Zimbabwe head coach Adam Chifo excited ahead of team's maiden ODI

against Ireland, Zimbabwe head coach Adam Chifo admitted that he and his players are extremely excited to play their first official ODI after being granted ODI status in April this year. The side will play four matches at the Harare Sports Club beginning on Tuesday (October 5).

"We are excited to be playing our first ODI, something we have been looking forward to for a long time," Chifo told The Herald.

The series will prove to be wonderful preparation for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup global qualifier to be held in Zimbabwe towards the end of November. The hosts have had their fair share of game-time in recent months having played home series against South Africa Emerging, Thailand and briefly, Pakistan.

Last month, they also enjoyed a successful campaign in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Botswana, beating Namibia in the final. Mary-Ann Musonda's side thus earned a berth in the global qualifiers next year.

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After what was a hectic few months, Zimbabwe only had a short preparatory camp ahead of the series against Ireland.

"We needed some time off cricket so we could re-energise and come back with fresh minds," Chifo said. "The past month was packed with so much cricket and most of the ladies have never played so much cricket, in such a short space of time in their careers."

Chifo added that the staff are mindful of managing player workloads with a series against Bangladesh and the global qualifiers to follow.

"Our training camp is going to be short, so that we can accommodate the hectic schedule ahead. We will also be playing Bangladesh just before the qualifiers, so it will be taxing both physically and mentally, with the bubble concept in use."

Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, they will be without Chipo Mugeri and Christabel Chatonzwa for the series against Ireland. Chifo, however, said it would provide an opportunity for other players to get some game-time under their belts heading into the global qualifiers.