5th T20I, Bready, September 04, 2021, 07:30 PM
Zimbabwe
124/4(20.0ov)
Ireland
119/10(20.0ov)
Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 5 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Craig Ervine
Commentry
Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. The T20I series has come to an end, but there is more to see between the two sides. Zimbabwe and Ireland will compete in a three-match ODI series which will start on 8th September, 2021 at 1030 local (0930 GMT). Till then take care and goodbye!
Andy Balbirnie, the Ireland skipper, is up for a chat. He says that it was a good series for them and winning three on the bounce was amazing but he is a bit disappointed that the mistakes of the first match crept back in. He adds that, yes, losing this match was tough but it's just a blip and overall he is pleased to have won against a strong team. He also adds that, they are looking forward to the T20 World Cup and they would require to win three matches to move forward in that tournament. He ends by saying that the ODI series is going to be a different challenge and he is looking forward to it.
Paul Stirling, Player of the series, is up for a chat. He says they will take the series win here. Adds a big thanks to the crowd for turning up. Says it is nice to get the game around the country. Mentions it is always good to set the tone and hopes he does that for a long time with Kevin O’Brien.
Craig Ervine, the Zimbabwe skipper, is up for a chat. He says that in the end they were 20-30 runs short but they bowled really well. He then praises Dion Myers and says that he is growing in confidence and it was nice to see him get runs in this game. Adds that he is really pleased with the bowling and fielding performances and the team has had a difficult series, so, it was nice to end with a win. He ends by saying that he is looking forward to the ODIs.
...Presentation time...
Good show with the ball for the visitors! Zimbabwe got off to a flying start with the ball as Luke Jongwe sent Kevin O'Brien packing in the third over. The Zimbabwe bowlers piled on the pressure and picked up a wicket each in overs 3 to 6. The bowlers kept on picking up wickets at regular intervals after that as well, with Jongwe and Tiripano starring with 3 wickets each. Richard Ngarava held his nerve in the final over to get his team over the line.
Ireland were so close but yet so far! To be honest, they made a meal of a simple run chase. They did not have the best of starts as they lost early wickets and were 51/5 at one point. Paul Stirling did muster up some runs at the top and then Neil Rock, along with Shane Getkate got vital runs down the order. In the end the total was not big but the top-order just didn't turn up. The tailenders fought till the very end but could take their team over the line.
What a game did we just witness here! It was surely a nailbiter. Both the teams fought hard but in the end the visitors clinched the victory to make it 3-2 in the series.
In over# 20
0W
0
1
0
2
0
Richard Ngarava 14/1(4)
19.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Richard Ngarava has defended 8 runs in the last over. A length ball, on off. Young comes across and looks to flick it away. The ball rolls out back to the bowler of the outer half. The batters take off for a single. Richard Ngarava charges on the ball, collects and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. Little was short of the crease and Ireland are all out for 119. Zimbabwe win the game by 5 runs.
19.5
.
This is a great delivery from Richard Ngarava. A full-length ball, outside off. Young looks to heave it away but misses.
19.4
1
A length ball, on off. Little moves across and works it towards square leg for a single.
19.3
.
Good-length ball, outside off. Little hangs back and looks to cut it away but misses.
19.2
2
A length ball, on off. Little slashes it towards cover. The fielder there makes a half stop. The batters decide to take two and they do it comfortably.
19.1
.
SWING AND A MISS! On a length, outside off. Little looks to go after it but misses. A dot to start the final over.
Richard Ngarava to bowl the final over.
In over# 19
2
2
6
0
0
0W
Luke Jongwe 29/3(4)
18.6
2
Full and outside off. Young stays back and drives it through cover. The ball goes past the diving fielder at cover. The batters take two more. 9 runs needed in 6 balls.
18.5
2
A length ball, on off. Young pushes it through cover for a couple.
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