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The much anticipated one-off Test between Zimbabwe and Ireland is set to commence on Thursday, February 6 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The fixture will mark a significant chapter in bilateral cricket between the two sides.
One-off test fixture set to ignite rivalry in Bulawayo
Last July, the teams met for the first time in this format in Belfast, where Ireland produced an engaging three-day performance to secure a riveting win. In that memorable encounter, Andy McBrine emerged as the standout performer with a comprehensive all-round display – recording figures of 3/37, scoring 28, and then contributing an unbeaten 55 along with figures of 4-38 – which earned him the Player of the Match award. Following the Test, the cricketing action will continue as the two sides lock horns in three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is, starting from February 14. This busy schedule provides both teams with an excellent platform to showcase their talent and build momentum ahead of future international engagements.
Zimbabwe’s team: New faces and fitness returns
In preparation for the upcoming one-off Test, Zimbabwe have made a few strategic changes to their squad by naming two uncapped players, thereby giving opportunities to leg-spinner Vincent Masekesa and batter Nicholas Welch. Their inclusion is part of a broader strategy to inject fresh talent into the side and build a competitive unit capable of challenging top teams on home soil.
As a result of this shake-up, established players Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers have been omitted from the Test outfit, signaling a shift in priorities for the selectors. Additionally, Sean Williams, who had been battling a back issue during the previous outing against Afghanistan, has been declared fit, providing much-needed experience and stability to the Zimbabwean batting line-up.
Also READ: ZIM vs IRE 2025, Only Test: Queens Sports Club Test stats and Records, Bulawayo Weather Forecast for all five-days
Ireland’s squad adjustments and future prospects
On the Ireland side, Morgan Topping has now been included in both the Test and the upcoming three-match ODI series that will follow the Test. Alongside Topping, Ireland are looking to further bolster their squad by considering the potential inclusion of leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, who made his ODI debut in October last year and is now in line for a Test cap. These selections indicate that Ireland are not only aiming to compete strongly in the one-off Test but are also setting their sights on the longer series that follow. With the ODI and T20I matches scheduled to commence from February 14, Ireland are eager to build on their performances and fine-tune their strategies ahead of further international contests.
Squads:
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nyasha Mayavo, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi and Vincent Masekesa
Ireland: Andy Balbirnie (c), Peter Moor, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine, Paul Stirling, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Morgan Topping.
Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test: Complete schedule and venue details
- Date: February 06 (Thursday) – February 10 (Monday), 2025
- Match: Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Only Test
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Time: IST: 1:30 PM| GMT: 08:00 AM| Local Time: 10:00 AM
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
- India: Fancode
- Pakistan: Geo Super, PTV, Tamasha, Myco
- Bangladesh: Tapmad
- Zimbabwe: ZTN Prime (Channel 294)