Ngarava to Balbirnie, no run, starts off with a full ball attacking the stumps, hint of inswing, Balbirnie drives it straight to mid-on

Balbirnie and Stirling are at the crease. Balbirnie is on strike. Ngarava will open the attack

The players make their way out to the middle. Time for the National Anthems - Ireland first and it will followed by Zimbabwe.

Paul Stirling: We would have probably bowled, it is the first game under lights here. We have to bat well. The real test is to come to Zimbabwe and play competitive cricket.

Sikandar Raza: We are gonna bowl first, under lights it takes a bit of time to get settled.

Pitch Report: Plenty of cracks already noticeable, an average of 30–32 degrees in the past two weeks. This surface is dry, win the toss and opting to bowl would be the way to go. 170-180 would be a competitive score here.

FYI: This is the first international floodlight match in Zimbabwe

Teams:

Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande(w), Brian Bennett, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Zimbabwe have won the toss and have opted to field

17:30 Local Time, 15:30 GMT, 21:00 IST: Hello and a warm welcome to our live coverage of the first match of the 3-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Harare. The hosts suffered a heartbreak in the World Cup Africa Qualifier - they lost to Uganda and hence, failed to make it to the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, we all know how potent a side Zimbabwe are and we can expect them to give it their all in front of their passionate home fans. They have a good blend of experience and youth and would be aiming to put in a collective performance. Ireland, on the other hand, booked their spot for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup on the back of a solid performance in the European Qualifier. They would be led by Paul Stirling and would be aiming to come out all guns blazing. The sooner they adjust to the foreign conditions, the more the momentum they will gain. In the last 5 T20Is contested between these two sides, Zimbabwe have won four times while Ireland have only managed a single win. Who will come out on top tonight? Expect a cracking contest! Toss and team lineups coming up in a while...

Squads:

Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Theo van Woerkom, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little, Neil Rock, Gareth Delany, Graham Hume, Ross Adair

Zimbabwe Squad: Craig Ervine, Clive Madande(w), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza(c), Wessly Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Brian Bennett, Trevor Gwandu, Luke Jongwe, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba