Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women – 2nd T20I Match Preview (22 July 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women
• Format: T20I
• Venue: Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount, Dublin
• Date & Time: Tuesday, 22 July 2025, 16:00 GMT / 21:30 IST
• Series: Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of Ireland (3-match T20I series)

Match Background

Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women are set to face each other in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Pembroke Cricket Club. Following the hosts' dominant 6-wicket win in the opening match, all eyes are on whether Ireland can continue their momentum or if Zimbabwe can mount a strong response in the second game.

The first T20I saw Ireland chase down 118 with relative ease, with Gaby Lewis anchoring the innings with a composed 67. Zimbabwe, despite a valiant effort from Chipo Mugeri Tiripano (42 runs), struggled to find consistent support, and their bowlers were unable to contain the Irish chase beyond the 17th over.

With a 25% chance of rain in the early evening, the toss could play a pivotal role in shaping the game’s outcome. Historically, Pembroke Cricket Club has seen teams batting first scoring in the 140-142 range, and with the weather being a factor, the toss winner is expected to opt to bowl first.

Team Form & Key Players

Ireland Women

• Form: Won the first T20I by 6 wickets.
• Top Run-scorer (1st T20I): Gaby Lewis (67 runs).
• Top Wicket-taker (1st T20I): Cara Murray (3/19).
• Predicted Playing XI:
  Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Laura Delany, Rebecca Stokell, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Arlene Kelly, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Amy Hunter (Wk)

Key Players to Watch:

• Gaby Lewis: The Ireland captain is in top form and expected to lead the charge once again.
• Cara Murray: The leg-spinner was instrumental in the first match and is likely to take wickets again.
• Amy Hunter: Versatile all-rounder with a solid record in the middle overs and a good record with the bat.

Zimbabwe Women

• Form: Lost the first T20I but showed promising signs.
• Top Run-scorer (1st T20I): Chipo Mugeri Tiripano (42 runs).
• Top Wicket-taker (1st T20I): Kudzai Chigora (2/18).
• Predicted Playing XI:
  Kelis Ndhlovu, Modester Mupachikwa (Wk), Chipo Mugeri Tiripano (C), Loreen Tshuma, Beloved Biza, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Chiedza Dhururu, Kudzai Chigora, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tinotenda Mtapuri

Key Players to Watch:

• Chipo Mugeri Tiripano: The captain is the main batting threat, and she needs more support from the middle order.
• Kudzai Chigora: One of Zimbabwe’s best bowlers; she was crucial in restricting Ireland’s run rate in the first game.
• Tafadzwa Kamungozi: The young pacer has pace and bounce and could trouble the Irish batsmen.

Head-to-Head

Ireland Women have historically held the upper hand in the T20I series. In their recent encounters, Ireland have won 6 of the last 10 matches, including a 6-wicket win in the first T20I of this series.

However, Zimbabwe will be confident after a few recent close contests and their strong bowling unit, which could trouble the top order if Ireland doesn’t start well.

Weather Forecast & Tactical Outlook

• Weather: 25% chance of rain in the evening, which could delay the start or force a reduced over game.
• Venue Conditions: Pembroke Cricket Club is a balanced venue, but it tends to assist spinners in the middle overs.
• Toss Strategy: With the likelihood of rain and the track favoring spin, the toss winner is expected to choose to bowl first.

Match Prediction

Ireland Women are the clear favorites heading into this match, given their superior depth in batting and their ability to chase down modest targets with ease. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter provide the core of a strong batting lineup, while Cara Murray and Arlene Kelly offer potent spin support.

Zimbabwe will look to improve on their performance and rely on Kudzai Chigora and Tinotenda Mtapuri to bowl tight lines and pick up wickets. However, unless the middle order contributes significantly with the bat, Zimbabwe may struggle to post a competitive total.

Prediction:
Ireland Women to win the 2nd T20I with a margin of 10-15 runs.

Fantasy Insights

• Captaincy Pick: Gaby Lewis (Ireland) – Consistent performer with the bat.
• Wicket-keeper: Amy Hunter (Ireland) – All-rounder with good stats.
• Bowler of the Match: Cara Murray (Ireland) – Effective leg-spinner with a good economy.
• Pace Bowler: Tinotenda Mtapuri (Zimbabwe) – Has the potential to trouble the top order.
• Wicketkeeper Bowler: Kudzai Chigora (Zimbabwe) – Key bowler and potential top wicket-taker.

Conclusion

Ireland Women are in excellent form and have the balanced squad to dominate this match. However, Zimbabwe will look to capitalize on any misfiring from the Irish batsmen and make a strong statement in the second game of the series.

Next Match: 23 July 2025 – 3rd T20I (Pembroke Cricket Club)
“`