Zimbabwe will host Ireland in a multi-format bilateral series, set to commence on Thursday, February 6. The series will mark a significant milestone in cricketing history as Zimbabwe and Ireland face off in a one-off Test match, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs. This series is expected to offer intense competition, especially given the growing stature of both teams in international cricket.
A landmark test match for Zimbabwe and Ireland
The Test match holds special significance as it will be the first time Zimbabwe will host Ireland in the longest format. This historic fixture will be only the second-ever Test meeting between the two sides. Their maiden Test encounter took place in July 2023 in Belfast, where Ireland, under the captaincy of Andrew Balbirnie, secured a comfortable four-wicket victory. Zimbabwe will be keen to capitalize on home conditions and seek redemption for that defeat. Given Zimbabwe’s experience with in their home pitches, the contest could present a challenge for the Irish side, which has traditionally thrived in seam-friendly conditions.
Test Stats and Records at Queens Sports Club
- Total Matches: 27
- Matches won batting first: 5
- Matches won bowling first: 12
- Average 1st innings score: 312
- Average 2nd innings score: 401
- Average 3rd innings score: 216
- Average 4th innings score: 177
- Highest total recorded: 713/3 (165.3 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- Lowest total recorded: 104/10 (49 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs West Indies
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ZIM vs IRE, Only test: Bulawayo Weather Forecast
The only Test match between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is expected to be played under varying weather conditions. The opening two days (Thursday and Friday) will see mostly sunny skies with temperatures hovering around 33°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night. These conditions should be ideal for cricket, with minimal precipitation expected and relatively dry air, making it favorable for both batters and bowlers.
Moving into the weekend, Saturday will bring partly cloudy conditions with temperatures around 31°C, which may introduce some swing for pacers in the morning. However, Sunday is forecasted to have thundershowers, potentially affecting play and causing interruptions. The presence of rain might aid seamers if the moisture lingers on the surface. By Monday, another round of thundershowers is predicted, increasing the likelihood of rain delays on the final day. If the match reaches this stage, weather conditions might play a crucial role in determining the outcome, with a possible draw if significant time is lost due to rain.
Day-wise weather breakdown
Day 1 (Thursday):
- Condition: Mostly sunny
- Temperature: 33°C
- Precipitation: 2%
- Humidity: 26%
- Wind: 19 km/h
Day 2 (Friday):
- Condition: Mostly sunny
- Temperature: 31°C
- Precipitation: 2%
- Humidity: 24%
- Wind: 18 km/h
Day 3 (Saturday):
- Condition: Partly cloudy
- Temperature: 31°C
- Precipitation: 5%
- Humidity: 30%
- Wind: 20 km/h
Day 4 (Sunday):
- Condition: Thundershowers expected
- Temperature: 27°C
- Precipitation: 65%
- Humidity: 60%
- Wind: 22 km/h
Day 5 (Monday):
- Condition: Thundershowers likely
- Temperature: 25°C
- Precipitation: 70%
- Humidity: 65%
- Wind: 21 km/h
Also READ: Zimbabwe unveils multi-format squads for the home series against Ireland
