The sun-drenched outfield of Pembroke Cricket Club in Sandymount, Dublin, will witness a landmark moment on the evening of 20th July 2025, as Zimbabwe’s women set foot on Irish soil for their first-ever white-ball bilateral series against Ireland.
The three-match T20I series, followed by two ODIs, promises not only riveting cricketing action but also a celebration of the progressing global landscape of women’s cricket. With matches scheduled over the span of eight action-packed days, this historic tour signals a significant stride for both nations in the pursuit of consistency on the international stage.
Leading the hosts is the technically astute and ever-reliable Gaby Lewis, whose tactical nous and batting prowess have been instrumental in Ireland’s rise in recent years. On the other side stands a spirited Zimbabwean outfit under the experienced leadership of Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, a player known for her resilience and leadership.
While Ireland approaches this encounter with a sense of confidence born of past dominance, the visiting side carries with it an underdog tag and a hunger to script a new narrative. This series, set against the picturesque backdrop of Dublin’s coast, is layered with exciting subplots—from budding teenage talent to seasoned campaigners, and from history-making milestones to the promise of a more competitive future.
As the clock ticks toward the first ball tomorrow at 8:30 PM IST, fans and followers of women’s cricket across the globe will be eagerly watching, hoping not just for results but for moments that matter.
Head-to-Head: Ireland vs Zimbabwe in T20Is
In the T20I arena, Ireland has maintained a firm grip on proceedings against Zimbabwe, having won all seven of their previous encounters. This unblemished record not only underscores the Irish team’s dominance but also adds an extra layer of motivation for Zimbabwe to rewrite history. However, bilateral tours often bring fresh dynamics and unexpected turns, and with this being Zimbabwe’s inaugural visit to Irish shores, history may well be challenged.
Momentum with Both Camps Ahead of the Dublin Clash
Both Ireland and Zimbabwe enter this three-match T20I showdown riding high on recent series wins, adding an extra edge to what promises to be a tightly contested opener at Pembroke.
For Ireland, confidence couldn’t be higher after their commanding 3-0 whitewash over Bangladesh in December 2024. That series not only showcased their growing depth across departments but also reaffirmed their dominance in the format. Gaby Lewis’s side looked tactically sharp and technically sound, with standout performances from both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
Zimbabwe, too, made a bold statement during their April 2025 tour of the USA, clinching the series 2-1 in challenging away conditions. Displaying grit and growing composure under pressure, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s unit showed that they are learning fast and adjusting well to international competition. Though inconsistent at times, their ability to bounce back could prove to be crucial on Irish soil.
Squads
Ireland Women’s Cricket team:
Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Alana Dalzell (ODIs), Sarah Forbes (ODIs), Sophie MacMahon (T20Is), Rebecca Stokell (T20Is)
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket team:
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
Players to Watch
Orla Prendergast (Ireland):
At just 23, Prendergast has emerged as one of Ireland’s top all-rounders in T20Is. Fresh off a stint with The Blaze in the ECB Women’s One Day Cup 2025, she scored 65 runs and picked up 5 wickets in five games. With 1,220 T20I runs at a strike rate of 119.60 and 43 wickets at an average of 19, she remains a game-changer in both departments.
Amy Hunter (Ireland):
Only 19 years old, Amy Hunter has already made a mark in international cricket. She has scored 995 runs in 41 T20I innings, including an unbeaten century, and holds a steady strike rate of 110.80. Also a dependable wicketkeeper, Hunter adds stability and flair at the top of the order.
Kelis Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe):
A rising star, Ndhlovu has scored 747 T20I runs and taken 43 wickets with an economy of 5.67. Her standout performance in the Zimbabwe Women’s Regional T20 Tournament 2025 further reinforced her all-round potential.
Loreen Tshuma (Zimbabwe):
A dependable bowling all-rounder, Tshuma has 36 wickets in 36 T20I innings and an economy of 5.31. Her lower-order batting has also improved, and her experience will be crucial in guiding Zimbabwe through tight situations.
Pitch Report
The wicket at Pembroke Cricket Club is traditionally good for batting, but overcast conditions are expected to offer swing and seam movement early on, favouring the pacers. With an average total of 134 and 30 wickets picked by pacers historically, expect a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Weather Forecast
The forecast for Sunday suggests light rain in Dublin with temperatures around 18°C, humidity at 85%, and winds at 14 km/h. There’s a 50% chance of precipitation, which could lead to brief interruptions, but the overall outlook allows for a full game. Overcast conditions may favour seamers early in the innings.
Fantasy Playing XI
Amy Hunter (wk), Gaby Lewis, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Kelis Ndhlovu, Laura Delany, Loreen Tshuma, Beloved Biza, Nomvelo Sibanda, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire
Match Details
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Date: 20th July 2025 (Sunday)
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Time: 8:30 PM IST
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Venue: Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount, Dublin
Broadcast Information
India:
Live streaming of all matches available on the FanCode app and website.
Ireland:
Live broadcast on RTÉ Sport and streaming on Cricket Ireland’s YouTube Channel. Live scores, match highlights, and interviews available on the official Cricket Ireland website.
Zimbabwe:
While ZBC TV will provide post-match highlights, live digital streaming will be available on the Cricket Ireland YouTube Channel. Zimbabwean fans can also stay updated via social media channels of Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Ireland.
