Story by Raynald Ngwarati
THE Ireland under-19cricket team secured a consolidation win after beating Zimbabwe by four wickets in the final Youth One Day International at Takashinga Cricket ground to end the series four-one .
After playing second fiddle in the first four matches of the Youth One Day International series, the Irish Under 19 men’s cricket team finally found a way to avoid a humiliating series whitewash by the hosts.
Adam Leckey put in a spirited performance with an unbeaten 91 runs from a hundred deliveries to guide his side to a much-needed consolation win over the home team.
Despite losing wickets around him, the top order batsman stood firm at the crease to preserve his priced wicket.
A consolation victory looked in sight for the visitors when Ethan Marshall partnered Leckey with a knock of 41 runs before he was sent packing by Kian Blignaut nine runs short of a half ton.
Oliver Riley then hit two consecutive fours in the 43rd over to propel the Irish to 205 runs for six in 42 overs, a score that was enough to save his side from the face of a humiliating series drubbing.
Earlier on, Dhruv Patel had starred with the bat for the young Chevrons putting 79 runs on the board as Zimbabwe scored a lowly 203 runs all out in 42.1 overs.
The opener found support from Takudzwa Makoni who narrowly missed on a priced half ton by just two runs, how his efforts were not enough to put on a formidable score as six other batsmen failed to reach double figures.
The score was too little to defend for the Young Chevrons, but the bowlers put in a solid show, with Kirby Madharamete claiming two scalps while four of his teammates claimed a wicket apiece to pose a challenge to the Irish batsmen.
The efforts however fell agonisingly short, with the Young Chevrons losing the match in the dying stages, with just 16 balls remaining, as Ireland clinched their first victory of the series.
The series victory is a confidence booster for Zimbabwe who were using the series as preparation for the ICC Under 19 men’s cricket world cup after clinching the series four-one
