Zimbabwe secured a dominant victory over Ireland in the 3rd ODI. They chased 241 comfortably, winning by nine wickets in Harare. Ben Curran played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 118. Craig Ervine supported him with a quick 69 off 59 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers restricted Ireland to 240/6 in 50 overs. Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu took two wickets each. Andy Balbirnie top-scored for Ireland with a well-made 64. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker contributed to the crucial fifties.
However, Ireland failed to post a challenging total on a good pitch. Zimbabwe’s openers built a strong foundation for an easy chase. Brian Bennett’s attacking 48 ensured early momentum in the innings. Zimbabwe reached the target in just 39.3 overs with 63 balls left. This victory sealed the series 2-1 in Zimbabwe’s favor. Their batting and bowling units performed brilliantly in the decider.
Scorecard of Zimbabwe v/s Ireland 3rd Match
Ireland Innings – 240/6 (50 Overs)
| Batsman | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Balbirnie | 64 | 99 | 4 | 1 | 64.64 |
| Paul Stirling (c) | 9 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 56.25 |
| Curtis Campher | 11 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 57.89 |
| Harry Tector | 51 | 84 | 3 | 1 | 60.71 |
| Lorcan Tucker (†) | 61 | 54 | 7 | 0 | 112.96 |
| George Dockrell | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.66 |
| Mark Adair (Not Out) | 26 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 113.04 |
| Andy McBrine (Not Out) | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 233.33 |
Ireland Bowling Performance
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Adair | 5 | 1 | 34 | 0 | 6.80 |
| Graham Hume | 8 | 0 | 39 | 1 | 4.87 |
| Curtis Campher | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 7.50 |
| Josh Little | 6 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 6.83 |
| Andy McBrine | 10 | 0 | 66 | 0 | 6.60 |
| Matthew Humphreys | 5 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 3.80 |
| Harry Tector | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 7.00 |
| George Dockrell | 1.3 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 10.66 |
Zimbabwe Innings – 246/1 (39.3 Overs)
| Batsman | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bennett | 48 | 48 | 6 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Ben Curran (Not Out) | 118 | 130 | 14 | 0 | 90.76 |
| Craig Ervine (c) (Not Out) | 69 | 59 | 5 | 3 | 116.94 |
Zimbabwe Bowling Performance
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Ngarava | 10 | 0 | 42 | 2 | 4.20 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | 10 | 1 | 47 | 1 | 4.70 |
| Trevor Gwandu | 10 | 1 | 44 | 2 | 4.40 |
| Wellington Masakadza | 10 | 0 | 58 | 1 | 5.80 |
| Sikandar Raza | 10 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 4.70 |
Match Summary
- Zimbabwe won the 3rd ODI by 9 wickets with 63 balls remaining.
- Ben Curran’s 118 off 130 balls* gave Zimbabwe a comfortable chase.
- Craig Ervine’s quick 69 off 59 balls* ensured a dominant win.
- Richard Ngarava (2/42) and Trevor Gwandu (2/44) led Zimbabwe’s bowling.
- Ireland’s 240/6 fell short despite strong contributions from Balbirnie (64) and Tucker (61).
- Series Result: Zimbabwe wins the 3-match ODI series 2-1.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Zimbabwe put on a dominant batting display, chasing 241 with ease. Ben Curran’s masterful 118* off 130 balls anchored the innings. Skipper Craig Ervine added an unbeaten 69 off 59 balls. The top order’s composure ensured a massive 9-wicket win with 63 balls left.
Ben Curran and Brian Bennett played pivotal roles in Zimbabwe’s victory over Ireland in the 3rd ODI. Curran’s unbeaten 118 off 130 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. His innings was a perfect blend of patience and aggression, helping Zimbabwe chase down 241 with ease. He played with great composure, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. His ability to pace the innings ensured Zimbabwe never felt pressure despite chasing a competitive target.
On the other hand, Brian Bennett’s remarkable performance throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award. Scoring a total of 247 runs, Bennett was a crucial asset for Zimbabwe at the top of the order. His fearless approach and consistency provided the team with solid starts. His aggressive batting put pressure on the Irish bowlers, allowing middle-order batters to build on the momentum he created.
1. Ireland’s Total Falls Short Despite Solid Contributions
Ireland managed 240/6 in 50 overs but lacked acceleration. Andy Balbirnie (64), Harry Tector (51), and Lorcan Tucker (61) batted well. However, no batter converted their starts into a game-changing knock.
2. Zimbabwe’s Bowlers Restrict Ireland to a Chaseable Score
Richard Ngarava (2/42) and Trevor Gwandu (2/44) led Zimbabwe’s attack. Muzarabani and Masakadza took wickets, each maintaining tight control. Their disciplined bowling kept Ireland from crossing the 250-run mark.
3. Ben Curran’s Match-Winning Century Leads Zimbabwe’s Charge
Ben Curran played an exceptional knock, pacing the innings brilliantly. His 14 boundaries ensured Zimbabwe never felt pressure in the chase. His unbeaten century sealed the game comfortably for Zimbabwe.
4. Brian Bennett’s Aggressive Start Set the Tone
Bennett smashed 48 off 48 balls before falling to Hume. His attacking stroke play gave Zimbabwe early momentum in the chase. The 124-run opening stand ensured Ireland never had a chance to bounce back.
5. Ireland’s Bowling Attack Fails to Make an Impact
Ireland’s bowlers struggled to break Zimbabwe’s partnerships. Graham Hume (1/39) was the only wicket-taker. Others, including Josh Little and Mark Adair, leaked runs at over 6.5 per over.
After a tough series, Zimbabwe proved their superiority in the decider. Their clinical bowling and flawless batting secured a massive win. Winning by 9 wickets with 63 balls left highlights their dominance.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe dominated Ireland in the series decider with an all-round performance. Their bowlers executed disciplined plans to restrict Ireland’s scoring. Ngarava and Gwandu’s wickets helped control Ireland’s middle order. Ireland’s batters failed to capitalize on their starts in harsh conditions. Zimbabwe’s chase was effortless, thanks to Curran’s masterclass century. As per ESPN, Ireland Players continuously improve their talent by preparing for sub-continental countries after practicing on a drop-in pitch like Nassau County Stadium. Craig Ervine’s aggressive knock ensured a quick finish to the game. Brian Bennett’s quickfire 48 set the tone for the chase. Zimbabwe’s top-order showcased excellent control and confidence in their approach.
Their strong performance highlights their growing strength in ODI cricket. Ireland struggled to contain runs and lacked penetration with the ball. This win gives Zimbabwe momentum for future international matches. Winning the series 2-1 is a big achievement for the team. Their consistent performances across all departments made the difference. Zimbabwe deservedly lifted the trophy after a convincing display in the final match.
