Cricket Highlights, 10 Dec: Zimbabwe vs Ireland (3rd T20I) – IRE wins the series by 2-1 thanks to Dockrell and Tector

Zimbabwe vs Ireland (3rd T20I) – Highlights

In the third Twenty20 International in Harare, Ireland defeated Zimbabwe with ease because of an uninterrupted 104-run partnership between Harry Tector and George Dockrell. This was Ireland’s first away Twenty20 International series victory over a Full Member side.

It appeared as though this match may go into the final over, just like the previous two when Ireland faltered to 37 for 4 in seven overs with 141 to pursue. However, Ireland quickly gained control after Dockrell and Tector neutralized Zimbabwe’s spin threat. In the end, they easily won with eight balls remaining. After the twelfth over, the tide turned. Up until that point, Ireland was seeking more runs per ball.

Ireland managed to chase down 141-4 in 18.4 overs, with Harry Tector topping the score with an undefeated 54 off 45 balls that included two sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 120.

Andy Balbirnie scored 13 off 14 balls, including a boundary, while George Dockrell smashed an undefeated 49 off 32 balls with three sixes and three fours at a strike rate of 153.12.

Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, and Brandon Mavuta, Zimbabwe’s top bowler, all claimed one wicket apiece. After scoring 126 runs at an average of 63 during the three-match series, Harry Tector was named player of the series.

In this series, Zimbabwe, already without the suspended Sikandar Raza, had to select a third captain in as many games as Sean Williams was sidelined due to an injury sustained during the second Twenty20 International.

As a result, there was a significant lineup change, with fast bowler Trevor Gwandu and opener Tadiwanashe Marumani being replaced by legspinner Brandon Mavuta, left-arm spinner Masakadza, and batsman Tony Munyonga.

Following its introduction, Zimbabwe remained plagued by first-order problems. After an outstanding performance at No. 3 on Saturday, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe was put out to open, but Josh Little’s opening ball trapped him leg before wicket. 

However, Brian Bennett took full advantage of his promotion to No. 3, having made 1 and 0 in his opening two international matches. Short balls were aimed at him by Ireland’s bowlers, but he didn’t back down from pulling and hooking to get out of the flurry. Bennett removed Barry McCarthy for two consecutive sixes to end the powerplay on a high note, even though Zimbabwe only managed 26 in their opening five overs.

Finally, With Ryan Burl as the leading scorer, Zimbabwe amassed 140-6 in 20 overs. Burl hit 36 off 28 balls, including four fours, at a strike rate of 128.57.

With a strike rate of 142.10, Tony Munyonga smashed a 27 off 19 balls, including two sixes and a four. Clive Madande hit a run-a-ball 27 with three fours, while Wesley Madhevere added 14.

Josh Little and Craig Young each claimed two wickets, while Ireland’s top bowler, Gareth Delany, claimed two wickets for eight runs in two overs at an economy rate of four.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Scoreboard    

Zimbabwe – 140/6 (20.0)

Ireland – 141/4 (18.4)

Result – Ireland won by 6 wickets

Player of the match – George Dockrell

Player of the Series – Harry Tector

Harry Tector

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Playing XIs