Ireland vs Zimbabwe Prediction: Evans to bowl Chevrons into Super 8s

Zimbabwe can book their place in the T20 World Cup Super 8s and end Ireland's qualifying hopes at the same time when the two nations clash in Group B at Pallekele Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The Irish have lost two and won one of their three matches, leaving them on the verge of an early exit from the tournament, while Zimbabwe know a victory would secure their place in the Super 8s for the first time in their history. Below you can find my Ireland vs Zimbabwe predictions, featuring the latest team news, match odds and betting tips.

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Team News

Ireland captain Paul Stirling was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury after their second match, with Sam Topping being drafted in as his replacement.

Having eased to a 96-run victory over Oman in their third group game, the Irish are unlikely to make any alterations to their team.

Brendan Taylor was ruled out of the tournament for Zimbabwe after the opening victory over Oman, with Ben Curran added to the squad.

An unchanged side from the one which recorded that sensational win over Australia last time out is expected to be named.

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Odds

Zimbabwe are firm 8/13 favourites to make it three wins from three in Group B and qualify for the Super 8s, while Ireland are 5/4 to claim the spoils.

Top Zimbabwe Bowler - Brad Evans @ 3/1

It's two wins from two for Zimbabwe, who eased to an eight-wicket victory over Oman before defeating Australia by 23 runs.

The Chevrons know a win over Ireland will secure their place in the Super 8s alongside Sri Lanka, who produced a brilliant performance to get the better of the Aussies on Monday.

Ireland haven't performed badly in the tournament, but they put down too many chances in their first game against Sri Lanka and were outplayed by Australia in the next.

While a convincing triumph over Oman will have boosted confidence levels, they come up against a superb Zimbabwe bowling attack and will find this a much tougher test.

There isn't much value in backing Zimbabwe in the match result market, but there is plenty of scope in the top bowler market for the African nation and Brad Evans is worth siding with at odds of 3/1.

Blessing Muzarabani has, rightly, been receiving huge plaudits for his bowling in the first two games, but he has been ably backed up by Evans who is just one wicket behind his teammate on six.

The 28-year-old seamer has returned figures of 3-18 from 3.5 overs against Oman and 3-3-23 from 3.3 overs against Australia.

Evans has been one of the stars for Zimbabwe and he can put in another strong showing with the ball to help his nation into the Super 8s.

Most Match Sixes - Ireland @ 11/10

While Ireland are expected to suffer a third defeat of the tournament, they won't go down without a fight and they have the batting power to clear the rope.

The Irish hit 13 sixes in the victory over Oman, an opponent Zimbabwe failed to record a single maximum against in their Group B opener, with George Dockrell (5), Gareth Delany (4) and Lorcan Tucker (4) all cashing in.

Zimbabwe have hit just one six in two matches, compared to the 19 of Ireland's from three games, and the Men in Green can at least come out on top in this department.

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