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The Ireland cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team matches have become increasingly competitive across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams have produced memorable victories, close finishes, impressive batting performances, and outstanding bowling spells.
Ireland have made significant progress in international cricket, while Zimbabwe have relied on experienced players such as Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams to challenge their opponents. Their rivalry has included bilateral tours, World Cup qualifiers, and major international tournaments.
One of their most notable recent encounters came in February 2025, when Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by 63 runs in a Test match in Bulawayo. Their ODI series that month went Zimbabwe’s way, while rain interrupted the T20I series. These results illustrate how closely matched the teams can be across formats.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Record
Ireland and Zimbabwe have played numerous international matches since their first meetings in the 2000s. Zimbabwe established themselves earlier in international cricket, but Ireland’s development has produced increasingly competitive contests.
The following table summarises their recent historical head-to-head record in limited-overs cricket through 2025.
| Format | Matches played | Ireland wins | Zimbabwe wins | No results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 22 | 10 | 8 | 4 |
| T20I | 18 | 8 | 8 | 2 |
| Combined | 40 | 18 | 16 | 6 |
These figures exclude Test cricket. Test results should be considered separately because the format has a different match history and includes draws.
The limited-overs record shows that Ireland have a slight overall advantage across ODIs and T20Is combined, although the T20I rivalry is evenly balanced. Zimbabwe have also recorded important victories at home, particularly in matches played in Harare.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Match Timeline
Several important encounters have shaped the rivalry between these teams.
| Year | Match or milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Early international meetings | The teams began building their competitive history |
| 2015 | ODI encounters | Both sides recorded important results in closely contested matches |
| 2019 | T20I cricket | Ireland continued developing its short-format team |
| 2021 | Bilateral limited-overs series | Ireland recorded strong results against Zimbabwe |
| 2023 | Zimbabwe home series | Ireland won several ODI and T20I matches |
| July 2024 | Test match in Belfast | Ireland and Zimbabwe contested a historic Test at Ireland’s home venue |
| February 2025 | Test in Bulawayo | Ireland won by 63 runs |
| February 2025 | ODI series in Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe won the series 2–1 |
| February 2025 | T20I series | Rain affected two matches, and Zimbabwe won the completed game |
| February 2026 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | The scheduled Ireland-Zimbabwe match was abandoned without a toss |
This timeline demonstrates the changing balance between the teams. Ireland have become increasingly competitive in bilateral cricket, while Zimbabwe remain dangerous opponents, especially in familiar home conditions.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Matches in February 2025
Zimbabwe hosted Ireland in February 2025 for a multi-format tour featuring a Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The tour produced different outcomes in each format.
| Format | Series or match result |
|---|---|
| Test | Ireland won by 63 runs |
| ODI series | Zimbabwe won 2–1 |
| T20I series | Zimbabwe won 1–0, with two matches abandoned |
The tour highlighted the importance of adapting to different formats. Ireland produced a strong performance in the longer game, Zimbabwe won the ODI series, and rain prevented a full T20I contest.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Test Match Scorecard, February 2025
Ireland’s Test victory in Bulawayo was one of their most important recent achievements against Zimbabwe. The match took place at Queens Sports Club from 6 to 10 February 2025.
Ireland batted first and posted 260 in their first innings. Andy McBrine and Mark Adair helped rescue the innings after Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani took early wickets.
Zimbabwe replied with 255, giving Ireland a narrow first-innings lead. Ireland then scored 298 in their second innings, setting Zimbabwe a target of 304 runs to win.
| Innings | Score |
|---|---|
| Ireland first innings | 260 |
| Zimbabwe first innings | 255 |
| Ireland second innings | 298 |
| Zimbabwe second innings | 240 |
| Result | Ireland won by 63 runs |
Ireland’s bowlers kept taking wickets during the final innings, preventing Zimbabwe from completing the chase. Matthew Humphreys played a decisive role with the ball, while Andy McBrine contributed with both bat and ball.
Key performances
- Andy McBrine: Contributed important runs in the first innings and provided valuable bowling support.
- Mark Adair: Helped Ireland recover from early batting trouble.
- Blessing Muzarabani: Troubled Ireland’s top order with his pace and bounce.
- Matthew Humphreys: Delivered a decisive bowling performance during Zimbabwe’s fourth innings.
The victory showed Ireland’s growing ability to compete in Test cricket and defend a target under pressure.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe ODI Series, February 2025
Zimbabwe won the three-match ODI series 2–1 after an impressive comeback in the second and third matches.
| ODI | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 14 February 2025 | Zimbabwe won by 49 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 16 February 2025 | Ireland won by 6 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | 18 February 2025 | Zimbabwe won by 9 wickets |
First ODI: Zimbabwe won by 49 runs
Zimbabwe scored 299/5 in 50 overs, establishing a challenging target. Ireland were bowled out for 250 in 46 overs and lost by 49 runs.
Zimbabwe’s batting performance gave the hosts an early lead in the series.
Second ODI: Ireland won by 6 wickets
Ireland responded strongly in the second match. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 245 in 50 overs, and Ireland reached 249/4 in 48.4 overs.
Curtis Campher was particularly influential, contributing with both bat and ball. His performance helped Ireland level the series at one match apiece.
Third ODI: Zimbabwe won by 9 wickets
Zimbabwe delivered their strongest performance in the deciding match. Ireland scored 240/6 in 50 overs, but Zimbabwe chased the target comfortably, finishing on 246/1 in 39.3 overs.
Ben Curran scored an unbeaten century, guiding Zimbabwe to victory and securing the ODI series 2–1.
The series demonstrated Zimbabwe’s strength in home conditions and Ireland’s ability to respond after a difficult opening match.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20I Series, February 2025
The T20I series was affected by rain, leaving the teams with only one completed match.
| T20I | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 22 February 2025 | Abandoned |
| 2nd T20I | 23 February 2025 | Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | 25 February 2025 | Abandoned |
Second T20I scorecard
Ireland batted first and scored 137/8 in 20 overs. Zimbabwe chased the target, reaching 141/7 in 19.2 overs to win by three wickets.
Tony Munyonga scored an unbeaten 43 from 30 balls, helping Zimbabwe complete a tense chase.
The other two matches were abandoned because of weather interruptions. As a result, Zimbabwe won the series’ only completed game, finishing with a 1–0 series result.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe ODI Matches in December 2023
Ireland and Zimbabwe also played a bilateral series in December 2023. Ireland enjoyed a successful tour, winning the completed ODI matches.
| ODI | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI, 13 December | No result |
| 2nd ODI, 15 December | Ireland won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd ODI, 17 December | Ireland won by 7 wickets under DLS |
The opening match was interrupted by rain. Ireland then won the second ODI after chasing Zimbabwe’s 166, finishing on 170/6.
In the third match, Zimbabwe scored 197 in a rain-reduced contest. Ireland reached 204/3 in 37.5 overs and won by seven wickets under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method.
The series demonstrated Ireland’s effectiveness when chasing targets and maintaining partnerships through the middle overs.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20I Matches in December 2023
The teams also played three T20Is in December 2023. Ireland won the series 2–1 after recovering from a narrow defeat in the opening match.
| T20I | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I, 7 December | Zimbabwe won by 1 wicket |
| 2nd T20I, 9 December | Ireland won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd T20I, 10 December | Ireland won by 6 wickets |
The first T20I was a close contest, with Zimbabwe completing their chase of Ireland’s total with no balls remaining. Ireland responded by winning the next two matches.
In the second match, Ireland chased Zimbabwe’s 165/5 to finish on 166/6. In the third, Zimbabwe scored 140/6, and Ireland reached 141/4 in 18.4 overs.
These results demonstrated Ireland’s ability to recover from setbacks and finish a short-format series strongly.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup Match in 2026
Ireland and Zimbabwe were scheduled to meet in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on 17 February 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
However, the match was abandoned without a toss. No official result was recorded, and neither team was awarded a match victory.
This was an important fixture for both teams, as World Cup group-stage matches can influence qualification for the next round. The abandonment meant that the teams could not settle the contest on the field.
Key Players in Ireland vs Zimbabwe Matches
Several players have made significant contributions to this rivalry.
Paul Stirling
Stirling has been one of Ireland’s most influential limited-overs batters. His aggressive opening approach and ability to score quickly have made him a major threat in ODI and T20I cricket.
Harry Tector
Tector is an important part of Ireland’s batting lineup. His ability to build innings and rotate the strike makes him valuable in longer ODI chases.
Andy McBrine
McBrine has contributed with both bat and ball, particularly in Test cricket. His performance in Ireland’s 2025 Test victory over Zimbabwe demonstrated his value as an all-rounder.
Sikandar Raza
Raza is one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced all-rounders. His ability to score quickly and take wickets makes him a crucial player in limited-overs cricket.
Craig Ervine
Ervine has been a key batter for Zimbabwe, providing experience and stability in the middle order. His leadership and batting contributions have helped Zimbabwe compete against Ireland.
Blessing Muzarabani
Muzarabani’s pace and bounce make him a major threat, especially in Test and ODI cricket. His ability to take early wickets can change the direction of a match.
Ben Curran
Curran’s unbeaten century in the deciding ODI of February 2025 was a major contribution to Zimbabwe’s series victory.
What Makes Ireland vs Zimbabwe Matches Competitive?
The rivalry remains competitive because both teams have strengths that can influence different match conditions.
- Batting depth: Ireland have batters capable of building long partnerships, while Zimbabwe have players who can accelerate quickly.
- Pace bowling: Both teams have fast bowlers who can exploit movement and bounce.
- All-rounders: Players such as Andy McBrine and Sikandar Raza can contribute in multiple areas.
- Home conditions: Zimbabwe’s familiar pitches can make their bowlers particularly effective.
- Pressure situations: Close finishes in T20Is and ODI chases demonstrate the importance of composure.
These factors ensure that Ireland vs Zimbabwe matches remain difficult to predict, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which team has won more matches between Ireland and Zimbabwe?
The result depends on the format. In the combined ODI and T20I record through 2025, Ireland had 18 wins compared with Zimbabwe’s 16, excluding no-results.
2. Who won the Ireland vs Zimbabwe Test match in February 2025?
Ireland won the Test in Bulawayo by 63 runs after setting Zimbabwe a challenging fourth-innings target.
3. Who won the Ireland vs Zimbabwe ODI series in February 2025?
Zimbabwe won the three-match ODI series 2–1, taking the first and third matches.
4. What was the result of the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20I series in February 2025?
Zimbabwe won the only completed match by three wickets. The other two T20Is were abandoned because of weather.
5. Was the Ireland vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match in February 2026 played?
No. The scheduled match on 17 February 2026 was abandoned without a toss, so there was no official winner.