Cricket Highlights, Feb 16: Ireland tour of Zimbabwe (2nd ODI) – ZIM vs IRE

ZIM vs IRE (2nd ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 2nd ODI between ZIM and IRE, held on February 16, 2025, in Harare. Ireland secured a commanding six-wicket victory, successfully chasing down Zimbabwe’s target of 246 with eight balls to spare. Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 245, but Ireland’s solid batting performance ensured a comfortable win. Let’s dive into the match highlights, key performances, and turning points that shaped this exciting contest.

ZIM innings began with Brian Bennett and Ben Curran opening the batting. Bennett looked in good touch, scoring 30 off 34 balls, hitting six boundaries before he was dismissed by Mark Adair in the seventh over. Curran, on the other hand, struggled to find momentum and was eventually bowled by Andy McBrine for 18 off 36 balls. The early loss of Captain Craig Ervine, who managed only 4 runs before being cleaned up by Josh Little, put Zimbabwe under early pressure at 47/2.

However, Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Madhevere played a well-compiled knock of 61 off 70 balls, striking six boundaries, while Raza contributed 58 off 75 balls, adding valuable runs in the middle overs. Their partnership took Zimbabwe past the 150-run mark before Curtis Campher struck twice in quick succession, trapping Madhevere leg-before-wicket and dismissing Johnathan Campbell for just 2 runs.

The collapse continued as Tadiwanashe Marumani was dismissed for a duck, reducing Zimbabwe to 157/6 in the 35th over. Raza kept fighting but was eventually caught by Harry Tector off Adair’s bowling in the 44th over, leaving Zimbabwe at 207/7. However, a late cameo from Wellington Masakadza (35 off 35) and Richard Ngarava (17 off 18) helped Zimbabwe reach a respectable total of 245 before being bowled out in the 49th over.

For IRE, Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 54 runs in his 10-over spell. Curtis Campher also made a significant impact, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs in five overs, while Graham Hume and Josh Little chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 246, Ireland got off to a steady start despite losing Andy Balbirnie early for 11 runs. Paul Stirling, leading from the front, played a commanding knock, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 89 off 102 balls. His innings was laced with eight boundaries and two sixes, setting the platform for Ireland’s successful chase.

Curtis Campher joined Stirling at the crease and played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. The duo stitched together a 144-run partnership for the second wicket, taking Ireland close to the target. Campher showed composure, scoring 63 off 94 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six. However, he fell to Trevor Gwandu in the 34th over, and soon after, Harry Tector (7) was dismissed, bringing some hope for Zimbabwe.

With Ireland at 181/3, Zimbabwe aimed for a comeback, but wicketkeeper-batsman Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell ensured there were no further hiccups. Tucker remained unbeaten on 36 off 48 balls, while Dockrell added a quick 20 off 20 deliveries. They guided Ireland to victory with eight balls to spare, sealing a comfortable six-wicket win.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Scoreboard

Zimbabwe– 245 (49)

Ireland– 249/4 (48.4/50)

Result – Ireland won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Curtis Campher

ZIM vs IRE Playing XIs

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine(C), Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Johnathan Campbell, Tadiwanashe Marumani(WK), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

Ireland

Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling(C), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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