Zimbabwe emerged victorious over Ireland in the first T20 of three last night at the Harare Stadium. Zimbabwe chased down a moderate 148 runs with a wicket to spare, courtesy of a half century from Sikandar Raza and a little last minute magic from the cricketing Gods.
Earlier in the game, Ireland lost the toss and were sent into bat, scoring a below par 147 for 8. The Irish got off to a good start but lacked the firepower in the middle to see the innings soar to greater heights. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie stitched a 44 run stand for the first wicket, but Sikandar Raza made sure not to let his opposition get the better of Zimbabwe. The right arm spinner tormented the Irish middle order, picking up 3 wickets alongside fast bowlers Ngarava and Muzarabani, who also held down the fort with 2 wickets each.
Chasing 148, Zimbabwe were rocked early, losing two wickets inside the first four overs with just 21 runs on scored but hope was not lost. Sikandar Raza coming in at number three, stepped up once again, forming important partnerships with Wesley Madhevere and Ryan Burl to get Zimbabwe close to the finish line. Raza’s fantastic 66 in just 44 deliveries got Zimbabwe to just 11 off 9 before his departure in the penultimate over, leaving Zimbabwe with 2 wickets in hand and fans on the edge of their seats.
Ireland bowled superbly in the final over and a half, picking up 1 wicket and only considing 1 boundary in it. Sadly for the visitors, it was just not meant to be as. Last man standing Blessing Muzarabi hit the winning runs in comical fashion, slipping a knick past Lorcan Tucker to just about make it home in the final delivery.
Zimbabwe’s win gives them a 1-0 over Ireland in the three match series. Zimbabwe will look to capitalize on this and hopefully try to finish the series early on 9 December.
Chief Scores :
Ireland – 147 for 8 in 20 overs (Andrew Balbirnie 32, Gareth Delany 26*, Harry Tector 24, Sikandar Raza 3 for 28, Richard Ngarava 2 for 23, Blessing Muzarabani 2 for 24)
Zimbabwe – 148 for 9 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 65, Wesley Madhevere 25, Clive Madande 20, Joshua Little 2 for 17, Craig Young 2 for 20, Mark Adair 2 for 36)
