Zimbabwe beat Ireland in their 1st ODI match by 49 runs to take 1-0 lead in the series in Harare. Check the ZIM vs IRE match report here
Zimbabwe kicked off their home ODI series against Ireland with a commanding 49-run victory at the Harare Sports Club, powered by Brian Bennett바카라™s sensational century and a strong collective bowling performance on Friday (February 14, 2024). (More Cricket News)
After being put in to bat first, Zimbabwe posted an imposing 299/5 in 50 overs, thanks to a blistering 169 off 163 balls from Brian Bennett including 20 boundaries and 3 sixes, single-handedly anchoring hosts' innings.
Captain Craig Ervine played an attacking knock of 66 off 61 balls, stitching a 136-run partnership with Bennett.
Ben Curran helped with 28 smashing three boundaries before departing. At the end, the wickets keep losing but it was still a challenging total.
Now, chasing the target of 300 runs, Ireland바카라™s innings got off to a horror start, losing captain Andrew Balbirnie for a golden duck in the very first ball, caught behind off Richard Ngarava.
Paul Stirling (32) and Curtis Campher (44) rebuilt, but their dismissals triggered a middle-order collapse.
Harry Tector (39) and George Dockrell (34) provided some resistance, while Andy McBrine (32) tried to take the chase deep.
However, wickets kept tumbling as Zimbabwe바카라™s bowlers struck at regular intervals.
Blessing Muzarabani (4/51) was the pick of the bowlers, rattling the Irish middle order, while Richard Ngarava (3/56) and Wessly Madhevere (2/12) provided key breakthroughs.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 250 in 46 overs, falling short by 49 runs.
Ireland had won the one-off Test by 63 runs in Bulawayo. The ODI series will be followed by three T20 internationals in Harare.