Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women – T20I Match Preview (20 July 2025)

Date & Time: 20 July 2025, 16:00 GMT
Venue: Pembroke Cricket Club, Dublin
Series: Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women (1st of 3 T20Is)

Match Preview

The first T20I of the three-match series between Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women is set to take place at the Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin on 20 July 2025. This encounter promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles but shared ambitions of securing a winning start to the series.

Ireland, led by the ever-reliable Gaby Lewis, will be buoyed by the presence of experienced all-rounders like Amy Hunter and Laura Delany, who can both bat and bowl effectively. The middle-order, anchored by Orla Prendergast, is expected to provide stability in the field. Ireland’s recent record against Zimbabwe has been impressive, with notable victories in recent T20I encounters, including a dominant 9-wicket win with 1 ball remaining in their last meeting in 2024.

Zimbabwe, captained by Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, will look to put past results behind them and deliver a strong performance. Players such as Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Nomvelo Sibanda are expected to play key roles in both batting and bowling departments. Zimbabwe will need to capitalize on early wickets and exploit the conditions to keep Ireland’s batters in check.

Pitch and Playing Conditions

The Pembroke Cricket Club pitch is known for offering a balanced contest between bat and ball. The cool, often humid weather in Dublin can assist seamers early in the match, with some lateral movement on offer. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, making it easier for batters to score. Spinners may also find some assistance in the later stages of the innings.

The expected total for this match is around 187-190 runs, with an average of 144 runs being a safe benchmark for fantasy and performance-based analysis.

Head-to-Head Record

The recent history between these two teams favors Ireland Women, who have won the last two T20I encounters, including a 9-wicket victory in April 2024. However, Zimbabwe have a strong track record in the past, with notable wins under their belt, including a 4-wicket win in 2021. This match could be a closely contested affair, with both teams having the capability to win.

Key Players to Watch

Ireland Women

• Gaby Lewis – The captain and top-order batswoman who leads by example.
• Amy Hunter – A crucial all-rounder with both bat and ball.
• Laura Delany – A consistent performer with the ability to accelerate the innings.
• Orla Prendergast – Provides stability in the middle order and is a key wicket-taker.

Zimbabwe Women

• Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano – The captain and a reliable all-rounder.
• Modester Mupachikwa – A dangerous batter and leg-spinner.
• Kelis Ndhlovu – A consistent all-rounder with a strong record against Ireland.
• Nomvelo Sibanda – A key batter and wicketkeeper.

Squads

Ireland Women:

• Gaby Lewis (c)
• Ava Canning
• Christina Coulter Reilly
• Alana Dalzell
• Laura Delany
• Sarah Forbes
• Amy Hunter
• Arlene Kelly
• Louise Little
• Jane Maguire
• Lara McBride
• Cara Murray
• Leah Paul
• Orla Prendergast

Zimbabwe Women:

• Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c)
• Beloved Biza
• Francesca Chipare
• Kudzai Chigora
• Chiedza Dhururu
• Nyasha Gwanzura
• Tendai Makusha
• Lindokuhle Mabhero
• Mitchel Mavunga
• Modester Mupachikwa
• Vimbai Mutungwindu
• Kelis Ndhlovu
• Runyararo Pasipanodya
• Nomvelo Sibanda
• Loreen Tshuma

Fantasy and Dream11 Prediction

Captain (C): Gaby Lewis
Vice-Captain (VC): Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
Backups: Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Mitchel Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa

Final Verdict

This match could set the tone for the entire series. While Ireland have the momentum from recent wins and a balanced squad, Zimbabwe are not to be underestimated, especially on a pitch that could assist seamers early on. The battle between the openers and the early wicket-taking ability of the bowlers will be crucial. Expect a tight contest with both teams capable of winning.

Prediction:
Ireland Women are slight favorites to win this match, but Zimbabwe Women can cause an upset with the right execution.

Stay tuned for live updates, scorecards, and post-match analysis right here!