Ireland Women are looking strong. Really strong. After bossing the T20I series and taking the first ODI pretty comfortably, they now head into the second ODI against Zimbabwe Women with their tails up. It’s all happening at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on July 28—and while Ireland might feel relaxed, Zimbabwe will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.If you're building your fantasy team on starexch you’ll want to know who’s likely to shine, what the pitch is doing, and who could be the surprise package. Let’s break it down.

Match Details

• Date: July 28, 2025
  
  

• Time: 3:15 PM IST / 10:45 AM local
  
  

• Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
  
  

Current Form and Momentum

If you’ve watched any of the games so far, you know this—Ireland are playing confident cricket. Gaby Lewis is batting like a dream, Orla Prendergast is everywhere—runs, wickets, energy—and their bowling unit is doing exactly what’s needed in home conditions.

Zimbabwe have had moments, but they’ve lacked consistency. Kelis Ndhlovu has been their standout performer, and Nomvelo Sibanda continues to show promise with the ball. But overall, Ireland’s been sharper..For supporters following the game, Starexchange App offer an interactive means of remaining involved in the match's turn of events.

Prediction: Ireland look set to take this one too and complete a clean sweep.

Pitch and Weather

The pitch in Belfast usually has something in it for the bowlers early on. Seamers tend to get help in the first 10 to 12 overs before things flatten out. Batting becomes easier as the game goes on, though spin might come into play briefly in the middle overs.

As for the weather, it’s looking overcast with some rain on the radar. Light showers might interrupt play, so be sure to check conditions before locking in your fantasy team.

Fantasy Tips for Starexch Users

A good fantasy lineup here needs balance—reliable top-order batters, a couple of seamers who bowl early, and at least one all-rounder who can swing momentum.

Safe Fantasy Picks

• Gaby Lewis (IRE-W): In top form, and loves playing on this pitch. Ideal captain material.
  
  

• Orla Prendergast (IRE-W): A true all-rounder. Gets you points with both bat and ball.
  
  

• Laura Delany (IRE-W): Experience, stability, and contribution in both innings.
  
  

• Amy Hunter (IRE-W): Solid at the top and reliable with the gloves.
  
  

• Arlene Kelly (IRE-W): Has done well in these conditions before.
  
  

Differentials and Value Picks

• Kelis Ndhlovu (ZIM-W): Zimbabwe’s most consistent batter. Could come good again.
  
  

• Nomvelo Sibanda (ZIM-W): Usually bowls with the new ball—might grab early wickets.
  
  

• Modester Mupachikwa (ZIM-W): Can add sneaky value if Zimbabwe put up a fight.
  
  

Suggested Fantasy XI – Balanced Option

• Wicketkeeper: Amy Hunter
  
  

• Batters: Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast, Kelis Ndhlovu
  
  

• All-rounders: Laura Delany (VC), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
  
  

• Bowlers: Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Nomvelo Sibanda
  
  

Grand League XI – Higher Risk, Higher Reward

• Wicketkeeper: Amy Hunter
  
  

• Batters: Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Modester Mupachikwa
  
  

• All-rounders: Laura Delany (C), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (VC)
  
  

• Bowlers: Ava Canning, Nomvelo Sibanda, Cara Murray, Kudzai Chigora, Arlene Kelly
  
  

Try adding a couple of under-the-radar picks if you're going after a big pool.

Key Player Clashes

• Gaby Lewis vs Nomvelo Sibanda – Expect an early battle here. Whoever wins it could shape the match.
  
  

• Laura Delany vs Runyararo Pasipanodya – Zimbabwe’s bowlers will want to contain Ireland’s key middle-order batter.
  
  

• Kelis Ndhlovu vs Arlene Kelly – Zimbabwe’s best chance lies in how long Ndhlovu can hold up against Kelly’s pace.
  
  

Probable XIs

Ireland Women:
Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Laura Delany, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Ava Canning, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Sophie MacMahon

Zimbabwe Women:
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (c), Kelis Ndhlovu, Modester Mupachikwa, Loren Tshuma, Chiedza Dhururu, Beloved Biza, Nomvelo Sibanda, Kudzai Chigora, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Francisca Chipare

Final Thoughts

This game looks set up for another strong Ireland showing. If you're playing fantasy on Starexch, the safe strategy is to back Ireland’s top four and their seamers. But for those chasing glory in bigger leagues, Zimbabwe’s Ndhlovu or Sibanda could be the difference.

Watch the toss. Track the weather. And stay ready for last-minute changes. That final player switch could win you the game