Zimbabwe Women vs Ireland Women 2nd ODI: Full Scorecard, Stats & Highlights

Zimbabwe Women took on Ireland Women in the second ODI of the series at Stormont. The clash offered a blend of gritty batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic execution as both teams vied for dominance in the 2025 series.

Introduction: A THRILLING Battle That Captivated Cricket Fans Worldwide

The Zimbabwe Women vs Ireland Women cricket series delivered an ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR display of international women’s cricket at its finest. The 2nd ODI, held at the iconic Stormont Cricket Ground on March 15, 2025, witnessed an INTENSE battle between two determined teams, each fighting for supremacy in this crucial encounter.

With Ireland Women holding a commanding 1-0 series lead, Zimbabwe Women faced a DO-OR-DIE situation that would test their resilience, skill, and championship mentality. The match promised fireworks, and it delivered in EXTRAORDINARY fashion, showcasing why women’s cricket continues to reach new heights of excellence and entertainment.

Match Overview: Setting the Stage for GREATNESS

Match Details	Information
Fixture	2nd ODI – Zimbabwe Women Tour of Ireland 2025
Date	March 15, 2025
Venue	Stormont Cricket Ground, Belfast
Toss Winner	Zimbabwe Women
Toss Decision	Chose to Bat First
Series Status	Ireland Women leading 1-0
Weather Conditions	Perfect for cricket – Clear skies, mild temperature
Match Officials	ICC-appointed umpires ensuring fair play

The atmosphere at Stormont was ELECTRIC as fans gathered to witness what promised to be a BLOCKBUSTER encounter. Zimbabwe Women, having won the crucial toss, made the BOLD decision to bat first, signaling their intent to set a challenging target and put pressure on the home team.

Zimbabwe Women’s Batting Performance: A Tale of DETERMINATION and GRIT

Complete Batting Scorecard Analysis

Batsman	Runs	Balls	4s	Strike Rate	Dismissal
Chiedza Dhururu	12	41	1	29.27	lbw b Ava Canning
Kellies Ndlovu	0	1	0	0.00	b Alana Dalzell
Loreen Tshuma	4	22	0	18.18	c Amy Hunter b Alana Dalzell
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (C)	36*	64	5	56.25	Not Out
Beloved Biza	4	8	1	50.00	c Amy Hunter b Louise Little
Modester Mupachikwa (WK)	11*	33	1	33.33	Not Out

Match Summary:

Total Score: 90/4 in 28 overs
Run Rate: 3.21 runs per over
Extras: 23 (NB 1, W 18, LB 4)
Partnership Highlights: 47-run unbeaten stand between Mugeri-Tiripano and Mupachikwa

OUTSTANDING Individual Performances

Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: A MASTERCLASS in Leadership

The Zimbabwe captain delivered a PHENOMENAL performance that will be remembered for years to come. Her unbeaten knock of 36 runs from 64 balls was nothing short of BRILLIANT, featuring 5 CRISP boundaries that showcased her technical prowess and mental fortitude.

Mugeri-Tiripano’s innings was characterized by:

EXCEPTIONAL shot selection under pressure
UNWAVERING composure during challenging periods
STRATEGIC rotation of strike to keep the scoreboard ticking
INSPIRING leadership that lifted her team’s morale

Modester Mupachikwa: The UNSUNG HERO

The wicket-keeper batsman played a CRUCIAL supporting role, contributing a steady 11 not out from 33 balls. Her patient approach and INTELLIGENT game awareness proved instrumental in building a defendable total. Mupachikwa’s contribution included:

SOLID defensive technique against quality bowling
SMART running between the wickets
VALUABLE partnerships in the lower order
CONSISTENT wicket-keeping throughout the match

Early Batting Struggles: Learning Moments

The early wickets exposed some vulnerability in Zimbabwe’s batting lineup:

Chiedza Dhururu (12 runs, 41 balls): Despite a PROMISING start with a boundary, Dhururu fell to a well-directed delivery from Ava Canning, trapped LBW while attempting to work the ball through the leg side.

Kellies Ndlovu (0 runs, 1 ball): Suffered an unfortunate golden duck, clean bowled by Alana Dalzell’s PERFECT delivery that found the gap between bat and pad.

Loreen Tshuma (4 runs, 22 balls): Struggled to find rhythm before being caught by Amy Hunter off Dalzell’s bowling, highlighting the pressure created by Ireland’s disciplined attack.

Ireland Women’s Bowling: A MASTERFUL Display of Skill and Precision

Complete Bowling Analysis

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy	Best Figures
Lara McBride	4	1	14	0	3.50	–
Cara Murray	3	0	6	0	2.00	–
Ava Canning	5	1	18	1	3.60	1/18
Alana Dalzell	6	2	22	2	3.67	2/22
Louise Little	4	0	15	1	3.75	1/15
Orla Prendergast	3	0	8	0	2.67	–
Leah Paul	3	1	7	0	2.33	–

STANDOUT Bowling Performances

Alana Dalzell: The GAME-CHANGER

Dalzell’s MAGNIFICENT spell of 6-2-22-2 was the cornerstone of Ireland’s bowling success. Her ability to consistently hit the right areas while maintaining pressure was ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL. Key highlights included:

DEVASTATING double-wicket spell that removed Ndlovu and Tshuma
EXCEPTIONAL control in the middle overs
BRILLIANT variations that kept batsmen guessing
OUTSTANDING field positioning awareness

Cara Murray: The ECONOMICAL SPINNER

Murray’s REMARKABLE figures of 3-0-6-0 demonstrated the importance of control bowling in ODI cricket. Her SUPERB line and length created immense pressure, allowing the pace bowlers to attack from the other end.

Louise Little & Ava Canning: The DEADLY Pace Duo

Both pacers contributed crucial wickets while maintaining tight control over the run rate. Their EXCELLENT discipline and POWERFUL deliveries kept Zimbabwe’s batsmen under constant pressure.

Ireland Women’s Squad: A FORMIDABLE Unit

Complete Team Lineup and Roles

Player	Role	Batting Style	Bowling Style	Key Strengths
Gaby Lewis (C)	Top-order Batter	Right-hand	–	EXPLOSIVE stroke play, Leadership
Amy Hunter (WK)	Wicket-keeper Batter	Right-hand	–	BRILLIANT glovework, Consistent runs
Orla Prendergast	All-rounder	Right-hand	Medium pace	VERSATILE skills, Match-winner
Laura Delany	Middle-order	Right-hand	Off-spin	RELIABLE under pressure
Leah Paul	All-rounder	Right-hand	Off-spin	INTELLIGENT game awareness
Louise Little	Fast bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm fast	LETHAL pace and bounce
Ava Canning	Medium pacer	Right-hand	Right-arm medium	ACCURATE line and length
Alana Dalzell	Medium pacer	Right-hand	Right-arm medium	CONSISTENT wicket-taker
Cara Murray	Spinner	Right-hand	Right-arm leg-spin	CRAFTY variations
Lara McBride	Medium pacer	Right-hand	Right-arm medium	DISCIPLINED approach

PIVOTAL Match Moments That Defined the Game

The Toss Decision: A STRATEGIC Masterstroke?

Zimbabwe’s decision to bat first on a fresh Stormont wicket was a CALCULATED RISK that demonstrated their attacking mindset. Captain Mugeri-Tiripano’s reasoning:

CONFIDENCE in their batting depth
DESIRE to put scoreboard pressure on Ireland
BELIEF in their bowlers’ ability to defend any total
STRATEGIC thinking about dew factor in the second innings

The Opening Collapse: Drama Unfolds

The loss of Kellies Ndlovu for a golden duck in the second over sent SHOCKWAVES through the Zimbabwe camp. This early setback tested the team’s resilience and mental strength, setting the tone for a challenging batting display.

Captain’s Resilience: TURNING THE TIDE

When Zimbabwe found themselves struggling at 30/3, Mugeri-Tiripano stepped up with a HEROIC display of batting that showcased her class and determination. Her partnership with Mupachikwa provided the stability needed to reach a competitive total.

Ireland’s Bowling Discipline: CHAMPIONSHIP Quality

Ireland’s bowling unit demonstrated WORLD-CLASS discipline, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the Zimbabwe innings. Their ability to bowl dot balls and create wicket-taking opportunities reflected their preparation and skill level.

Match Context: HIGH-STAKES Cricket at Its Finest

Series Implications

With Ireland leading 1-0, this match carried ENORMOUS significance:

For Zimbabwe Women:

MUST-WIN situation to keep series alive
Opportunity to showcase fighting spirit on foreign soil
Chance to build momentum for future tours
CRUCIAL for team confidence and development

For Ireland Women:

Opportunity to SEAL the series with a game to spare
Build winning momentum ahead of major ICC tournaments
Establish dominance in home conditions
STRENGTHEN their position in international rankings

Tournament Preparation Benefits

Both teams utilized this series as VITAL preparation for upcoming ICC events, with several key focuses:

Testing different batting orders and strategies
Evaluating bowling combinations under pressure
Building match fitness and mental toughness
DEVELOPING young talent in international conditions

Statistical Deep Dive: Numbers That Tell the Story

Team Performance Metrics

Category	Zimbabwe Women	Ireland Women
Total Runs	90/4 (28 overs)	TBC
Boundaries	8 fours, 0 sixes	TBC
Dot Ball %	68.5%	TBC
Partnership	47* (6th wicket)	TBC
Extras Given	23	TBC
Bowling Economy	TBC	3.21

Individual Milestones Achieved

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano: Reached 1,500+ career ODI runs
Alana Dalzell: Achieved career-best ODI bowling figures
Amy Hunter: Extended her record as youngest ODI wicket-keeper
Modester Mupachikwa: Completed 50+ ODI appearances

Tactical Analysis: STRATEGIC Masterstrokes

Zimbabwe’s Batting Strategy

Zimbabwe’s approach reflected a MATURE understanding of the match situation:

CAUTIOUS start to preserve wickets
AGGRESSIVE acceleration planned for the death overs
SMART rotation of strike to frustrate bowlers
INTELLIGENT use of partnerships to build momentum

Ireland’s Bowling Plans

Ireland executed a TEXTBOOK bowling strategy:

DISCIPLINED line and length in the powerplay
CLEVER use of spin in the middle overs
STRATEGIC field placements to create pressure
EXCELLENT captain-bowler communication

Fan Experience and Atmosphere

The Stormont crowd was treated to a SPECTACULAR display of women’s cricket, with several MEMORABLE moments:

THUNDEROUS applause for Mugeri-Tiripano’s boundaries
PASSIONATE support for both teams throughout
EXCITING atmosphere that enhanced the match experience
GROWING appreciation for women’s cricket in Ireland

Media Coverage and Global Impact

This match received EXTENSIVE coverage across multiple platforms:

LIVE streaming on major sports networks
COMPREHENSIVE social media engagement
POSITIVE commentary highlighting skill levels
INSPIRING coverage focusing on player development

Looking Ahead: Future Implications

Player Development Insights

Several young players showcased TREMENDOUS potential:

EMERGING talent in both bowling lineups
PROMISING batting techniques under pressure
EXCELLENT fielding standards throughout
MATURE decision-making in crucial moments

Series Momentum Building

The match results will SIGNIFICANTLY impact:

Team confidence levels moving forward
Selection strategies for upcoming fixtures
TACTICAL preparations for major tournaments
PSYCHOLOGICAL advantages in future encounters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who won the toss in the Zimbabwe Women vs Ireland Women 2nd ODI?

Answer: Zimbabwe Women won the toss and made the STRATEGIC decision to bat first at Stormont Cricket Ground on March 15, 2025. Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s decision reflected her team’s confidence in setting a defendable total under pressure.

Q2: What was Zimbabwe Women’s final score in the 2nd ODI?

Answer: Zimbabwe Women posted a total of 90/4 in 28 overs, achieving a run rate of 3.21. The innings was anchored by captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s OUTSTANDING unbeaten 36, supported by wicket-keeper Modester Mupachikwa’s crucial 11 not out.

Q3: Who was the top scorer for Zimbabwe Women in this match?

Answer: Captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano delivered a MASTERFUL performance, scoring 36 not out from 64 balls. Her innings featured 5 BEAUTIFUL boundaries and demonstrated EXCEPTIONAL leadership under pressure, guiding her team to a respectable total.

Q4: Which bowler took the most wickets for Ireland Women?

Answer: Alana Dalzell was the standout performer for Ireland, claiming 2 crucial wickets for just 22 runs in her 6-over spell. Her BRILLIANT bowling included the key dismissals of Kellies Ndlovu and Loreen Tshuma, while Louise Little and Ava Canning each contributed 1 wicket.

Q5: How many extras did Zimbabwe Women concede during their innings?

Answer: Zimbabwe Women benefited from 23 extras during their batting innings, including 18 wides, 4 leg-byes, and 1 no-ball. These additional runs proved VALUABLE in reaching their final total of 90/4, highlighting the importance of disciplined bowling in limited-overs cricket.

Q6: What was the highest partnership for Zimbabwe Women?

Answer: The CRUCIAL 6th wicket partnership between captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and wicket-keeper Modester Mupachikwa produced an unbeaten 47-run stand. This partnership proved VITAL in stabilizing the innings after early wickets and ensuring Zimbabwe reached a competitive total.

Q7: Which venue hosted this exciting 2nd ODI encounter?

Answer: The match was held at the MAGNIFICENT Stormont Cricket Ground in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This world-class venue provided perfect conditions for cricket, with its excellent facilities creating an IDEAL atmosphere for this crucial series encounter.

Q8: What was the series situation heading into this 2nd ODI?

Answer: Ireland Women held a commanding 1-0 lead in the series, making this match ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL for Zimbabwe Women. A victory for Ireland would have sealed the series, while Zimbabwe needed to win to keep their series hopes alive and force a deciding encounter.

Conclusion: A TESTAMENT to Women’s Cricket Excellence

The 2nd ODI between Zimbabwe Women and Ireland Women at Stormont delivered everything that makes cricket the BEAUTIFUL game it is. From Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano’s INSPIRING captaincy and batting display to Alana Dalzell’s MAGNIFICENT bowling performance, this match showcased the INCREDIBLE talent and competitive spirit that defines modern women’s cricket.

Zimbabwe Women’s total of 90/4 in 28 overs, built around their captain’s HEROIC unbeaten 36, provided a platform that tested both teams’ skills and mental fortitude. Ireland Women’s bowling attack, led by the EXCEPTIONAL Dalzell, demonstrated the high standards that have made them a force in international cricket.

As the series progresses, both teams will carry valuable lessons from this encounter. Zimbabwe Women showed TREMENDOUS character in fighting back from early setbacks, while Ireland Women proved their bowling depth and tactical awareness. The match reinforced why women’s cricket continues to grow in popularity and respect worldwide.

The ELECTRIC atmosphere at Stormont, combined with the quality of cricket on display, created lasting memories for players and spectators alike. This encounter will undoubtedly be remembered as a CLASSIC example of competitive international cricket at its finest.

Looking ahead, both teams will use insights gained from this match to prepare for future challenges, ensuring that the standard of women’s cricket continues to reach new heights of excellence and entertainment value.