Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE succumbed to a disappointing defeat by six wickets surrendering the T20 series to Ireland at Harare Sports Club this Sunday.
In today’s decider Ireland won the toss and put in the Chervons to bat.
Zimbabwe, missing the suspended Sikandar Raza, had to name a third captain in as many games in this series with Sean Williams out with the side injury he suffered during the second T20I.
Zimbabwe continued to endure top-order struggles. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, sent out to open after an impressive knock at No. 3 on Saturday, was trapped lbw off Josh Little’s first ball.
The Chevrons eventually scored 140 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs with stand-in captain Ryn Burl top scoring with a brilliant 36 from 28 balls.
He got support from Clive Madande who scored a run-a-ball 27 and Brian Benett who put up 27 runs from just 19 balls.
But, this was never going to be enough.
Ireland reached the total with 8 balls to spare, in an innings anchored by Harry Teckor who scored a half century and George Dockrell who ably supported him 49 runs from 32 balls.
The pair put on an unbroken century partnership, which was the turning point in the match as the Zimbabwean bowlers failed to contain the two, gifting the visitors a victory today and a series win.
This loss adds to the Chevrons misery after failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup in a tournament played in Namibia recently.
