Ireland Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd ODI Live: Zimbabwe Opt to Bat in Crucial Series Decider in Belfast
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Belfast, July 28, 2025 — The stage is set for the final showdown in the two-match Women’s One-Day International (ODI) series between Ireland Women and Zimbabwe Women at the Civil Service Cricket Club Ground in Belfast. After a commanding 97-run win in the first ODI, the hosts are eyeing a 2-0 whitewash, while the visitors are keen to level the series and end their tour with a historic victory.
Zimbabwe Win Toss, Opt to Bat First in Must-Win Game
In a crucial toss update from Belfast, Zimbabwe captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano won the toss and chose to bat first under partly cloudy skies. It’s a high-stakes decision as Zimbabwe look to post a competitive total and put pressure on Ireland’s strong batting unit.
Playing XIs: No Major Changes for Either Side
Both teams have gone in with nearly unchanged lineups, suggesting trust in their core players. Here are the confirmed Playing XIs:
Zimbabwe Women:
Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c), Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Francisca Chipare, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loreen Tshuma, Modester Mupachikwa, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Nyasha Gwanzura, Michelle Mavunga, Kudzai Chigora
Ireland Women:
Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Cara Murray, Lara McBride
Recap of the First ODI: Ireland Take 1-0 Lead
In the opening match of the series, Ireland Women posted 288/9 in their allotted 50 overs, riding on strong contributions from the top and middle order. The standout performer was Orla Prendergast, who scored a composed 50 off 53 balls and followed it up with a tight spell of 2/20 in 10 overs.
Zimbabwe Women faltered in the chase, being bowled out for 191 runs, falling short by 97 runs. Despite a fighting knock from skipper Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, the visiting side struggled to form meaningful partnerships under sustained pressure from Ireland’s disciplined bowling unit.
Match Preview: Stakes High for Zimbabwe, Consistency Key for Ireland
For Zimbabwe, this match presents a chance to claim their first win of the tour, having lost the T20I series and now trailing 0-1 in the ODIs. They will need a collective effort, particularly with the bat, to challenge a confident Ireland side.
Ireland, on the other hand, has momentum and home advantage. With several players in good form—particularly captain Gaby Lewis, all-rounder Orla Prendergast, and experienced campaigners like Laura Delany and Leah Paul—the team will be eager to continue their winning streak and end the series on a high.
Key Players to Watch
Ireland Women:
- Gaby Lewis: The captain has led with maturity and has been instrumental in guiding Ireland’s young squad.
- Orla Prendergast: Player of the match in the first ODI, Prendergast’s all-round ability makes her a game-changer.
- Laura Delany: The experienced all-rounder offers stability with both bat and ball.
Zimbabwe Women:
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: The captain carries a bulk of Zimbabwe’s batting hopes and must anchor the innings.
- Kelis Ndhlovu: A promising young all-rounder with the ability to turn games in Zimbabwe’s favor.
- Chiedza Dhururu: As the wicketkeeper and middle-order batter, her performance behind and in front of the stumps is crucial.
Squad Depth and Bench Strength
Ireland Squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast
Zimbabwe Squad:
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c), Beloved Biza, Francesca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Tendai Makusha, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Mitchel Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Kelis Ndhlovu, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma
Both teams have included a mix of experience and youth, giving depth and flexibility to their respective lineups.
Conditions in Belfast: Batting Friendly, But Spinners Could Come Into Play
The pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club is expected to offer good bounce and pace in the early overs, but it generally flattens out as the game progresses. With mild cloud cover, seamers could get some early swing, while spinners might benefit as the match wears on.
Road to ICC Women’s Championship: Why This Series Matters
While this series isn’t part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship cycle, it serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of upcoming international assignments and qualifiers. For Ireland, these matches help build consistency, while for Zimbabwe, every opportunity to face a Full Member nation adds invaluable experience.
Live Broadcast and Streaming Info
Fans can follow the live scores via Ireland Cricket’s official social media platforms and select sports streaming services. Unfortunately, there’s no confirmation yet on TV broadcasting for the subcontinent.
What’s Next After This Match?
Ireland are likely to schedule more home games ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, while Zimbabwe continue their rebuilding phase under coach Gary Brent. Both teams will assess performances from this series to fine-tune their squads for upcoming challenges.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
The ongoing Ireland vs Zimbabwe Women’s ODI series may not be on the radar of mainstream sports coverage, but it highlights a crucial chapter in the growth of women’s cricket across non-traditional powerhouses. Ireland’s consistent development through domestic investment and nurturing of young talent has been evident. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s fightback spirit, even amid losses, deserves applause.
This match is not just about runs and wickets—it's about opportunity, visibility, and the future of women’s cricket in associate and lower-ranked full-member nations. Whether Ireland seals the series 2-0 or Zimbabwe registers a memorable comeback, it’s the broader impact on women’s cricket that truly matters.
TheTrendingPeople.com will continue to follow such rising stories that often go unnoticed—stories that shape the sport's grassroots and global future alike.