Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Zimbabwe and Ireland are set to resume their rivalry when they clash in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) which get underway this Wednesday at Harare Sports Club.
After a closely fought T20 series, Zimbabwe and Ireland shift focus to the ODIs, as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.
The two teams could miss automatic qualification for this year’s World Cup in India where the top eight nations on the Super League log will make it.
However, five teams from the Super league that fail to qualify automatically will be joined by five other Associate Nations in a World Cup Qualifier set for Zimbabwe with the top two nations proceeding to the World Cup.
Even though the upcoming series is not part of the Super League, it has an added significance as the two teams prepare for the qualifiers.
Going into the series, it is an even-stevens affair as Zimbabwe and Ireland are tied on the head-to-head record.
In the 16 matches they have played so far, each team has garned 7 wins with the other two matches ending in draws.
Zimbabwe welcome back Sikander Raza and batsman Gary Ballance who missed the last two matches with an injury, while for Ireland stars Paul Sterling and Joshua Little are available for selection.
The matches start at 9:30 am at Harare Sports Club.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe under 19 women’s team lost their second match at the ongoing under-19 World Cup in South Africa after going down to Rwanda by 39 runs.