23rd February 2025, Harare Sports Club
In a nail-biting encounter at the Harare Sports Club on 23rd February 2025, Ireland edged past Zimbabwe by 4 runs in the second T20I of the series. The match was a rollercoaster ride, with both teams fighting hard until the very last ball. Ireland’s disciplined bowling and a solid batting performance helped them level the series 1-1.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to restrict Ireland to a manageable total. Ireland’s openers, Paul Stirling and
Andrew Balbirnie, started cautiously but soon accelerated. Stirling, known for his aggressive batting, smashed 45 runs off 28 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. Balbirnie provided steady support with 32 runs off 25 balls. However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs. Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani picked up crucial wickets to slow down Ireland’s momentum.
Harry Tector played a vital knock of 38 runs off 22 balls, helping Ireland post a competitive total of 167/6 in their 20 overs. For Zimbabwe, Muzarabani was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/28 in his 4 overs.
Chasing 168, Zimbabwe got off to a shaky start. Their opener, Tadiwanashe Marumani, fell early for just 8 runs. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams then steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership. Ervine scored 42 off 30 balls, while Williams contributed 35 off 28. However, Ireland’s bowlers kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals.
The match turned into a thriller in the final overs. Zimbabwe needed 15 runs off the last 6 balls, with Sikandar Raza at the crease. Raza, known for his finishing abilities, hit a six and a four but fell short of taking his team over the line. Barry McCarthy held his nerve in the final over, conceding only 10 runs and picking up Raza’s wicket. Zimbabwe finished at 163/7, falling short by just 4 runs.
For Ireland, Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/25 in his 4 overs. Mark Adair and Gareth Delany also chipped in with crucial wickets.
The series is now evenly poised at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for 25th February 2025 at the same venue. Both teams will be eager to clinch the series in what promises to be another exciting contest.
Match Summary Table:
| Team | Total Score | Top Scorer | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 167/6 (20 overs) | Paul Stirling (45) | Blessing Muzarabani (3/28) |
| Zimbabwe | 163/7 (20 overs) | Craig Ervine (42) | Josh Little (2/25) |
Key Moments:
Paul Stirling’s aggressive start gave Ireland a strong foundation.
Blessing Muzarabani’s three wickets kept Zimbabwe in the game.
Craig Ervine and Sean Williams’ partnership kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive.
Barry McCarthy’s final over sealed the win for Ireland.
The match was a testament to the growing competitiveness of associate nations in T20 cricket. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next game, which promises to be another thrilling encounter.
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