OTD | Ireland’s Amy Hunter overtook Mithali Raj to become youngest player to score a century in international cricket in 2021

Ireland’s Amy Hunter played a solid innings of 121 runs against Zimbabwe in 2021 and surpassed Mithali Raj to become the youngest player to score a century in international cricket. During Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe, she smashed a century in the 4th ODI, helping Ireland score 312 runs in the first innings. Ireland went on to win the match by 85 runs. On winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to field first, inviting Ireland to bat first. 

The decision seemed fair in the beginning, as Ireland lost an early wicket. However, Gaby Lewis (78) and Amy Hunter turned the game completely as they put up a 100-run partnership. Later, Laura Delany joined the party and scored 68 runs off 53 balls including seven boundaries. 

They scored 312 runs at the loss of just three wickets. Ester Mbofana, Josephine Nkomo and Loryn Phiri took one wicket each. No other bowler managed to dismiss any batter which is why they put up such a high score on the board. 

When Zimbabwe came to bat, their start tumbled as they lost a few early wickets. Josephine Nkomo and Mary-Anne Musonda scored 66 runs and 36 runs respectively. Even opener Ashley Ndiraya scored 38 runs but was dismissed by Raack. 

Other than them, no other batter touched the 30-run mark which was quite disappointing and embarrassing at the same time. Even though they weren’t all out, they still failed to win the match. Sophie MacMahon and Laura Delany claimed two wickets each in the 2nd innings. Moreover, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Celeste Raack and Cara Murray took one wicket each and contributed to the win. 

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