In a commanding performance, Zimbabwe secured a 49-run victory over Ireland in the first one-day international held in Harare.
Brian Bennett delivered an outstanding knock of 169 runs, making him the fourth youngest player to achieve an ODI century. His impressive 163-ball innings helped Zimbabwe post a formidable total of 299-5, supported by a solid contribution of 66 runs from skipper Craig Ervine. This was Bennett’s maiden ODI century, accomplished in just his seventh match.
Ireland’s chase began poorly with Andrew Balbirnie falling on the first ball. Despite a brief recovery led by Paul Stirling with 32 runs and Curtis Campher’s 44, Ireland found themselves struggling at 169-6. A crucial 73-run partnership between George Dockrell (34) and Andy McBrine (32) briefly reignited hopes, but Blessing Muzarabani dismantled their resistance by taking both wickets in the 45th over.
Muzarabani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, ending with impressive figures of 4-51, while Richard Ngarava contributed with 3-56. Wesley Madhevere also chipped in by dismissing key batters Harry Tector and Mark Adair. Despite decent starts from Tector (39) and Lorcan Tucker (31), Ireland’s batting line-up struggled to pose a real threat to Zimbabwe’s total. Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s victory showcased their strong batting and bowling prowess.
The three-match ODI series resumes in Harare on Sunday with the highly anticipated second match set to take place before the concluding contest on Tuesday.
Following their impressive Test victory in Bulawayo, Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe is gearing up to culminate in a thrilling three-match T20 series in Harare.
In a notable development, Ireland seamer Barry McCarthy will miss the upcoming white-ball matches due to an abdominal injury. However, the squad will see Jordan Neill step in for the remaining ODIs, and Fionn Hand has been brought into the T20 lineup.
Eighteen-year-old Neill, who demonstrated leadership as Ireland’s captain at last year’s Under-19 World Cup, will join the squad after a successful stint playing club cricket in South Africa.