Match Center

Right then! That's it for today's coverage of the match between Zimbabwe and Ireland. The series has walked us to a dead end but there are so many matches going around in the world. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a big clash between Afghanistan and England. That match is scheduled to be played on 26th February, Tuesday at 9 am GMT. But as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the action. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Sikandar Raza strides forward to accept the trophy from the Director of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, a testament to their hard-fought success. With a contagious sense of excitement, he beckons his teammates to join him. As they gather around the trophy, their faces light up with pride and joy, perfectly embodying the spirit of teamwork and dedication that brought them this victory. This moment is not just a snapshot; it's a celebration of their incredible journey and a reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and unity.

Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe started off praising the relentless performance of Tony Munyonga. Also says that Trevor Gwandu has set the bar high for the team. Continues that they were able to put a good total on board. Reckons that they have worked really hard in the last 6-7 months which is showing it's color. Ends up saying that every time their chips are down some or other players always stand up and delivery, which is really important for the moral of the team.

Paul Stirling, the skipper of Ireland reckons that it would have been a really good game. He believes that they were on top at times but unfortunately, the weather was in a different mood. Also says that Craig Young was brilliant and has done exceptionally well. Ends up saying that he and his team had a lovely time in Zimbabwe and they will surely roam around this beautiful country.

Presentation Time...

In their 18-over match against Ireland, which was hampered by weather, Zimbabwe had set a lofty goal of 142 runs. Sikandar Raza, the skipper, gave vital stability following a difficult start with early wickets, setting the stage for a potent middle-order performance. They achieved a competitive total thanks to their aggressive batting in the last overs. The bowling squad is now prepared to show off their abilities and stave off Ireland's pursuit. Zimbabwe is ready to win!

UPDATE - 7.56 pm GMT - It has happened—exactly what we were desperately hoping to avoid. The match has been ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN, which means, Zimbabwe won the Twenty 20 series against Ireland. It’s a tough blow for the Men in Greens and their passionate supporters, but this is the nature of cricket. Let's take this moment to rally behind our team and look ahead to future matches, determined for a brighter outcome!

UPDATE - 7.29 pm GMT - A few officials with the umbrella have walked their way to the center of the pitch. They are having a long discussion. The rain may be relentless, yet it's holding steady, not picking up pace. As we near the crucial cut-off time of 8:04 pm GMT for a thrilling 5-over chase, let’s remain hopeful that the skies will clear. Together, let’s keep our fingers crossed for an exhilarating display of cricket!

UPDATE - 7.10 pm GMT - Oh no! Once again, the rain gods are threatening to drench our excitement. The covers are swiftly being deployed to shield the track from the downpour. The ground staff is laboring tirelessly, maneuvering massive sheets to protect the field. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, let's hold onto hope and stay optimistic about witnessing the thrilling continuation of this captivating encounter!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

For Ireland, Gareth Delany and Craig Young stood out with their remarkable performance, taking two wickets in just one over. Meanwhile, Matthew Humphreys and Joshua Little each contributed by claiming one wicket, helping to keep Zimbabwe in check. With a competitive total now on the board, Zimbabwe will be eager to apply pressure on the Irish batters as they embark on their chase. The stage is set for an exhilarating contest, so stay tuned for all the action!

Brain Bennett's swift exit left Zimbabwe in a precarious position at 67/4, but the duo of Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa stepped up with a crucial partnership of 39 runs off 22 balls. Their valuable contributions revitalized the innings and allowed the team to finish strong. This late-order surge was instrumental in propelling Zimbabwe to a respectable total, especially considering the challenging conditions. Their heroic effort not only steadied the ship but also set a competitive benchmark for the opposing team to chase.

Zimbabwe has set a formidable target of 142 runs in their rain-affected 18-over showdown against Ireland. The match started on a shaky note, with wickets falling at regular intervals, but it was the captain, Sikandar Raza, who stepped up to provide much-needed stability. His inning was a testament to resilience, and even though he fell victim in the 10th over, he laid a solid foundation that the middle order capitalized on with vigor. In a thrilling finish, their aggressive batting in the closing overs propelled Zimbabwe to a competitive total. Now all eyes are on their bowling unit, poised to unleash their skills and thwart Ireland's pursuit. With determination and strategy, Zimbabwe is ready to defend its total and seize victory!

Another yorker, to end the over and the inning. Wellington Masakadza can do nothing but dig it toward mid off and get a single. Zimbabwe puts 142 runs on the board!

Right into the blockhole, on off. Tashinga Musekiwa jams it toward mid off and gets a single.

Fullish, on off. Tashinga Musekiwa punches it toward wide of the long on fielder and gets a couple of run.

On a length, on pad. Wellington Masakadza whips it toward long on and gets a single.

FOUR! CRACKED! Short, and outside off. Wellington Masakadza slices it toward left of the deep point fielder. The fielder offers a dive but fails to make a stop.