Ireland vs Zimbabwe – First Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
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THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs Zimbabwe on and what time does it start? Ireland vs Zimbabwe will take place on Monday 17th October, 2022 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs Zimbabwe taking place? Ireland vs Zimbabwe will take place at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Australia
Where can I get tickets for Ireland vs Zimbabwe? Click here for the latest ticket information for Ireland vs Zimbabwe
What channel is Ireland vs Zimbabwe on in the UK? Ireland vs Zimbabwe will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Ireland vs Zimbabwe in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Ireland vs Zimbabwe live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
- Ireland will have been bitterly disappointed to be eliminated at this stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup and advancing through to the Super 12’s will likely be seen as a minimum requirement for them, although they have dealt a very tough Group B draw.
- Much depends upon the form of their top order, who have the capability of scoring big runs through the likes of batters Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, but the bowlers will need to step up as well and plenty of eyes will be on left-arm paceman Josh Little, who impressed in the 2022 Hundred competition.
ZIMBABWE
- With seven wins in their last nine T20i fixtures including two victories against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe are a side in hot form and head coach Dave Houghton has challenged his players to reach the Super 12 stage.
- It’s important to note that the Chevrons are coming off the back of having recorded a historic first ever victory against Australia on their own patch earlier this month, a testament as to how well they are playing at present, even if that was in the 50 over format.
THE PREDICTION
Of all the group stage fixtures ahead, this one looks like one of the toughest to call. Both sides have the batting capability to blow their respective opponents away on what should be a good pitch in Hobart, but such an important game brings pressure, which could see the bowlers take control of proceedings. Realistically the result could go either way, so the smart play is to utilise the Most Match Sixes market. With the likes of Stirling and George Dockrell among their ranks to name just two, Ireland appears to have the better capability when it comes to clearing the boundary ropes and backing them to hit the most match sixes looks a shrewd move.
