Wednesday 1st September sees Ireland and Zimbabwe meet for the third of five T20 Internationals, with the series evenly poised at 1-1. The series sees both sides leave Dublin as they move to Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland for the final three contests of the series.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20 2021
Team News
Ireland somehow managed to lose match 1 of the five-match series, failing to score the six runs off the final over that would have secured victory. However, they showed they were able to bounce back with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in match 2 to level the series at 1-1. Ireland will be looking to continue the momentum and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Likely playing 11 of Ireland
Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Ben White, Craig Young.
Zimbabwe never looked comfortable in the second match of the series, with most of their batters making promising starts to their innings before getting themselves out and not going on and making a big score. Having been slightly lucky to win match 1 of the series, Zimbabwe will be looking to steal momentum and earn a crucial victory in this third match.
Likely playing 11 of Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Luke Jongwe, Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The weather on Wednesday is set to remain dry. The temperature will be cool, and it will be cloudy for most of the day, so expect a fast pitch that could really aid the fast bowlers.
Betting Predictions for Ireland vs Zimbabwe 1st T20 2021
Match Result Prediction
Moving onto Northern Ireland after levelling the series 1-1, Ireland will look to secure a second successive victory and move 2-1 up. So much of Ireland's success relies on the experience and skill of established T20 players such as Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, captain Andrew Balbirnie, and all-rounder George Dockrell, all of whom had a great match in game 2, scoring runs and taking vital wickets. Moving onto a ground they feel comfortable playing at and with conditions looking certain to suit the home side, you can back the Irish to win game 3 at odds of 1.53
Winner: Ireland (1.53 from Bet365)
Place a bet on Ireland to win at Bet365.
Team to score the most 4s
In both matches in the series so far, Ireland has outscored Zimbabwe in the total number of 4s and 6s that have been hit. Despite this, the betting market for who will hit the most 4s is really close, with Ireland being able to be backed at 1.8. With power hitters Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien opening the batting and looking to score at every opportunity, we think this could be a good way to play.
Ireland to score the most 4s: Yes (1.8 from Bet365)
Place a bet on Ireland to score the most 4s at Bet365.
Craig Young to take over 1.5 wickets
Craig Young has been a thorn in the side of the Zimbabwe batsmen, taking wickets and bowling economically. He took two wickets in the first match and none in the second. You can back Young to take over 1.5 wickets in this match at 2.25.
Craig Young to take over 1.5 wickets: Yes (2.25 from Bet365)
Place a bet on Craig Young to take over 1.5 wickets.
Highest Opening Partnership
In both of the matches in the series so far, it has been the Irish that has enjoyed the better starts and secured the highest opening partnership. However, Zimbabwe have been without their top-scoring white ball batsman in Brendan Taylor, who has been sat on the sidelines for the first two matches. Taylor could come back into the side for the third match, and if he is selected, that will bolster the Zimbabwe batting lineup significantly. In what is a competitive market, backing Zimbabwe at 2.15 is the value play.
Zimbabwe to have the highest opening partnership: Yes (2.15 from Dafabet)
Place a bet on Zimbabwe to have the highest opening partnership at Dafabet.
