Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE secured a one-nil series victory over Ireland in the three-match T20 International series after rain washed out the final encounter at Harare Sports Club Tuesday night.
Zimbabwe had a shaky start, losing Tadiwanashe Marumani for seven and Wessly Madhevere without troubling the scorers within the first three overs after the match had been reduced to 18 overs aside due to a rain delay.
As is often the case, Sikandar Raza turned the tide with a brisk 34 off 27 balls, supported by Brian Bennett’s 16 off 19.
Both fell to Gareth Delany in what proved to be his only over, leaving Zimbabwe at 67 for four in the 10th over.
Ryan Burl added a quick 17 off 13 before departing at 94 for five, Tony Munyonga contributed 26 runs, while Tashinga Musekiwa was the most aggressive, finishing unbeaten on 26 off 17.  Zimbabwe posted a competitive 142 for six in 18 overs.
The rain returned and Ireland were not able to bat before play was called off, giving Zimbabwe a rare serve victory.
Cricket expert Dean du Plessis said, “It’s good that the team managed to win a series. It gives them confidence, but going forward there are areas to be addressed. The top order in T20 needs to be sorted, Brian Bennett doesn’t look settled while Tadiwanashe Marumani has struggled for a long time, but we must also credit Trevor Gwandu for some good bowling, Tony Munyonga was good with the bat and also saw a bit of I’d Tashinga Musekiwa.”
The Chevrons lost the test match one-nil before coming back to win the ODI series 2-1 and wrapping it up with a one-nil victory in the T20s.
Zimbabwe will now shift focus to Bangladesh where they are set to tour next month.
