The rivalry between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team and the Ireland Cricket Team is one of the most exciting contests among emerging cricket nations. Both teams have worked hard to establish themselves in international cricket and have delivered competitive performances across Test, One Day International (ODI), and T20 formats. Zimbabwe, with a longer history in international cricket, has often been seen as the more experienced side, while Ireland has rapidly risen as a strong competitor with consistent performances. Matches between these two teams are known for their unpredictability, close finishes, and determined efforts from both sides. Over the years, their encounters have gained popularity among fans who enjoy competitive and balanced cricket. This timeline explores the key moments, important matches, and milestones that have shaped the Zimbabwe vs Ireland cricket rivalry.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Zimbabwe Score
Ireland Score
Result
Series
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
25 Feb 2025
142/6 (18 overs)
No result
No Result
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
23 Feb 2025
141/7 (19.2 overs)
137/8 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
22 Feb 2025
77/5 (9 overs)
No result
No Result
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club
18 Feb 2025
246/1 (39.3 overs)
240/6 (50 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 9 wickets
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club
16 Feb 2025
245 (49 overs)
249/4 (48.4 overs)
Ireland won by 6 wickets
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club
14 Feb 2025
299/5 (50 overs)
250 (46 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 49 runs
Bilateral ODI
Only Test
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
6–10 Feb 2025
267 & 228
260 & 298
Ireland won by 63 runs
Only Test
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
10 Dec 2023
140/6 (20 overs)
141/4 (18.4 overs)
Ireland won by 6 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
9 Dec 2023
165/5 (20 overs)
166/6 (19.4 overs)
Ireland won by 4 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
7 Dec 2023
148/9 (20 overs)
147/8 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 1 run
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club
17 Dec 2023
197
204/3 (DLS)
Ireland won by 7 wickets (DLS)
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club
15 Dec 2023
197
170/6
Ireland won by 4 wickets
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
15 Jan 2023
144/6 (19 overs)
141/9 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 3 runs
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club
14 Jan 2023
144
150/4 (19.4 overs)
Ireland won by 6 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Head-to-Head Evolution Table
Format
Matches Played
Zimbabwe Wins
Ireland Wins
Tied
Zimbabwe Win %
Key Trend
Tests
2
0
1
0
0%
Ireland dominant in red-ball; historic 63-run win in 2025 Bulawayo thriller
ODIs
25
10
11
1
40%
Super close — Ireland edges it, but Zimbabwe strong at home
T20Is
18
8
8
0
44%
Perfectly balanced; many last-over nail-biters
Overall
45
18
20
1
40%
Ireland slight lead, but Zimbabwe fighting back strongly in recent years!
Top Performances Timeline (Year-wise)
Year
Format
Top Batting Performance
Player of the Match Highlights
Memorable Moment
2025
Test
Wessly Madhevere (ZIM) – 110 runs
Matthew Humphreys (IRE) – 6/57 in 2nd inns
Ireland’s 63-run win; Muzarabani’s pace terror!
2025
ODI
Ben Curran (ZIM) – explosive knocks
Brian Bennett (ZIM) – match-winning 299/5 total chase
Zimbabwe’s 9-wicket demolition in 3rd ODI
2024-25
ODI
Curtis Campher (IRE)
Ireland’s 6-wicket chase thriller
2023
T20I
Ryan Burl (ZIM) – all-round hero
Tony Munyonga / Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s 1-run & 3-wicket epics
2023
ODI
Paul Stirling (IRE) – big hundreds
Andy McBrine (IRE)
Ireland DLS victories
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches Timeline
Type
Match Details
Margin
Year & Venue
Why It Was Epic!
Biggest Win (ZIM)
3rd ODI, Harare
9 wickets (chasing 240)
2025, Harare Sports Club
Zimbabwe cruised with 10+ overs to spare — batting masterclass!
Biggest Win (ZIM)
1st ODI, Harare
49 runs
2025, Harare
Dominant total of 299/5; Ireland collapsed
Biggest Win (IRE)
Only Test, Bulawayo
63 runs
2025, Queens Sports Club
Ireland’s first-ever Test win in Zimbabwe — red-ball breakthrough!
Biggest Win (IRE)
T20I, Bready
64 runs
2019, Ireland
Ireland crushed Zimbabwe with pace & spin
Closest Match
1st T20I, Harare
1 run
2023, Harare
Zimbabwe defended 148 by the skin of their teeth!
Closest Match
T20I, Harare
3 wickets (last over)
2025, Harare
Nail-biting chase under lights
Closest Match
T20I, Harare
3 runs
2023, Harare
Pure tension — Zimbabwe held nerve
Thriller
2nd ODI, Harare
6 wickets (close chase)
2025, Harare
Ireland chased 245 with just 8 balls left
Early Encounters and First Matches (2007–2010)
The first significant encounters between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team and the Ireland Cricket Team began in the late 2000s, when Ireland started making its mark in international cricket. During this period, Zimbabwe had more experience as a full-member team, while Ireland was still developing its international presence. Early matches were competitive, with both teams showing strong determination to prove themselves. Zimbabwe relied on its experienced players, while Ireland focused on disciplined bowling and steady batting. These early contests helped build the foundation of a competitive rivalry. Ireland’s ability to challenge Zimbabwe in limited-overs formats surprised many cricket fans. By the end of this period, it became clear that Ireland was capable of competing at a high level, setting the stage for future exciting encounters between the two sides.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
2007
ODI
Neutral
Ireland
2008
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2009
T20
Neutral
Ireland
2010
ODI
Ireland
Ireland
Growth of Competitive Rivalry (2011–2015)
Between 2011 and 2015, the rivalry between Zimbabwe and Ireland became more balanced and competitive. Ireland continued to improve its performance, especially in One Day Internationals, where they secured important victories against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, worked on rebuilding its squad and improving consistency. Matches during this period were often closely contested, with both teams showcasing strong batting performances and disciplined bowling attacks. Ireland’s rise in international cricket made the rivalry more exciting, as they were no longer considered underdogs. Zimbabwe responded with improved performances, making every match unpredictable. This period also saw both teams competing in major ICC tournaments, further strengthening their rivalry. Fans enjoyed watching these contests as they featured thrilling finishes and high levels of competition.
Year
Tournament
Venue
Result
2011
ICC Event
India
Ireland
2012
Bilateral
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2014
ODI Series
Ireland
Ireland
2015
World Cup
Australia
Ireland
Ireland’s Rise and Key Victories (2016–2018)
The period between 2016 and 2018 marked a significant rise for the Ireland Cricket Team. Ireland delivered strong performances against Zimbabwe, particularly in limited-overs formats. The team showcased excellent batting depth and disciplined bowling, allowing them to secure important wins. Zimbabwe, despite its experience, struggled to maintain consistency during this phase. Ireland’s growing confidence and improved performance levels made them a formidable opponent. This period also saw Ireland gaining Test status, which further elevated its position in international cricket. Matches between the two teams became more competitive, with Ireland often gaining the upper hand. These encounters played a crucial role in shaping the modern rivalry between Zimbabwe and Ireland.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2016
ODI Series
Ireland
Ireland
2017
T20 Series
Neutral
Ireland
2018
Test Match
Ireland
Draw
2018
ODI
Zimbabwe
Ireland
Zimbabwe’s Comeback and Balanced Matches (2019–2022)
From 2019 to 2022, the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team made a strong comeback, improving its performance and competing more effectively against Ireland. Zimbabwe focused on building a balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and young talent. Matches during this period became more evenly contested, with both teams sharing victories. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack improved significantly, allowing them to restrict Ireland’s scoring in crucial matches. Ireland, however, continued to perform consistently, making the rivalry highly competitive. This period saw several close matches, with results often decided in the final overs. Fans enjoyed the unpredictable nature of these contests, as both teams demonstrated resilience and determination. The rivalry reached a new level of excitement during this phase.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
2019
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2020
T20
Ireland
Ireland
2021
ODI
Ireland
Ireland
2022
ODI
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Recent Matches and Current Scenario (2023–2025)
In recent years, matches between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team and the Ireland Cricket Team have continued to provide exciting cricket. Both teams have focused on improving their skills, fitness, and strategies to compete at the highest level. The rivalry has become more balanced, with both sides capable of winning matches in different conditions. Ireland has maintained its consistency, while Zimbabwe has shown significant improvement in both batting and bowling. Matches are now more competitive than ever, often producing thrilling finishes. The use of modern training techniques and data analysis has helped both teams enhance their performance. This period reflects the growth of the rivalry and its importance in international cricket among emerging nations.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2023
ODI Series
Ireland
Ireland
2023
T20 Series
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
2024
ODI
Neutral
Ireland
2025
Series
Zimbabwe
Draw
Key Moments and Match Highlights
The rivalry between Zimbabwe and Ireland has produced several memorable moments over the years. Ireland’s rise as a competitive cricketing nation is one of the most significant highlights of this rivalry. Zimbabwe’s comeback performances in recent years have also added excitement to the contests. Close finishes, strong partnerships, and crucial bowling spells have defined many matches between the two teams. Ireland’s ability to perform consistently in limited-overs formats has been a key factor in their success, while Zimbabwe’s resilience has helped them remain competitive. These key moments have contributed to the growing popularity of the rivalry. Each match continues to add new chapters to the timeline, making Zimbabwe vs Ireland an exciting contest for cricket fans.
Highlight
Team
Year
Impact
Historic Win
Ireland
2011
Breakthrough
Strong Comeback
Zimbabwe
2019
Balance
Close Match
Ireland
2021
Competitive
T20 Victory
Zimbabwe
2023
Momentum
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team and the Ireland Cricket Team reflects the evolution of a competitive and exciting rivalry in international cricket. From early encounters in the late 2000s to closely contested matches in recent years, both teams have shown significant growth and determination. Ireland’s rise and Zimbabwe’s resurgence have made this rivalry balanced and unpredictable. Fans continue to enjoy these matches because they showcase passion, skill, and competitive spirit. As both teams continue to develop and improve, the Zimbabwe vs Ireland rivalry is expected to produce even more thrilling encounters in the future, contributing to the growth of international cricket among emerging nations.
