Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women – 2nd T20I Match Preview (28 July 2025)

Date: 28 July 2025
Time: 10:45 GMT
Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
Format: T20I
Series: Zimbabwe Women tour of Ireland, 2025
Series Standing: Ireland Women 2-0 (after 3 T20Is), 1-0 (after 1 ODI)

Match Overview

The second and final T20I of the Zimbabwe Women's tour of Ireland will take place at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday, 28 July 2025. Ireland Women have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the T20I series, having won all three matches at the Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin by margins of 6 wickets, 65 runs, and 51 runs, respectively. With the T20I series already in the bag, this match will serve as a final opportunity for both teams to test their strategies ahead of the ODI series.

Team News and Key Players

Ireland Women

Ireland have been in commanding form, led by the ever-reliable Gaby Lewis, who has consistently anchored the innings. Orla Prendergast has been another key figure at the top with the bat and has also contributed with the ball. Amy Hunter and Ava Canning have been instrumental in the middle and lower order, providing crucial runs and support.

With the ball, Ireland’s pace attack has been particularly effective, with Sophie MacMahon and Rebecca Stokell making telling contributions. The spin department, led by Leah Paul and Jane Maguire, has also been a consistent threat in tight conditions.

This match will be a chance for some fringe players to make a statement ahead of the ODIs, with the likes of Sarah Forbes and Lara McBride potentially getting a game.

Zimbabwe Women

Zimbabwe have been outplayed so far in the T20I series, but they will be eager to show improvement as the match heads to Belfast. Captain Chipo MugeriTiripano has been a consistent performer across formats, and Beloved Biza continues to be a vital all-rounder.

Runyaaro Pasipanodya and Kelis Ndhlovu have provided much-needed firepower with the bat, while Loreen Tshuma and Mitchel Mavunga have been the standout bowlers for Zimbabwe. The team will look to utilise the slightly different conditions in Belfast to shake up their tactics and put up a better performance.

Venue Conditions – Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Belfast typically offers a more consistent and predictable surface compared to the sometimes variable pitches in Dublin. The wicket at the Civil Service Cricket Club is usually good for batting, with a fair amount of assistance for spinners in the latter stages of the match. With the weather in July generally being warm and dry, the ball is expected to come onto the bat well, making it a favorable venue for aggressive batting.

Head-to-Head

In the three T20Is played so far, Ireland Women have dominated Zimbabwe comprehensively, winning all three matches. With the series already secured, Ireland will be looking to maintain their momentum and fitness, while Zimbabwe will aim to put up a better performance in the final T20I of the tour.

Match Prediction

Ireland Women are expected to continue their dominance in this match as well. With the T20I series already in their pocket, they can afford to play with a relaxed mindset, while Zimbabwe will be looking to build confidence for the upcoming ODIs. Ireland’s depth in batting and bowling could prove to be the difference, especially if they manage the chase effectively.

Prediction: Ireland Women by 30-40 runs

Key Matchups to Watch

• Gaby Lewis (Ireland) vs Zimbabwe’s bowlers: Ireland’s captain has been in fine form and will look to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
• Beloved Biza (Zimbabwe) vs Ireland’s spinners: Biza’s ability to accelerate could be tested by the likes of Leah Paul and Jane Maguire.
• Zimbabwe’s chase strategy: How well Zimbabwe handle the pressure of chasing in the final match will be crucial in determining their confidence for the ODIs.

Final Thoughts

The final T20I of the series is likely to be a low-stakes affair for Ireland, who will be keen to rotate their squad and give some of their reserves a chance to shine. For Zimbabwe, it will be an opportunity to regroup and fine-tune their approach ahead of the ODIs, where a more competitive performance is expected. With the series already decided, the focus will shift to the upcoming ODIs, but this match will still offer interesting insights into both teams’ preparations.

Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis as the 2nd T20I unfolds on 28 July 2025.
“`