Zimbabwe v Ireland

Zimbabwe coast to victory

A full strength Zimbabwe side made amends for Friday's humiliating defeat against Ireland, by recording an 8-wicket victory.


After failing to take a single Irish wicket in the first game, Zimbabwean opening bowlers Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut bowled good opening spells, and had Ireland quickly on the back foot. None of the top 4 managed double figures and when Blignaut had McCallan caught behind by Taibu for 1, Ireland were languishing at 36-5.


Some resistance however came from Peter Gillespie who was able to anchor the innings and Dominick Joyce who scored a run a ball, 32. After Joyce was dismissed, Gillespie received good support from both White (14) and Mooney (31) during which time he passed his half-century. The innings finished on 196 when the last wicket fell to Douglas Hondo, who recorded figures of 3/53. Streak claimed 3/29 and Blignaut 2/32.


Ireland set out needing early wickets to make life difficult for the visitors. However openers Douglas Marillier and Deon Ebrahim made a good start adding 52 for the first wicket. Once White dismissed Marillier, Stuart Carlisle came to the crease and continued to push towards the target. He and Ebrahim put on 82 for the second wicket in decent time before Mooney dismissed Carlisle for 49, giving Ireland a last chance with Zimbabwe still needing 66 for victory. Grant Flower and Ebrahim saw them home however with a minimum of fuss, with just under 10 overs to spare, with Ebrahim unbeaten on 81.


A better performance this time from Zimbabwe and this win may prove a confidence booster, although they will face much harder challenges than this when take part in the Natwest Series against England and South Africa.


Ireland: Gillespie 52, Streak 3/29, Hondo 3/53
Zimbabwe: Ebrahim 81*, Carlisle 49, Flower 31*


Posted by ChrisS