on Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara to provide some early breakthroughs. The team management could check their bench strength by tweaking their playing XI for the third match.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Lorcan Tucker (8 credits): Tucker made a very important contribution in the middle-order of 56 runs in his last match which helped his side to reach the respectable total of 242. However, looking at the Brendan Taylor's recent form in this series it's best to pick Tucker from the wicket-keeper slot.
Batsman: Paul Stirling (10 credits): The explosive right-handed batsman is in red-hot form in 2019, as he averages 55 and also smashed a century and seven half-centuries. Moreover, he is coming to this match after smashing back-to-back two half-centuries and he will look to continue his form in a game against Zimbabwe. Moreover, he could be a dark horse today.
All-Rounder: Shane Getkate (8 credits): Getkate has been Ireland's best bowler next to Tim Murtagh in this series, where he picked four wickets in his two matches at an economy of 5.29. Overall, looking at his performance in this series he is a must-have player in your team.
Bowler: Tim Murtagh (8.5 credits): Murtagh once again going to trouble Zimbabwean batsmen with his bowling. Moreover, Murtagh picked his first ever five-fer of his ODI career in his last match made a total tally of six wickets in just two matches at an economy just 3.15. Moreover, Zimbabwe's top-order hasn't fired yet, and Murtagh will be eager to make the most of their tentativeness.
Captain: Paul Stirling
Vice-Captain: Craig Ervine
Predicted Playing XI:
Ireland: Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andy Balbirnie, William Porterfield (c), Kevin O'Brien, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Shane Getkate, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin
Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Richmond Mutumbami, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis. Tendai Chatara
