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Zimbabwe will be hosting Ireland in the third T20I match at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Sunday (January 15). Ireland, after losing the opening clash by five wickets, won the second T20I by six wickets to level the three-match series. 

Zimbabwe failed to carry the momentum from the first game and were bowled out on 144 runs in 20 overs. Captain Craig Ervine top-scored with 42 off 40 while opener Innocent Kaia contributed with 25 off 14. The experienced pacer Grama Hume, who was not part of the first match, was the best bowler for Irealand with three wickets while conceding just 17 runs. Harry Tector also shone with two wickets while Mark Adair and Gareth Delany grabbed one wicket each. 

Ireland started well with opener Andy Balbirnie scoring 33 off 31 and Ross Adair scoring his first-ever international fifty (65 off 47). However, Ryan Burl grabbed two wickets to keep Zimbabwe alive in the game. But eventually, the traveling side survived a scare to win the game with just two balls remaining. Zimbabwe lost the game but they have won three of their last four T20I encounters against Ireland. 

Match Details:

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: January 15, 04:30 PM IST

Telecast & Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Harare Sports Club favors both batters and bowlers in T20 games. The average first innings score at the venue is 157. In the first two matches in this series, Ireland and Zimbabwe won the games while chasing as bowlers dominated in both fixtures.

Probable Playing XIs for ZIM vs IRE:

Zimbabwe:

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine (c), Wessly Madevere, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara

Ireland:

Andy Balbirnie (c), Ross Adair, Stephen Doheny (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Tyrone, Gareth Delany, Fionn Hand, Mark Adair, Graham Hume

Probable Best Performers from ZIM vs IRE:

Probable best batter: Sean Williams

The legendary Zimbabwe batter started well in the second T20I by scoring 19 off 15 with the help of one four and six but failed to convert it into a big knock. He played a crucial role in the first match by top-scoring with 34* off 30 while chasing a tricky target. He is in great form lately with two 90-plus knocks from three first-class innings in domestic cricket and will be a key batter for Zimbabwe on Sunday. 

Probable best bowler: Ryan Burl

The 28-year-old all-rounder is the leading wicket-taker in the series so far, with five wickets to his name in two games. Burl won the Player of the Match award as he took three wickets while conceding just 29 runs in the opening match and added two more wickets in the second game at an impressive economy rate of 6.50.

Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.