Ireland vs ZimbabweCricket Match ReportsCricket NewsCricket UpdatesInternational MatchesIreland CricketLatest Cricket UpdatesLive Cricket UpdatesMatch HighlightsODIZimbabwe national cricket team news
Bennett’s Record-Breaking 169 Propels Zimbabwe to Victory Over Ireland in 1st ODI
Zimbabwe started their limited-overs series against Ireland in emphatic fashion, securing a 49-run victory in the 1st ODI in Harare. Brian Bennett’s masterful 169, the fifth-highest individual score by a Zimbabwe batter in ODI history, proved to be the match-defining performance. His stunning innings, combined with clinical bowling from Blessing Muzarabani (4/51) and Richard Ngarava (3/56), helped the hosts defend their total of 299/5 and bowl out Ireland for 250 in 46 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Dominance Led by Bennett
Bennett and Ervine Lay the Foundation
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Zimbabwe’s top order seized control early. Bennett, promoted to open, displayed exceptional stroke play, hammering 20 fours and three sixes in a sensational 163-ball knock. He built a 95-run stand with Ben Curran and a further 136-run partnership with captain Craig Ervine (66 off 68 balls).
By the 41st over, Zimbabwe looked poised for an even bigger total at 231/2, but Ireland’s bowlers staged a brief comeback, claiming quick wickets in the final overs. Despite this, Bennett remained the backbone of the innings before finally falling in the last over, helping Zimbabwe post a competitive total of 299/5.
Ireland’s Bowling Struggles and Josh Little’s Off Day
Ireland’s fast-bowling spearhead, Josh Little, endured a forgettable outing, conceding 75 runs in 9 overs. His expensive spell, which included 11 boundaries and five wides, prevented Ireland from applying early pressure. Mark Adair (2/55) was the pick of the bowlers, but the visitors were left with a steep chase.
Ireland’s Chase Falters Despite Strong Starts
Early Setback and Middle-Order Contributions
Ireland’s chase began on a disastrous note when Andrew Balbirnie fell for a first-ball duck. However, the visitors quickly bounced back with an aggressive 55-run stand in just 41 balls between Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher (44 off 38 balls).
Despite several promising contributions from the middle order, Ireland struggled to build a defining partnership. The team had six batters crossing 30 runs, but none could convert their starts into a match-winning innings.
Muzarabani and Ngarava Seal the Win
Just as Ireland looked set for a potential comeback, Zimbabwe’s pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava turned the game in their favor.
Muzarabani’s fiery spell of 4/51 ripped through the Irish batting order, while Ngarava (3/56) provided vital breakthroughs. Ireland’s collapse was sealed when they lost their last four wickets for just eight runs, crashing to 250 all out in 46 overs.
Zimbabwe Take the Lead in the Series
Zimbabwe’s victory in the 1st ODI gives them a crucial lead in the three-match series, building on their resilience after the one-off Test defeat to Ireland. With Bennett’s brilliance at the top and the bowlers delivering when it mattered, the hosts have set the tone for the remainder of the series.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe: 299/5 in 50 overs (Brian Bennett 169, Craig Ervine 66; Mark Adair 2-55)
Ireland: 250 all out in 46 overs (Curtis Campher 44; Blessing Muzarabani 4-51, Richard Ngarava 3-56)
Result: Zimbabwe won by 49 runs
Zimbabwe vs Ireland news
ICC Official Match Report on Zimbabwe vs Ireland 1st ODI
