Ireland Levels Series with Six Wicket Victory Over Zimbabwe

17 February 2025

By Andile Vundla

Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets in the second One-Day International at Harare Sports Club yesterday, leveling the three-match series at one-all. Despite half centuries from Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s total of 245 proved too low for the Irish to chase.

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings was followed by periods of slow scoring and crucial wickets. Brian Bennett’s early aggression of 30 runs from 34 balls was cut short, and a sluggish period followed.

Madhevere and Raza tried to stabilize the innings with a 74-run partnership, but Craig Campher’s three wickets for 13 runs in five overs triggered a collapse for the Chevrons. Raza and Wellington Masakadza with 35 runs froms 35 balls faced offered resistance, but Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out in the 49th over. Mark Adair was the pick of the Irish bowlers with four wickets picked.

Ireland’s chase began nervously with the early loss of Andy Balbirnie. However, a dominant 144-run partnership between Paul Stirling and Campher put Ireland firmly in control. Trevor Gwandu’s two quick wickets gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope, but Lorcan Tucker 36 not out and George Dockrell 20 not out calmly guided Ireland to victory with eight balls to spare. The series decider will be played tommorow.