Ireland announce T20I, ODI and Test teams for Zimbabwe tour; Joshua Little returns

Article Updated On:

January 5 2025

Published On:

January 5 2025

Cricket Ireland has officially announced its rosters for the all-format tour of Zimbabwea highly anticipated series by both fans and players. Ireland squads will be led by experienced captains Andrew Balbirnie in the test format and Paul Stirling in the ODIs and T20Is, displaying a combination of stability and aggressive leadership.

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Ireland’s all-format tour of Zimbabwe

The tour begins with a historic one-off test match at the iconic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, scheduled for February 6-10, 2025. This match is particularly momentous as it marks the first time Zimbabwe will host Ireland in the longest format . underscoring the growing camaraderie and competition between these two nations. After the Test, the action moves to Harare for three ODIs on February 14, 16 and 18, followed by a thrilling three-match T20I series on February 22, 23 and 25. All six limited overs matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club, which promises exciting cricket battles in both formats.

New talents and key inclusions in Ireland squad

Ireland team sees exciting new additions, with Morgana earning his first call-up to the Test and ODI teams. His selection reflects Cricket Ireland’s commitment to developing young talent for the rigors of international cricket. Gavin Hoeywho debuted in October, retains his place in the ODI team and is set for a possible Test debut, marking another step forward in his budding career.

The return of the pacemaker Little Joshua to the white-ball teams significantly strengthens Ireland’s bowling attack, providing experience and aggressiveness. Besides, Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthyreturning from injuries, adds depth to the side, while craig youngThe omission of the T20 team underlines the competition for places.

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Zimbabwe’s current form and their historic Test rivalry

This test will be only the second meeting between Ireland and Zimbabwe in the longest format. Their first match, held in Belfast in July 2024, ended in a thrilling four-wicket victory for Ireland, a match remembered for its thrilling finish and high-quality performances.

Zimbabwe enter this series after a demanding multi-format home campaign against Afghanistan, where they lost the T20I and ODI series 2-1 and 2-0, respectively. However, they showed resilience in the Test format, earning a draw in the first rain-affected match. before competing in the second test in progress. With home advantage and the momentum of a closely contested series, Zimbabwe will look to challenge Ireland in all formats.