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Ireland Women Dominate Series Opener Against Zimbabwe With Gaby Lewis’s Heroics

Ireland Strike Early in T20I Series with All-Round Show

Ireland Women kicked off their home series against Zimbabwe Women in commanding fashion, sealing a six-wicket win in the first T20I held on July 20, 2025. With a disciplined bowling effort setting the stage, it was Gaby Lewis who stole the spotlight with a captain’s knock to comfortably guide Ireland to a 1-0 lead in the series.

Clinical Start by Irish Bowlers Cripples Zimbabwe’s Batting

Opting to field first after winning the toss, Ireland struck early, courtesy of Orla Prendergast, who removed the Zimbabwean opener with just the third delivery of the innings. Zimbabwe showed early resistance through a cautious second-wicket partnership, but the innings soon unraveled.

Once the second wicket fell, Ireland capitalized on the opening, reducing Zimbabwe from 42/1 to 87/6 by the 14th over. Spinner Cara Murray was the standout with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Arlene Kelly also made a strong impact, conceding only 10 runs and picking up 2 wickets.

Mugeri’s Lone Fight in Vain

Zimbabwe skipper Chipo Mugeri fought a lone battle, anchoring the innings with a gritty 42 off 50 balls. However, her dismissal in the final over dashed any hopes of Zimbabwe reaching a competitive total. The visitors eventually limped to 117/9 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving much to be desired from their middle-order batters.

Read more on Ireland Women’s recent T20I performances and stats.

Gaby Lewis Powers Ireland’s Chase

Ireland’s response began with a steady start as openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter put up a 39-run stand. While Hunter struggled to find rhythm, Lewis remained composed, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Zimbabwe managed to send back both openers and Prendergast in a short span, creating brief hope of a turnaround.

But the Irish skipper had other plans.

Captain’s Knock: Lewis Seals It with Flair

With the score at just 54 after 10 overs, the chase momentarily seemed tight. But Lewis flipped the switch, launching an aggressive counterattack. She struck 13 boundaries and a six, racing to a match-winning 67 that deflated the Zimbabwean bowling attack. By the time she fell, the equation was well within Ireland’s grasp. They chased down the target in just 16.5 overs, ending at 118/4 with more than three overs to spare.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Ireland will look to build on their dominant display when the series resumes, while Zimbabwe Women will have to reassess their batting strategy and middle-order stability. With the series still open, the second T20I will be crucial for both sides.


Brief Scores

Zimbabwe Women: 117/9 in 20 overs (Chipo Mugeri 42; Cara Murray 3/19, Arlene Kelly 2/10)
Ireland Women: 118/4 in 16.5 overs (Gaby Lewis 67; Kudzai Chigora 2/18)
Result: Ireland Women won by 6 wickets


For full match stats and global women’s cricket updates, visit ESPNcricinfo.

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