Ireland’s Second Zimbabwe Tour of the Year: New Captains, T20I, and ODI Showdowns

Zimbabwe Cricket has officially announced the December schedule for Ireland’s second tour to Zimbabwe this year. The cricketing action kicks off with a three-match T20I series starting on December 7. Notably, both teams have recently undergone captaincy changes, with Paul Stirling taking the reins as Ireland’s full-time white-ball captain, and Sikandar Raza assuming the role of Zimbabwe’s T20I skipper.

Following the T20I clashes, the teams will face off in a three-match ODI series on December 13, 15, and 17, all hosted at Harare Sports Club. Andrew White, Ireland Men’s national selector, expressed anticipation for the tour, marking the beginning of a new leadership era. He emphasized the importance of this series in shaping the team’s evolution leading up to the next 50-over World Cup.

Addressing the upcoming T20 World Cups, White highlighted the tour’s significance in Ireland’s preparations for the T20 World Cup next June. The squad for the series, unveiled on November 8, features notable names for both T20Is and ODIs, with Paul Stirling leading the charge.

T20I Squad:

• Paul Stirling (C)
• Mark Adair
• Ross Adair
• Andrew Balbirnie
• Curtis Campher
• Gareth Delany
• George Dockrell
• Josh Little
• Graham Hume
• Barry McCarthy
• Neil Rock
• Harry Tector
• Lorcan Tucker
• Theo van Woerkom
• Craig Young

ODI Squad:

• Paul Stirling (C)
• Mark Adair
• Andrew Balbirnie
• Curtis Campher
• George Dockrell
• Josh Little
• Graham Hume
• Andy McBrine
• Barry McCarthy
• Neil Rock
• Harry Tector
• Lorcan Tucker
• Theo van Woerkom
• Craig Young