In a game that kept you on the edge of your seat for the final few overs, Zimbabwe’s last-ball victory over Ireland included spectacular catches, dramatic shifts in momentum, and a fortunate inside edge. In the first-ever international game played under lights at the Harare Sports Club, Sikandar Raza performed a masterful job with the bat and the ball to lead Zimbabwe to victory and a 1-0 series lead over Ireland.
Not for what they did with the ball, though, as the pace trio of Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and rookie Trevor Gwandu would be praised as equally significant heroes in their dressing room. Blessing Muzarabani got an inside edge on the last delivery, which beat the wicketkeeper and gave Zimbabwe the exciting one-wicket victory over Ireland. Then, Zimbabwe needed two off the final ball.
With a strike rate of 128 and a maximum score of 32 off 25 balls, including six fours and a six, Andy Balbirnie led Ireland to a score of 147-8 in 20 overs. With a strike rate of 236.36, Gareth Delany hit an undefeated 26 off 11 balls, including two sixes and two fours. Harry Tector hit 24 off 21 balls, including two fours, and Lorcan Tucker scored 21 off 19 balls, including a boundary.
The best bowler in Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza took 3 for 28 runs; Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani each grabbed two wickets; Sean Williams took one. With Sikandar Raza top-scoring with 65 off 42 balls, Wesley Madhevere scoring 25 off 26 balls with three fours, Clive Madande hitting 20 off 11 balls with two fours and a six at a strike rate of 181.81, and Ryan Burl scoring 12, Zimbabwe managed to chase 147 in 20 overs for the loss of nine wickets.
Josh Little, Craig Young, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and George Dockrell shared the title of best bowler in Ireland with two wickets apiece. After his outstanding spin bowling to take three wickets for 28 runs in four overs, Sikandar Raza was named Player of the Match for his all-around effort, which included a match-winning quick-fire 65 off 42 balls with five fours and two sixes and a strike rate of 154.76.
Following their 172 run chase in Bready in 2019, Zimbabwe’s 148 chase against Ireland in T20Is was their second-highest successful run chase. This is Zimbabwe’s third T20 international victory on the final ball of the game, and it’s their first against Ireland.
Ireland – 147/8 (20.0)
Zimbabwe – 148/9 (20.0)
Result – Zimbabwe won by 1 wicket
Player of the match – Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe | Sikandar Raza (c), Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Brian Bennett, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Blessing Muzarabani, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Trevor Gwandu |
Ireland | Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Curtis Campher, Craig Young, Andrew Balbirnie, Joshua Little |
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