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[Saba Sports News] Ireland is set to tour Zimbabwe for a second bilateral series in 2023, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket’s announcement of the white-ball series schedule for December.
The upcoming series will commence with a three-match T20I contest, commencing on December 7. Sikandar Raza and Paul Stirling have been appointed as new full-time captains for their respective teams. Raza will lead the T20I squad, while Stirling will take charge in both limited-overs formats.
Following the T20Is, the teams will compete in a three-match ODI series scheduled for December 13, 15, and 17. All these exciting encounters will take place at the Harare Sports Club. In a previous encounter earlier this year, Zimbabwe secured a 2-1 victory in the T20I series, while the ODI series ended in a 1-1 draw due to a washed-out final match.
Ireland is gearing up for the series with a five-day training camp in Spain, scheduled from November 19 to November 23. Cricket Ireland unveiled the white-ball squads on November 8.
T20I Squad: Captain: Paul Stirling Players: 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: Captain: Paul Stirling Players: 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.
Andrew White, the Ireland Men’s national selector, expressed enthusiasm about the tour, considering it the beginning of a new cycle under new leadership. He highlighted the importance of this tour in preparation for the T20 World Cup next June and the upcoming 50-over World Cup. White emphasized the team’s belief in their potential and the desire to achieve more following their performance in the last T20 World Cup.