Zimbabwe Cricket has announced an all-format tour by Ireland, set to take place in February 2025. The tour includes seven matches across all formats and will mark another milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to maintain a steady flow of international cricket.
For those looking to engage with the matches, understanding platforms like a Betpro account can enhance the experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming tour.
Tour Schedule
The tour will begin with a one-off Test match from February 6 to 10 in Bulawayo. After the Test, the action will move to Harare for the white-ball leg of the tour:
- ODI Series: Matches on February 14, 16, and 18.
- T20I Series: Matches on February 22, 23, and 25.
Zimbabwe’s Current Form
Zimbabwe is wrapping up a multi-format home series against Afghanistan, where the hosts showed mixed results:
- T20I Series: Lost 2-1
- ODI Series: Lost 2-0
- Test Series: The first Test ended in a high-scoring, rain-affected draw. The ongoing second Test concludes on January 6.
Despite the setbacks, hosting two back-to-back full tours underscores Zimbabwe Cricket’s commitment to providing players with consistent international exposure.
Significance of Hosting Ireland
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni highlighted the importance of this tour, stating:
“We are delighted to welcome Ireland for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour. Hosting two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and to our efforts in growing the game in Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe and Ireland have faced each other in only one Test to date. That match occurred in Belfast in July 2024, with Ireland securing a four-wicket victory. Zimbabwe last hosted Ireland in late 2023 for six white-ball matches, where Zimbabwe lost both the T20I (2-1) and ODI (2-0) series.
Ireland Squad Highlights
Test Squad Highlights
Ireland’s Test squad features some fresh faces alongside experienced players. Morgan Topping, the Northern Knights’ right-hand batter, has earned his maiden Test and ODI call-up. Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, who debuted in ODIs against South Africa last October, retains his spot and is also in contention for a Test debut. These two are the only uncapped players in the Test squad.
Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy and Gareth Delany return from injuries. While McCarthy is included in all three squads, Delany is only part of the T20I squad.
ODI and T20I Squad Updates
- Josh Little, who had an impressive outing the last time Ireland toured Zimbabwe, returns to the squads.
- Craig Young, however, misses out on T20 selection this time.
- The experienced trio of Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, and Harry Tector will lead the batting across formats.
National men’s selector Andrew White expressed optimism about the upcoming matches, emphasizing the importance of building towards a busy international cycle. He remarked:
“Morgan Topping gains his first international call-up at senior level, having demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at this level. We are excited to see him, as well as the young spinners and experienced players, in action.”
Ireland Squads
Test Squad
Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Peter Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
ODI Squad
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
T20I Squad
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
Key Players to Watch
Zimbabwe
- Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza is expected to play a crucial role in all formats.
- Blessing Muzarabani, with his pace and bounce, will lead Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Ireland
- Paul Stirling, known for his explosive batting, will be a key player in white-ball cricket.
- Young leg-spinner Gavin Hoey could make a significant impact in his debut series.
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Looking Ahead
This tour will be a crucial platform for both teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of a busy international calendar. For Zimbabwe, it’s an opportunity to rebuild momentum after mixed results against Afghanistan. The series offers Ireland a chance to continue their growth in Test cricket and build confidence in white-ball formats.
