Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe sealed their first One Day International (ODI) series win against Ireland in 10 years after winning the third and final match by 9 wickets at Harare Sports Club this Tuesday.
Ben Curran’s maiden ODI century of 118 runs not out saw the chevrons getting home with 63 runs to spare chasing 241 runs to win.
Curran was ably supported by Captain Craig Ervine who put on 69 runs and Bennet who was unlucky to miss out on a half-century with a knock of 48 runs.
Zimbabwe had elected to bowl first, and their decision paid off as Richard Ngarava gave them an early breakthrough, dismissing Paul Stirling for just 9 runs.
Ireland struggled to find their footing, and at the halfway mark, they were 87/2, with Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector at the crease.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, and Balbirnie eventually fell for 64, caught by Madhevere off the bowling of Masakadza.
Ireland’s innings ended on 240/6.
In response, Zimbabwe’s openers, Ben Curran and Brian Bennett, got off to a flying start, with a solid opening partnership.
Man of the match, Curran scored 118 runs from 130 balls to give the chevrons a comfortable 9-wicket victory.
The focus will now shift to the T20 series set to begin this Thursday.
