Having beaten Zimbabwe in the three-match T20I series, Ireland made a strong start in the ODIs as well, as they beat them by four wickets in the second ODI on Friday, December 15 at Harare Sports Club, Harare. After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 166 in 42.5 overs with Wellington Masakadza top-scoring for his side while Joshua Little starred with the ball for Ireland with a 6-fer.
In reply, Ireland chased down the target in 40.1 overs and won the match by four wickets riding on a brilliant half-century by Curtis Campher (66 off 71). Their chase got off to the worst possible start as Richard Ngarva cleaned up Andrew Balbirnie on the first ball of the innings. Captain Paul Stirling also departed cheaply after scoring just 14 (32) with the help of two fours.
Also Read: ZIM vs IRE: Paul Stirling keen on replicating T20I success in ODI series
Harry Tector (21 off 37) walked in at number four and stitched a 52-run stand with Curtis Campher to stabilise the innings. Lorcan Tucker (28 off 46) and Mark Adair (25* off 29) also made valuable contributions and helped their side chase down the target in 40.1 overs.
Earlier in the day, Joshua Little ran riot on the Zimbabwe batting lineup and reduced them to 19/4 after six overs. Joylord Gumbie (5 off 14), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (8 off 6), Milton Shumba (0 off 2) and captain Sikandar Raza returned to the pavilion cheaply leaving their team in all sorts of trouble.
Ryan Burl and Wellington Masakadza rescued Zimababwe’s innings
Ryan Burl (38 off 89) and Clive Madande (33 off 42) played valuable knocks to stabilize the innings after the early blow. Burl and Maskadza (40 off 47) added 63 runs for the seventh wicket to help their side cross the 150-run mark.
Also Read: Harry Tector and George Dockrell push Ireland to historic series win in Zimbabwe
Meanwhile, after leading the series by 1-0, Ireland will be eager to seal it with another win in the third and final ODI of the series on Sunday, December 17 at the same venue.
Here are some of the fan reactions on Ireland’s victory in the second ODI:
Impressive win by Ireland! 🇮🇪👏 They now lead the series 1-0 after a comfortable victory in the second ODI against Zimbabwe. 🏏📸 #ZIMvIRE #Cricket#ましかくフォト
— B2B (@zisosmereah) December 15, 2023
Ireland take a 1-0 series lead after a comfortable victory in the second ODI against Zimbabwe 👏
📸: @cricketireland#ZIMvIRE pic.twitter.com/PXBXGfxj40
— Helvin Cardoz ❤️ (@CardozHelvin) December 15, 2023
Great performance from @cricketireland , especially from joshua little with six wickets and then while chasing Curtis Campher looked great. #ZIMvIRE
— Yugal Chambhare (@iamYugal18) December 15, 2023
@cricketireland won 2nd ODI by 4 Wickets and lead ODI Series 1-0. What a Spell Josh Little 6/36. Superb Knock @curtis_campher 66(71).#ZIMvIRE
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 15, 2023
Josh Little’s six-wicket haul and Curtis Campher’s 66 take Ireland 1-0 up against Zimbabwe!
The final ODI of the series takes place in Harare on Sunday
#ZIMvIRE
— shoaib (@BoltBatsman) December 15, 2023
Adair ramps the ball over the keeper to win the game for @cricketireland to win by four wickets!#ZIMvIRE
— justin smyth (@justinsmyth1) December 15, 2023
Fantastic spell. Well bowled @Bmuz40 2/23 and @brandonmavuta 2/37.@ZimCricketv #ZIMvIRE
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 15, 2023
Twitter Reactions: Zimbabwe avoid Bangla whitewash after comprehensive win in fifth T20I
Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh edge out valiant Zimbabwe in another nailbiter to extend winning run
Twitter Reactions: India Women continue their winning streak in fifth T20I as they complete clean sweep over Bangladesh Women
Twitter Reactions: Bangladesh go 3-0 up despite valiant fightback by Zimbabwe
