Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE first One Day International between Zimbabwe and Ireland was washed out at Harare Sports Club this Wednesday with the hosts seemingly in trouble.
The weather had the final say in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club as rain came with Zimbabwe on 121 for six and never stopped forcing a washout.
Zimbabwe started aggressively after being sent in to bat, with Tinashe Kamunhukamwe smashing 28 off just 15 balls.
The moment he lost his wicket the home side also lost momentum and the innings never really recovered.
Kanhukamwe hit three fours in the first over he faced and continued his exploits the following over, getting a four and a six off successive deliveries.
That forced Paul Stirling, the Irish captain, to make a change and that did the trick as Graham Hume got the wicket off Kamunhukamwe who miscued a pull and was caught at mid-on for 28.
The wicket put the brakes on the scoring rate, with Zimbabwe managing only 16 runs in the next four overs and the pressure told as Innocent Kaia was soon bounced out leaving Zimbabwe at 48 for two.
Craig Young then bounced out Innocent Kaia to make 48 for two.
Sikander Raza did not last either although Joylord Gumbie was holding for the other end without really troubling the scorers.
Ryan Burl came in and departed as early, while Clive Madande also failed to do much at the crease.
Soon after Madande’s wicket, lightning forced players off the field, hence a premature end to the contest.
The second and third ODIs to be played on Friday and Sunday, are also expected to be affected by rain.
