Harare Sports Club Pitch Report For ZIM vs IRE 3rd ODI

Jatin

Harare Sports Club Pitch Report [Source: @ICC/x.com]Harare Sports Club Pitch Report [Source: @ICC/x.com]

The Zimbabwe vs Ireland ODI series is heading for a stunning finish as both teams lock horns in the third and final ODI on Tuesday, February 18 at the Harare Sports Club. With the series tied at 1-1, there is everything to play for and fans can expect an intense battle between these two evenly matched sides.

Zimbabwe took the early lead in the series with a 49-run win in the first ODI, posting a solid 299/5 and bundling Ireland out for 246. However, the visitors hit back in the second match, restricting Zimbabwe to 245 before chasing down the target comfortably with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare.

Now, with momentum swinging back and forth, both Zimbabwe and Ireland will look to bring their A-game for the decider. But before we dive into the action, let's see how the surface at Harare Sports Club will behave throughout the match.

Harare Sports Club Stats And Records In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played202
Matches Won Batting 1st91
Matches Won Bowling 1st105
Average 1st Innings Score229
Average 2nd Innings Score195


Harare Sports Club Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The Harare Sports Club pitch has historically been a balanced surface as it offers something for both batters and bowlers. The new ball bowlers will enjoy some movement and bounce early on, thanks to moisture in the surface which could make life tricky for the batters in the first few overs.

However, as the match progresses, the pitch is expected to settle down which will make stroke play much easier. Spinners will come into the game as the ball gets older with some turn available across both innings.

One key factor to note is that the chasing teams have had a better record at this venue. With Ireland successfully hunting down the target in the last game, the team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first to take advantage of the early conditions and back their batters to chase the target.

Players To Watch Out For At Harare Sports Club

Brian Bennett

  • Brian Bennett was the standout performer in the first ODI as he smashed a sensational 169, which set the tone for Zimbabwe’s dominant win.
  • Though he couldn’t replicate the same success in the second match, he remains Zimbabwe’s most dangerous batter in the middle order. If he gets going again, Ireland will have a huge problem on their hands.

Curtis Campher

  • Curtis Campher has been a game-changer for Ireland, playing a match-winning role in the second ODI with a crucial 63-run knock and three wickets to his name.
  • His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an important player in Ireland’s setup and if he can produce another all-round performance, Ireland will fancy their chances to clinch the series.

Mark Adair

  • Mark Adair has been Ireland’s go-to pacer in the series, consistently picking up wickets. His 4/54 in the second ODI played a crucial role in restricting Zimbabwe to a chaseable target.
  • With six wickets in two matches, Adair has been the biggest threat with the ball and Ireland will rely on him again to put early pressure on Zimbabwe’s top order.

P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Paul Stirling, and George Dockrell.