Ireland. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)
HARARE, Zimbabwe – An unbeaten 104-run 5th wicket partnership between Harry Tector and George Dockrell handed Ireland Men their first-ever series win in Zimbabwe, after winning the three-match series 2-1.
Coming together with the visitors at 37-4 after seven overs, Tector (54*) and Dockrell (49*) reeled off 104 runs in 70 balls to reach the 141-run target with eight balls to spare. Tector, who hit his fourth career T20I half-century, finished as the top-scorer for the series with 126 runs at 63.00 with a strike rate of 121.15. The YMCA man struck 24, 48, and 54* in a series to remember and was awarded Player of the Series.
Dockrell finished agonizingly one run short of what would have been his second T20I half-century but gained solace after being named Player of the Match for his powerhouse 32-ball innings which included three sixes and three fours.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bowl, Ireland would have felt early justification when Josh Little (2-21) struck with his first ball of the second over. However, the home side hit the accelerator, scoring 37 off the next 32 balls – with Brian Bennett (27 off 19 balls) being the main antagonist, striking a number of cross-bat shots over and to the boundary.
Three quick wickets then fell, sparked by a spell of 2-8 off two accurate overs by leg-spinner Gareth Delany. The Leinster-man varied his flight and pace to great effect, prising out Wessly Madhevere (14) and Bennett.
The momentum of the innings then swung from team to team, with Ryan Burl – stand-in captain after Sean Williams had to withdraw with injury – struck 38 off 28 balls before belting a cover drive straight to Delany.
The final total of 140-6 was potentially a below-par score but on a wearing pitch, the run chase was never going to be straightforward. Ireland started with intent but soon found themselves at 29-3 after 4.3 overs.
Curtis Campher’s subsequent dismissal heralded the Tector/Dockrell partnership – and the pair never looked troubled as they set about chasing down the winning target. The two Leinster Lightning batters may have struck five maximums and six boundaries during their stand, but it was their running between the wickets and regular turn over of strikes that was the feature of their partnership.
This was the second unbeaten century stand for the 5th wicket involving Dockrell after he and Campher hit 119* against Scotland at the T20 World Cup last year. In a further accolade, Ireland’s Craig Young claimed Bowler of the Series taking five wickets at 16.00 with an economy rate of 6.67.
The two sides now have a two-day break before starting a three-match ODI series at the same venue on Wednesday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Zimbabwe v Ireland, 3rd T20 International, Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe, 10 December 2023
Zimbabwe 140-6 (20 overs; R Burl 36; G Delany 2-8, J Little 2-21, C Young 2-27)
Ireland 141-4 (18.4 overs; H Tector 54*, G Dockrell 49*; B Mavuta 1-17)
Ireland won by six wickets