Having already lost the five-match series 1-3, Zimbabwe will be looking to win the fifth T20I against Ireland, on 4 September at the Bready Cricket Club, before moving to three-match ODI series.
Led by Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe began the tour by beating Ireland by three runs in a low-scoring thriller. They have looked lacklustre on the field since then. Making full use of it, Ireland won three games on the trot to seal the series in their favour.
Paul Stirling and Mark Adair have been the architects of Ireland’s turnaround. While Stirling has aggregated 215 runs so far at a strike rate of 138, Adair has picked up seven wickets in the last two matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.85. Stirling has also struck his maiden T20I hundred in this series, which came in the third game.
Shane Getkate has been excellent as well. He is the leading wicket-taker in this series, with eight scalps at 6.21. Kevin O'Brien, who had been out of form for a while, has found his touch again.
From Zimbabwe’s perspective, Ryan Burl has been outstanding with both bat and ball. He is Zimbabwe’s second-highest run-scorer in this tour, after Craig Ervine, and has also picked up most wickets for his side.
Zimbabwe have recalled Blessing Muzarabani, their lead seamer, in the last encounter after resting him in the opening three games. He failed to make any impact, conceding 36 without taking any wicket. Though they have been mostly let down by their batters, who have struggled to accelerate throughout the series.
Betway Fantasy Tips
– Bet on Ireland again. Appoint Stirling and Adair as captain and vice-captain respectively in the fantasy XI.
– Regis Chakabva has not been at his best. Still, pick him ahead of Neil Rock among wicket-takers.
– Back Muzarabani again. He is not going to fail in back-to-back matches.
Probable XIs
Ireland: Andy Balbirnie (c), Neil Rock(wk), Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Shane Getkate, George Dockrell, William McClintock, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little.
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Regis Chakabva(wk), Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Milton Shumba, Luke Jongwe, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
Prediction
Ireland should win the contest, and finish the series 4-1.
BlitzPools Fantasy XI
Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair (VC), Regis Chakabva, Andy Balbirnie, Kevin O’Brien, Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Shane Getkate, Simi Singh, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani.
