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Ireland vs Zimbabwe, One-off Test Commentary, Live Updates
IRE vs ZIM, 2024 - Test Live Commentary
Ireland vs Zimbabwe Scorecard
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Match Ended
Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
, Jul 25, 2024
% Chance to Win
IRE
ZIM
DRAW
Inn Break
Right then, Andy Balbirnie now walks up to the podium and is handed the trophy for winning the One-off Test match and the Irish players on him in celebration. Also, that is it from this historic Test match and it is Ireland who have reigned victorious at home against a determined Zimbabwe side. We hope you enjoyed are coverage but ticketing action doesn't stop here as the Final of the Women's Asia Cup between hosts Sri Lanka and India is nearing a fascinating conclusion. You can switch tabs and read our coverage of that game. Until next time then, take care and goodbye!
The skipper of Ireland, Andy Balbirnie is up for a chat. Balbirnie says that they had a chat last night with their two best batters about how to execute the plan. He continues that the morning pitch today was really flat, and very good to bat on. He further says that the local boy Andy McBrine helped them to win this match. He also says that the win would not help them in any qualification but he is really feeling proud of how his boys have reacted to win the match. He ends up saying they have worked hard for this and got the result at the end of the day.
Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe says that certainly these games that move pretty fast are exciting to watch and the conditions were such that there was always something in it for the bowlers as well as the batters. Adds that they made the same mistake in both innings with the bat as the lower order let them down and there were a couple of debutants who will learn from this experience. Mentions that the pacers were excellent and utilized the conditions well and would have liked to bowl a few more overs on Day 3 but it is what it is and goes on to applaud Tanaka Chivanga for coming back out after the concussion. On Victor Nyauchi, he says that Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani had bowled well and wanted to give those to another burst but unfortunately, it didn't work out. On their brewing rivalry with Ireland, he says every time they play, it is a right affair and is looking forward to more such encounters in the future.
Andy McBrine is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning display with both bat and ball. McBrine starts by saying that he feels fantastic to win the match. He continues that he and Lorcan Tucker had a good partnership which made the situation positive. He continues that on the previous day, they were thankful that the rain came on. He further adds that he is working on his bowling and is happy to gather wickets and says that he is more than satisfied with his pacers. Ends by saying that he is happy that his family is here to witness this exceptional match.
The Presentation ceremony...
Day 4 was the deciding day and overhead conditions changed completely which allowed Ireland back in the game but credit must go to the pair of Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine who came out with a positive intent and put the bad balls away. Both of them went on to score half centuries but it was the willy southpaw, McBrine who stayed on till the end and along with Mark Adair got his side over the line. McBrine had a game to remember as he picked up 7 wickets across the two innings and scored a match-winning fifty in the fourth innings. Adair, who was the hero of Ireland's first Test victory a few months ago, fitted hit the winning runs even after suffering a dislocated finger on Day 3.
Day 3 is known as the moving day in Test cricket and boy, we saw the game move at a rapid pace. Zimbabwe faltered early in their second innings with both openers being dismissed for a low score. Dion Myers and Sean Williams led the fight back for the visitors as the hosts kept on spilling catch after catch. Once the partnership was broken, the Irish bowlers broke through the lower order and bundled out Zimbabwe for 197 runs. Needing 158 for the win, Ireland walked out to bat under gloomy conditions and Richard Ngarava bowled a stellar spell and the visitors ended the day in pole position as Ireland were left reeling at 33/5.
Day 2 was a similar story as Ireland batted decently in the first session but lost their way after Lunch and it required a substantial last-wicket stand between Andy McBrine and Matthew Humphreys to bail them out. Zimbabwe were brilliant in terms of picking up wickets but as many as 59 extras meant that they conceded a first-innings lead of 40 runs and had it all to do with the bat.
The game can be termed as a slow-boiler to an extent as in the first session on Day 1, not much happened. However, post-Lunch, the game opened up and we saw wickets fall left, right and center. Day 1 was cut short but a total of 71.3 overs were bowled which was enough for Zimbabwe to be bowled out for 210 runs. Prince Masvaure starred with the bat as Barry McCarthy and Andy McBrine picked up three wickets each for Ireland.
IRELAND HAVE THEIR SECOND TEST WIN! Stormont in Belfast - the newest Test cricket venue has just witnessed an instant classic between Ireland and Zimbabwe. Hosts Ireland have gone on to win back-to-back Test matches for the first time ever, just a few months after notching up their maiden Test win. Zimbabwe played their part though and could have won the game but it wasn't meant to be. A joyous moment for Ireland as it is their first home Test victory as well and the applause from the crowd don't seem to stop.
End Of The Over 36.1 : 158/6
4 Runs
- 436.1
M. Adair
24 (38)
A. McBrine
55 (82)
S. Williams
5.1-0-21-0
36.1
4
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
FOUR! Done and dusted! The crowd erupts as history has been made in Belfast, two back-to-back Test wins for the Ireland! Sean Williams bowls it fuller on and around off. Mark Adair strides out and uses his bottom hand to loft it over the mid on region and no one at the long on fence to stop that. Mark Adair finishes off in style and it's a huge day for the Irish cricket team. Ireland beats Zimbabwe by four wickets in their first meeting in a Test match.
End Of The Over 36 : 154/6
3 Runs
- 035.1
- 135.2
- 135.3
- 135.4
- 035.5
- 035.6
A. McBrine
55 (82)
M. Adair
20 (37)
R. Ngarava
11-1-53-4
35.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Huge appeal once again but nothing from the Umpire! Richard Ngarava bowls much fuller on middle and leg angling in. Andy Balbirnie tries to flick it but misses on the inner edge. The ball thumps the pad but it seems it would past the leg side.
35.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on middle. Andy McBrine shuffles a bit to pull it towards square leg but misses and thumps his stomach. The ball dropped down and got stuck in his pad. He walks off and hands the delivery to the bowler.
35.4
1
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
Singles are coming comfortably now! Fuller delivery just outside off, angling it away from the batter. Mark Adair hangs back and dabs it towards the backward point region for a single.
35.3
1
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Excellent running and every run is now being applauded by the crowd, just 5 more required! Hard length on middle and angling in, Mark Adair pushes the ball down in front of mid on and scampers across for one.
35.2
1
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
On a good length and shaping it back into the pads, Mark Adair stabs the ball down wide of the keeper down the leg side and runs a single.
35.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
Top delivery! On a hard length on off, this one shoots off the deck and angles across sharply as Mark Adair plays inside the line of the ball.
End Of The Over 35 : 151/6
4 Runs
- 234.1
- 134.2
- 034.3
- 034.4
- 134.5
- 034.6
A. McBrine
54 (79)
M. Adair
18 (34)
S. Williams
5-0-17-0
34.6
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Quicker now, short and on leg. Andy McBrine nudges it towards square leg for no runs.
34.5
1
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Drangs his lengh back aorund off. Mark Adair cuts it towards deep cover region and gets another important single.
34.4
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
On a length and on leg. Mark Adair clips it towards the mad at mid-wicket.
34.3
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Short and aorund off. Mark Adair eases it towards the cover region.
34.2
1
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Short delivery on middle and leg. Andy McBrine flicks it towards square leg for a single. 8 runs needed now!
34.1
2
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
In air.. but safe! It looks like Andy McBrine wants to finish it off early! Flat and fuller on off and middle. Andy McBrine comes dancing down the track to loft it, but fails to gain the desired elevation. The ball drops safe at long on the region where Tendai Chatara has a chase but fails to get the skier. Two runs taken in between !
With just 11 runs more required for Ireland, the umpires have officially extended play!
End Of The Over 34 : 147/6
7 Runs
- 133.1
- 133.2
- 133.3
- 433.4
- 033.5
- 033.6
M. Adair
17 (31)
A. McBrine
51 (76)
R. Ngarava
10-1-50-4
33.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
On a length on middle. Mark Adair flicks it towards mid-wicket.
33.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
Back of a length just outside off. Mark Adair hops and blocks it down the pitch.
33.4
4
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
FOUR! The timing of that flick was just exquisite! Runs are coming thick and fast from the Irish willows! Richard Ngarava bowls it fuller on middle and shapes it towards the middle stump. Mark Adair detects the swing and glances it from the crease towards the deep mid-wicket fence for four more runs added into his account.
There seems to be a slight delay as Richard Ngarava seems to have swallowed an insect and is just checking out his throat. Also, there seems to be an issue with the foot marks but we are now good to continue.
33.3
1
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Short and wide outside off. Andy McBrine eases it towards deep point and gets another single.
33.2
1
Richard Ngarava To Mark Adair
Fuller on the pads. Mark Adair flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
33.1
1
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
FIFTY FOR Andy McBrine! What an exceptional inning by one of the experienced players of Ireland! This one is short and wide outside off. Andy McBrine stabs it towards the deep point region and takes a comfortable single. He raises his bat to the occasion and soaks all the applause from the Irish spectators.
Richard Ngarava is brought back into the attack and Craig Ervine will be hoping he pulls off a miracle just as he did on Day 3.
End Of The Over 33 : 140/6
7 Runs
- 032.1
- 032.2
- 132.3
- 432.4
- 232.5
- 032.6
M. Adair
12 (27)
A. McBrine
49 (74)
V. Nyauchi
1-0-7-0
32.6
0
Victor Nyauchi To Mark Adair
Fuller delivery on off and angles it in towards the batter. Mark Adair defends it down.
32.5
2
Victor Nyauchi To Mark Adair
Fuller on pads. Mark Adair eases it towards vacant mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs.
32.4
4
Victor Nyauchi To Mark Adair
FOUR! EXCELLENT SHOT! Victor Nyauchi pitches it up outside off. Mark Adair plants his front foot and drives it beautifully through the cover region. The shot was just like the cream on the top of a cake. Only 20 more required for Ireland now.
32.3
1
Victor Nyauchi To Andy McBrine
Pitches up, on middle and leg. Andy McBrine flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
32.2
0
Victor Nyauchi To Andy McBrine
Fullish delivery on stump. Andy Balbirnie pushes it back to the bowler.
32.1
0
Victor Nyauchi To Andy McBrine
Superb glovework by Clive Madande. Fuller down the leg. Andy McBrine tries to flick it but misses. The keeper dives to his right and makes an interesting stop.
Right then, we do finally see the concussion substitute in action as Victor Nyauchi has now been handed the ball just a few minutes before the Lunch break. However, if the umpires feel there is a possibility of the game ending, they can extend the session for half an hour more.
End Of The Over 32 : 133/6
0 Runs
- 031.1
- 031.2
- 031.3
- 031.4
- 031.5
- 031.6
M. Adair
6 (24)
A. McBrine
48 (71)
B. Muzarabani
13-2-52-2
31.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Fullish delivery to end the over. Mark Adair pushes it back to the bowler. Blessing Muzarabani bends and makes a one-handed stop.
31.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Back of a length now outside off. Mark Adair lifts his willow up and leaves it alone to the keeper.
31.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Fuller delivery on off, angling it in. Mark Adair tries to work it across the line but gets the connection on his outer edge. The ball rolls towards cover for no runs.
31.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Full-length delivery again just outside off, shaping it in. Mark Adair with no footwork hangs back and taps it outside off solidly.
31.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Digs it in short now outside off. Mark Adair stands tall to perform an uppercut but misses the connection. Clive Madande keeps it well.
31.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Fuller delivery outside off, around sixth stump. Mark Adair plants his front foot and blocks it outside off.
End Of The Over 31 : 133/6
2 Runs
- 030.1
- 130.2
- 030.3
- 030.4
- 130.5
- 030.6
A. McBrine
48 (71)
M. Adair
6 (18)
S. Williams
4-0-13-0
30.6
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Fullish delivery on off and middle. Andy McBrine lunges and eases it back to the bowler.
30.5
1
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Drags his length back on middle and leg. Mark Adair tucks it toward mid-wicket to get a single.
30.4
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Pitches up on the stumps. Mark Adair prods and defends it down.
30.3
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
On a length, outside off. Mark Adair leaves it alone.
30.2
1
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Short on middle and leg. Andy McBrine uses the spin and nudges it towards square leg for a single.
30.1
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Short delivery outside off. Andy McBrine cuts it from the inner part of his willow towards the left of the slip.
End Of The Over 30 : 131/6
3 Runs
- 229.1
- 029.2
- 029.3
- 1 B 29.4
- 029.5
- 029.6
M. Adair
5 (15)
A. McBrine
47 (68)
B. Muzarabani
12-1-52-2
29.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Good length, wide of the off stump and left alone by Adair.
29.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Short of a length outside off and angling away, this one jumps off the deck and Mark Adair does well to sway away from the line of the moving ball.
29.4
b
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Short ball, spilled down the leg side, Clive Madande dives to his right and parries the ball away a bit. The batters pick up a bye.
29.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Dug in a bit shorter and angled well across the off stump, Andy McBrine doesn't play at it.
29.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Good length in and around the off stump line, Andy McBrine stays put and pushes it out on the off side.
29.1
2
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Pitches the ball up on middle and leg stump, Andy McBrine clips it nicely and well in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs more. McBrine moves on to 47 now.
End Of The Over 29 : 128/6
3 Runs
- 228.1
- 128.2
- 028.3
- 028.4
- 028.5
- 028.6
M. Adair
5 (13)
A. McBrine
45 (64)
S. Williams
3-0-11-0
28.6
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Loops the ball up but on a shorter length, Mark Adair looks to pull but miscues it to mid on.
28.5
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Nicely tossed up and outside off stump, Adair leaves it alone.
28.4
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Shorter in length over middle and leg, Mark Adair stays back and tucks it down behind square on the leg side.
28.3
0
Sean Williams To Mark Adair
Bowled flatter and just outside off stump, Mark Adair watchfully leaves it alone.
28.2
1
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Full and angled across the off stump, Andy McBrine gets inside the line and sweeps it behind square leg for a single.
28.1
2
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
A bit of width on offer outside off stump, Andy McBrine slaps the ball away through the cover-point region for a couple of runs.
Change? Yes, Sean Williams joins the attack yet again.
End Of The Over 28 : 125/6
7 Runs
- 1 B 27.1
- 027.2
- 027.3
- 427.4
- 127.5
- 127.6
A. McBrine
42 (62)
M. Adair
5 (9)
B. Muzarabani
11-1-50-2
27.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Length ball on the pads, McBrine tucks it away neatly in front of square on the leg side and picks up a single. Ireland now need 33 runs for the win and Zimbabwe need 4 wickets.
27.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Back of a length and outside off, Mark Adair presses back and nudges it down just behind the man at backward point for a single.
27.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
FOUR! Not where Adair intended it to go but he will take it with both hands. Pitched up wide of the off stump, Adair goes hard at the cover drive and gets it off the outer half of the bat between the gully region and backward point for a boundary.
27.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Hard length around off stump, Mark Adair solidly blocks it to the man at short extra cover.
27.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
That's kept low! On a good length and shaping away from around off, the ball though dies after pitching and Mark Adair is beaten all ends up.
27.1
b
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Prodigious movement on offer for Blessing Muzarabani. Too short and wide, Andy McBrine goes chasing after it but the ball keeps angling away and goes past the diving keeper and through the slip cordon. The batters get a bye.
End Of The Over 27 : 118/6
1 Runs
- 026.1
- 026.2
- 026.3
- 126.4
- 026.5
- 026.6
M. Adair
0 (5)
A. McBrine
41 (60)
T. Chatara
6-1-18-0
26.6
0
Tendai Chatara To Mark Adair
On a fuller length and wide of the off stump, Mark Adair leaves it alone for the keeper to collect. That wicket has certainly dried up the runs for Ireland.
26.5
0
Tendai Chatara To Mark Adair
On a shortish length on middle and angling down leg, Mark Adair walks across a bit to the off side, looking to flick it off the legs but the ball goes down to the keeper.
26.4
1
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on leg stump, Andy McBrine walks down the pitch and tucks it off his hips down to fine leg for a single.
26.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Beaten! Just pulls the length back a smidge and angles it across the off stump, Andy McBrine attempts the cover drive again but it isn't full enough to drive and the ball beats the outside edge.
26.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Pitched up outside off stump, Andy McBrine gets on the front foot and drives it away straight to the man at covers.
26.1
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Half a shout for LBW but it is pitching outside leg stump. Tendai Chatara hits the deck hard around leg stump and angles it across, the ball stays low and takes Andy McBrine completely by surprise and he gets pinged right in front of the stumps but will stay on.
End Of The Over 26 : 117/6
4 Runs
- 025.1
- 425.2
- W 25.3
- 025.4
- 025.5
- 025.6
M. Adair
0 (3)
A. McBrine
40 (56)
B. Muzarabani
10-1-44-2
25.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Good length on the fifth stump line, Mark Adair shoulders arms at it.
25.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Play and a miss! Back of a length again and outside off stump, angling away, Mark Adair has a bit of a poke at it but the ball eludes him.
25.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Mark Adair
Just back of a length and over the stumps, Mark Adair hops onto the back foot and keeps it out.
Mark Adair comes out to the middle.
25.3
W
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker OUT!
OUT! BOWLED'EM! Is there a twist in the tale? Blessing Muzarabani finally gets Zimbabwe their first wicket on Day 4 and this could make things interesting. Muzarabani goes a bit wider on the crease and bowls it slightly fuller, angling it in from outside off. The ball doesn't rise much and Lorcan Tucker goes for the cover drive but the ball takes a bottom edge and crashes into the stumps. Tucker has to walk back after a fine knock and Ireland now need 41 runs with 4 wickets in hand.
25.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! Not a good follow-up delivery from Blessing Muzarabani and Lorcan Tucker is all over it. Banged in halfway down the track and angling down leg, Tucker gets in position and hooks it in between the fielders at deep square leg and fine leg for a boundary.
25.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Oh, too close for comfort! Lovely length from Blessing Muzarabani, using his height and kissing the good length around off. The ball nips away sharply and Lorcan Tucker tries to block it off the back foot but the ball zips past the outside edge.
End Of The Over 25 : 113/5
1 Runs
- 024.1
- 024.2
- 024.3
- 024.4
- 124.5
- 024.6
A. McBrine
40 (56)
L. Tucker
52 (61)
T. Chatara
5-1-17-0
24.6
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Hits the deck hard around middle and off and gets the ball to leave the left-hander, Andy McBrine hangs back and pulls out of the shot, playing inside the line of the ball.
24.5
1
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length outside off, Lorcan Tucker hangs back and lets the ball come on before dabbing it wide of gully for a quick single.
24.4
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Chatara is bowling a fine spell here but needs to pick up a wicket. Goes full on off and tries to slip one in through the gate, Lorcan Tucker is up to the challenge and digs it out to the right of mid on.
24.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Good length in the channel around off, Lorcan Tucker defends the ball solidly off the front foot.
24.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Just back of a length and angled back in from around off, this one jags back in a fair bit and Tucker is beaten on the inside edge, getting hit high on the pads.
24.1
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Hard length around off stump, Lorcan Tucker stands tall and punches it down towards cover.
End Of The Over 24 : 112/5
5 Runs
- 323.1
- 023.2
- 023.3
- 023.4
- 223.5
- 023.6
A. McBrine
40 (55)
L. Tucker
51 (56)
B. Muzarabani
9-1-40-1
23.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Full and wide outside off, angling further away, Andy McBrine with an expansive drive but he gets nowhere near the ball.
23.5
2
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
That's a top effort in the deep from Brian Bennett. Short ball around the hips, Andy McBrine hangs back and pulls it along the turf and wide of deep fine leg. Bennett races across and dives in to make the save but has to scamper and makes another the save as the ball was rolling back onto the ropes. Two runs taken.
23.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Another big appeal, this time for LBW and again, it is turned down. Blessing Muzarabani isn't happy with the decision but that was clearly pitching outside leg stump. Pitched up around leg stump and angling across, Andy McBrine plays all over it and gets hit on the pads but survives.
23.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Banged in on a hard length around off and this one takes off after pitching and angles away from the left-hander.
23.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
A big appeal for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Hard length on leg stump and just angling down, Andy McBrine swivels to pull but misses and the ball gets deflected back to the keeper. Clive Madande dives forward to take the catch and replays later show that it did come off the thigh pad, excellent decision.
23.1
3
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Another lovely shot from the willow of Lorcan Tucker and with that he brings up a second Test FIFTY and this could well be a very crucial one as well. Blessing Muzarabani begins a new spell with a full and wide one, Tucker leans on and drives it firmly in front of sweeper cover. The fielder there covers good ground to his right and dives in to save a run. Less than 50 runs required for Ireland now.
End Of The Over 23 : 107/5
7 Runs
- 122.1
- 022.2
- 022.3
- 122.4
- 422.5
- 122.6
L. Tucker
48 (55)
A. McBrine
38 (50)
T. Chatara
4-1-16-0
22.6
1
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Smart batting to take the single right after the boundary. Hard length outside off, Tucker presses back and pushes it away to covers for one.
22.5
4
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! A shot of real authority from Lorcan Tucker and Zimbabwe are in serious trouble here. Length ball around middle, Tucker just shimmies down the track and lifts the back leg before whipping the ball well in front of mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.
22.4
1
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Back of a length and outside off, punched away off the back foot towards deep point for another single. There's an applause from the crowd as this partnership moves on to 81 runs and becomes Ireland's highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket.
22.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Pitches the ball further up around off stump, Andy McBrine prods forward and pushes it to mid off.
22.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Half a shout for LBW but turned down! Hard length on middle and leg, nipping back in sharply, Andy McBrine gets undone as he looks to flick and gets hit on the pads. Probably slanting down leg and looked a tad bit high as well.
22.1
1
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Drop and run! Pitched up in the channel around off, Lorcan Tucker leans on and pushes it away with soft hands to the left of the cover fielder before picking up an easy single.
DRINKS! It has been a fast-paced first hour of play on Day 4 and Ireland have somehow managed to turn things around big time. They came into Day 4 on the verge of being blown away by the Zimbabwean pacers but the pair of Andy McBrine and Lorcan Tucker has batted brilliantly under the basking Sun. The pitch seems pretty flat and the pacers haven't managed to hit their strides at all. A wicket or two can still change the complexion of the game but it has to happen sooner rather than later for Zimbabwe. Let's see how the next phase of play unfolds.
End Of The Over 22 : 100/5
6 Runs
- 321.1
- 221.2
- 021.3
- 021.4
- 021.5
- 121.6
L. Tucker
42 (52)
A. McBrine
37 (47)
S. Williams
2-0-8-0
21.6
1
Sean Williams To Lorcan Tucker
Good running and with that the 100 comes up for Ireland and there is a huge round of applause from the home fans. Bowled flatter and around off, staying a tad low, Lorcan Tucker camps back and jams the ball away in front of point for a quick single. Ireland now need 58 more runs to win with 5 wickets in hand.
21.5
0
Sean Williams To Lorcan Tucker
The arm ball now, spearing it in at the pads, Lorcan Tucker manages to rock back and keep it out.
21.4
0
Sean Williams To Lorcan Tucker
Tossed up again and around off stump, Lorcan Tucker presses forward to block it off.
21.3
0
Sean Williams To Lorcan Tucker
Tossed up fuller and on the stumps, Tucker leans forward to defend.
21.2
2
Sean Williams To Lorcan Tucker
Nicely bowled but Ireland keep chipping away at the target. Flighted ball around off, drifted in and turning away, Lorcan Tucker plays it with soft hands and gets an outside edge that runs down to deep third for a couple of runs.
21.1
3
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Another long chase for Tendai Chatara but this time, there's another fielder backing up and it will be three runs. Fractionally short and around off, Andy McBrine backs away and latches onto the ball before cutting it behind point for three more runs.
End Of The Over 21 : 94/5
6 Runs
- 420.1
- 020.2
- 020.3
- 120.4
- 120.5
- 020.6
L. Tucker
39 (47)
A. McBrine
34 (46)
T. Chatara
3-1-9-0
20.6
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Good length, in and around the top of off stump and jagging back in, Lorcan Tucker defends it late and with soft hands.
20.5
1
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
On a shorter length and outside off stump, Andy McBrine stands tall and cuts the ball away through the point region for a single in the deep.
20.4
1
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Good, positive running! Back of a length and over the stumps, Tucker presses back and just dabs the ball down in front of mid on and picks up a quick single.
20.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Good length, well wide of the off stump and angling further away, Lorcan Tucker shoulders arms at it.
20.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Nicely bowled again! Drags the length back and gets it to shape away beautifully from the fourth stump line, Lorcan Tucker plays inside the line of the ball.
20.1
4
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! Edged and through the gap! Top delivery from Tendai Chatara, pitching it up on a nagging length and in the channel. Lorcan Tucker is drawn into the drive and gets a thick outside edge but luckily for him, the ball between second slip and gully for four more runs.
End Of The Over 20 : 88/5
2 Runs
- 019.1
- 219.2
- 019.3
- 019.4
- 019.5
- 019.6
A. McBrine
33 (45)
L. Tucker
34 (42)
S. Williams
1-0-2-0
19.6
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Tossed up fuller on off. Andy McBrine pushes it back to the bowler.
19.5
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Huge appeal but nothing the Umpire says nothing! Sean Williams drags his length back, pitching it outside off, springing it in. Andy McBrine goes deep into his crease and covers the stump but flicks it but misses. The ball thumps the upper part of his pad. It seems the ball would past down the leg. Good decision by the Umpire!
19.4
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Fuller on middle. Andy McBrine lunges and blocks it down as well.
19.3
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Fuller on off. Andy McBrine strides out and defends it back to the bowler.
19.2
2
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Tossed up fuller around off. Andy McBrine gets on his knees to sweep it towards deep fine leg. Double taken in between.
19.1
0
Sean Williams To Andy McBrine
Short delivery to start on middle, spinning it in. Andy McBrine eases it towards short leg.
Time for some spin as Sean Williams is now brought into the attack. Can the golden-arm deliver when his team is under the pump?
End Of The Over 19 : 86/5
3 Runs
- 018.1
- 018.2
- 018.3
- 318.4
- 018.5
- 018.6
L. Tucker
34 (42)
A. McBrine
31 (39)
T. Chatara
2-1-3-0
18.6
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Pitches up once again on off and middle. Lorcan Tucker prods and rest it back to the bowler.
18.5
0
Tendai Chatara To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller delivery on the stumps. Lorcan Tucker pushes it back to the bowler.
18.4
3
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Fuller delivery on leg, angling it in. Andy McBrine has a glance at it towards square leg and gets three runs in between. Ireland are remarkably now just 72 runs away from victory, with 5 wickets still intact.
18.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
On a length just outside off. Andy McBrine lunges out and defends it solidly outside off.
18.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Back of a length around off. Andy McBrine camps back and dabs it down to the bowler.
18.1
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Fuller on the stumps. Andy McBrine eases it back to the bowler.
End Of The Over 18 : 83/5
10 Runs
- 117.1
- 517.2
- 417.3
- 017.4
- 017.5
- 017.6
L. Tucker
34 (40)
A. McBrine
28 (35)
R. Ngarava
9-1-43-4
17.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
A dot to close out an expensive over. Quite full and on off stump, Lorcan Tucker eases the ball out to mid off.
17.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Ooh...that's well bowled! A well-directed short ball right at the batter, Lorcan Tucker gets in an awful position and tries to fend it away but gets it off the shoulder of the bat and the ball lands well short of the gully fielder.
17.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
A dot ball! Fuller and around off, Lorcan Tucker taps the ball away in front of point.
17.3
4
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! CRACKED! Now that would be some salt over the cut for Zimbabwe! Back of a length on middle and leg. Lorcan Tucker pulls it hard towards the same deep square leg fence and this time, no chance for Tendai Chatara to chase it down. Four more for the Irish men.
17.2
5
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
FIVE RUNS! Extraordinary piece of running in between the sticks! Back of a length on leg and middle. Andy McBrine stays deep inside his crease and glances it with soft hands towards the deep square leg region. Tendai Chatara from the short mid-wicket has a chase and saves the boundary but after saving he crashes against the advertisement board. There was no such backup for him and he had to get on his feet and chase the ball back all by himself. Andy McBrine and Lorcan Tucker were excellent with their communication and ran five between the wickets.
17.1
1
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
On a length on middle and off, angling away from the batter. Lorcan Tucker plants his front foot halfway towards cover for a single.
End Of The Over 17 : 73/5
0 Runs
- 016.1
- 016.2
- 016.3
- 016.4
- 016.5
- 016.6
A. McBrine
23 (34)
L. Tucker
29 (35)
T. Chatara
1-1-0-0
16.6
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
A maiden to begin with from Tendai Chatara! Pitches up on middle and off. Andy McBrine with no footwork rests the delivery down the pitch.
16.5
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Fuller now on middle and off. Andy McBrine pushes it towards mid off for no runs.
16.4
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on leg and middle. Andy McBrine pats it down from the crease.
16.3
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Fuller now wide outside off. Andy McBrine lunges and extends his arm to drive it but finds the fielder at the cover region.
16.2
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on off. Andy McBrine gets behind the line and dabs it down the track.
16.1
0
Tendai Chatara To Andy McBrine
Starts with a bit of a loosener, comes from over the wicket and bowls it full and wide of the off stump, dying down as well. Andy McBrine leaves it alone.
Craig Ervine does make a bowling change and it was certainly required. Tendai Chatara comes into the attack now.
End Of The Over 16 : 73/5
4 Runs
- 015.1
- 015.2
- 015.3
- 015.4
- 415.5
- 015.6
L. Tucker
29 (35)
A. McBrine
23 (28)
R. Ngarava
8-1-33-4
15.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length just outside off. Lorcan Tucker keeps it outside off.
15.5
4
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! The timing of the glance was perfect! Poor delivery once again from Richard Ngarava. He is just struggling to get the line and length today. On a length down leg, shaping a shy bit in. Tucker waits for the delivery and glances at it. The ball rolls towards the deep fine leg and picks up a boundary as the 50 partnership also comes up between these two.
15.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Good-length delivery on middle. Lorcan Tucker prods halfway and blocks it back to the bowler.
15.3
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
And again, back of a length outside off, angling it away. Lorcan Tucker is happy to make a leave at it as well.
15.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
On a length outside off. Lorcan Tucker prods to cover the stumps and lifts his willow high to leave this one as well.
15.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length outside off, shaping it away from the batter. Lorcan Tucker is not interested in playing at it.
End Of The Over 15 : 69/5
8 Runs
- 414.1
- 414.2
- 014.3
- 014.4
- 014.5
- 014.6
A. McBrine
23 (28)
L. Tucker
25 (29)
B. Muzarabani
8-1-35-1
14.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
A bit fuller than the previous one on middle. Andy McBrine respects the delivery and pats it down the track.
14.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
On a length on leg and middle. Andy McBrine rocks back and blocks it back to the bowler.
14.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
On a length, down the leg side. Andy McBrine tries to whip it towards his leg side but misses on the inner edge.
14.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Fuller now on the stump. Andy McBrine with no footwork eases it down.
14.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
FOUR! Back-to-back! Towards the leg side now! Back of a length middle and leg. Andy McBrine rocks back and pulls it hard from the middle of his willow towards the deep mid-wicket fence. Runs are coming thick and fast for Ireland!
14.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
FOUR! GLORIOUS! Good-length delivery outside off, no movement on the ball. Andy McBrine detects the delivery around his radar and punches it hard through cover for another boundary.
End Of The Over 14 : 61/5
9 Runs
- 413.1
- 013.2
- 113.3
- 413.4
- 013.5
- 013.6
L. Tucker
25 (29)
A. McBrine
15 (22)
R. Ngarava
7-1-29-4
13.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller delivery on middle and off. Lorcan Tucker rests it down.
13.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length outside off. Lorcan Tucker tries to cut at it but misses on the outer edge.
13.4
4
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! STREAKY! Fuller delivery outside off. Lorcan Tucker lunges out to block it outside off, but gets nicked on the outer edge. The ball rolls past the backward point fielder and another boundary is added to Lorcan's account. Ireland now need 97 runs to win.
13.3
1
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on middle. Andy McBrine flicks it towards square leg for a single.
13.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on the stumps. Andy McBrine blocks it from the crease.
13.1
4
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
FOUR! WONDERFUL! Absolutely cracked shot! Short of a length, outside off. Andy McBrine stays back at his crease and pulls it hard, in front of the deep square leg fence for four more runs. There was a fielder at the deep but couldn't race with the ball.
End Of The Over 13 : 52/5
7 Runs
- 412.1
- 012.2
- 112.3
- 012.4
- 1 WD 12.5
- 012.5
- 112.6
A. McBrine
10 (19)
L. Tucker
21 (26)
B. Muzarabani
7-1-27-1
12.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Banged in short over the stumps, Andy McBrine gets on top of the bounce and plays a controlled pull shot down to deep backward square leg for a single.
12.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
On a length outside off. Andy McBrine rocks back and eases it outside off.
12.5
wd
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
WIDE! On a length wide outside off and swings it away from the batter. Andy McBrine has to do noting to it for getting a bonus run.
12.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy McBrine
Back of a length, but sprays down the leg. Andy McBrine leaves it alone.
12.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
50 up for Ireland! Back of a length on off and middle. Lorcan Tucker stays back and nudges it towards square leg to gather a single. A warm round of applause from the Irish spectators!
12.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Short delivery on off. Lorcan Tucker hangs back and blocks it down solidly.
12.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! Absolutely delightful to see that shot coming up from the willow of Lorcan Tucker! A half volley on off and middle. Lorcan Tucker plants his front foot and eases using the pace of the bowler against him. He gives a firm push and gets the ball towards the right of the bowler and it rolls away towards the long on fence for a boundary.
End Of The Over 12 : 45/5
4 Runs
- 111.1
- 011.2
- 211.3
- 111.4
- 011.5
- 011.6
A. McBrine
9 (16)
L. Tucker
16 (23)
R. Ngarava
6-1-20-4
11.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length on middle. Andy McBrine camps back and dabs it down, back to the bowler.
11.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
On a length on middle. Andy McBrine looks to pull but gets all gloves at it. The ball rolls towards the mid-wicket region for no runs.
11.4
1
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Good running between the wickets! Fullish delivery once again on off, angling it away from the batter. Lorcan Tucker taps it from the outer part of his willow towards the left of the backward point fielder and sprints down to take a single.
11.3
2
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
A bit fuller now on leg and middle. Lorcan Tucker lunges halfway and works it towards square leg for a brace.
11.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Short delivery on leg and the delivery straightens a bit after pitching. Lorcan Tucker cramps for no room and tries to tap it down but misses and the ball thumps his upper thigh pad.
11.1
1
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Hard-length delivery on middle and leg. Andy McBrine turns a bit and glances it staying deep in his crease towards deep fine leg for one.
End Of The Over 11 : 41/5
0 Runs
- 010.1
- 010.2
- 010.3
- 010.4
- 010.5
- 010.6
L. Tucker
13 (20)
A. McBrine
8 (13)
B. Muzarabani
6-1-20-1
10.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length outside off. Lorcan Tucker hangs back and keeps it outside off. A maiden over from Muzarabani.
10.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Good leave! On a length delivery outside off, shaping it in towards the batter. Lorcan Tucker watchfully leaves it. The delivery was a bit dangerous as it was nipping in late.
10.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
And again, a hard-length delivery outside off. Lorcan Tucker is not interested in playing at it.
10.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Good-length delivery outside off. Lorcan Tucker covers the stump and is happy to not propose anything to it.
10.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length once again on off. Lorcan Tucker gets behind the line and dabs it down the pitch.
10.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
On a length outside off. Lorcan Tucker lifts his bat high and leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
End Of The Over 10 : 41/5
4 Runs
- 09.1
- 09.2
- 09.3
- 09.4
- 09.5
- 49.6
A. McBrine
8 (13)
L. Tucker
13 (14)
R. Ngarava
5-1-16-4
9.6
4
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
FOUR! SHOT! Hard length once again on middle and leg, angling in. Andy McBrine whips it towards deep mid-wicket fence four his first boundary of the day.
9.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Good stop! Back of a length outside off. Andy McBrine cuts it towards the left of the backward point fielder but Brian Bennett dives and makes a one-handed stop. No runs taken!
9.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Good keeping by Clive Madande! On a length down the leg once again. Andy McBrine leaves it. Clive Madande behind the stump dives to his right and gloves it well.
9.3
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length outside off and this time, shapes it a shy bit away from the batter. Andy McBrine plays it inside the line and gets beaten on the outer edge by a large gap.
9.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
On a length on off. Andy McBrine camps back and dabs it down.
9.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
On a length to start the over, down the leg side. Andy McBrine drops his stance and is happy to not provide anything to it.
Richard Ngarava, with his tail up, will bowl from the other end.
End Of The Over 9 : 37/5
4 Runs
- 08.1
- 08.2
- 08.3
- 48.4
- 08.5
- 08.6
L. Tucker
13 (14)
A. McBrine
4 (7)
B. Muzarabani
5-0-20-1
8.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Good leave! Back of a length outside off, swinging away after leaving the batter. Lorcan Tucker shuffles a bit and lifts his willow up to leave it alone.
8.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Back of a length on middle. Lorcan Tucker gets behind the line and pats it down.
8.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! BEAUTIFUL! What a way to open the account for Irish on Day 4! Fuller delivery a bit wider, outside off. Lorcan Tucker strides out, crouches a bit, extends his arms, and drills it through the gap of the cover region for four runs. That is some positive intent by Lorcan!
8.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Still no movement with the ball! Blessing Muzarabani bowls full length once again outside off. Lorcan Tucker punches it but towards the fielder at cover.
8.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Pitches up once again outside off. Lorcan Tucker lunges and pushes it gently once again towards the short cover fielder.
8.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Blessing Muzarabani comes over the wicket and bowls it full and outside off, on the sixth stump. Lorcan Tucker prods and pushes it towards the cover region for no runs.
We are ready for the start of Day 4 and it is Kyle McCallan, the former Irish international player who rings the Roy Torrens Bell. It is a lovely and bright morning and the umpires slowly make their way out to the middle. The players of Zimbabwe have taken their places on the field and Blessing Muzarabani is at the top of his mark, raring to go. The overnight batters for Ireland, Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine stride out to the middle as well. Let's play...
PITCH REPORT - Kyle McCallan is pitchside. He reckons that it will be the final day of play and adds that on a good length, there are a few indentations and the grass has been removed from the part. Mentions that there will be some up and down movement as the Zimbabwe pacers like to hit the deck and the batters will have to bat out of their skin.
Ten minutes to go for the start of Day 4 and live visuals show that it is bright and sunny at the moment in Belfast which is a huge positive sign for the players and the spectators. So, buckle up and get ready for what could be the final session of play in this game. Also, Victor Nyauchi has been approved as the concussion substitute by the match referee and let's hope that Tanaka Chivanga is back soon.
Right then, the Test match is set up wonderfully and both teams now stand a chance at making history by winning the first-ever Test match to be played in Belfast. The weather forecast for the whole of Day 4 is mostly cloudy and chances of rain are almost none. We have seen a few showers out of the blue, so, rain affecting the day's play cannot be ruled out just yet but the weather should hold up well. Stick around as the start of Day 4 isn't far away.
Chasing 158 runs for the win, Ireland stumbled big time as Richard Ngarava ripped through their top order and there was rain late on Day 3 which meant only 8 overs could be bowled and Ireland lost 5 wickets for just 33 runs. Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine currently occupy the crease but Ireland do bat deep and if this partnership brews for a bit longer, the hosts can have a real chance of notching up back-to-back Test wins for the first-time ever in their fairly short red-ball history.
With both teams having bowled once within the first two days, it was Ireland who irked out a lead of 40 runs. Zimbabwe batted 4 overs late on Day 2 and then came back out on Day 3 with an opportunity to set a defendable total. Zimbabwe weren't at their best with the bat but as many as six dropped catches and a couple of decent knocks in the middle order saw them take a final lead of 157 runs before getting bundled out for 197 runs.
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of the One-off Test between Ireland and Zimbabwe at Test cricket's newest venue, Stormont in Belfast. We have had three engrossing days of Test cricket and it all boils down to this - Ireland need 125 runs with 5 wickets in hand.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, we have had three quite engrossing days of Test cricket, all of which have been marred by rain but haven't been shy of providing entertainment. Also, right at the end of the broadcast, the on-air commentators did confirm that Tanaka Chivanga will be out of the game and will be replaced by a concussion substitute. But who will that substitute player be, is yet to be confirmed. Join us on Sunday for Day 4, in all likeliness the final day of the Test match for the result. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT), weather permitting that is but you can join us sooner for the build-up. Cheers!
Ireland will be so disappointed with how Day 3 has eventually panned out and just as they seemed to be let off the hook for dropping a massive six catches, these early wickets have pegged them way back. The batters simply didn't turn up in the chase and with the star batter from the first innings, Peter Moor getting out for a duck, no one else has been able to take the mantle. Harry Tector might have been a tad unlucky with his dismissal but overall, the Irish batters have been second-best. Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine have a big job to do early on Day 4 if Ireland are to have any chance of winning this game.
With only 157 runs to defend, Zimbabwe sure did come out all guns blazing and after a wayward first delivery, the front-line pacers were on the money. Richard Ngarava who had a nightmare of a first innings with the ball, bowled probably one of his best spells ever as he sent back four Irish batters in four overs and handed Zimbabwe a huge advantage. Blessing Muzarabani piled on the pressure from the other end and picked up a wicket as well and with just 5 wickets remaining, the visitors will be hoping to spoil the party for the Irish in their first Test match in Belfast.
What a fascinating day of Test cricket we have just witnessed in Stormont and the game sure moved at a brisk pace on Day 3. We saw Zimbabwe get bowled out on Day 1 and then Ireland on Day 2 but on Day 3 we have seen as many as 15 wickets which has taken the game into its final stage. It was another up-and-down innings from Zimbabwe but Andy McBrine's four-fer aided by some good pace bowling saw Ireland bundle out the visitors for 197 runs.
Oh, we didn't see that coming from the recent visuals! PLAY HAS BEEN ABANDONED ON DAY 3! Given it is already the fourth innings and we still have a couple of days left, the umpires have called play off with Ireland being 33/5 in their pursuit of 158 runs for the win.
UPDATE 10.50 pm IST (5.20 pm GMT) - The rain has stopped and the visuals look a bit brighter as well than they did when the players went off. The covers are still on but the groundstaff has started the drying process and we might just see some play after all. Stay tuned as an official update shouldn't be far away.
UPDATE 10.35 pm IST (5.05 pm GMT) - Not much to report from Stormont but it does seem like it isn't raining at the moment and even if it is, it is quite light. Probably, the light is still an issue for the umpires and with Zimbabwe wanting to bowl their pacers, play cannot just resume like that unless there is enough bright light. Let's stay hopeful of getting some more play in before Day 3.
UPDATE 10.19 pm IST (4.49 pm GMT) - A slight drizzle now and things have gotten pretty dark as well. The umpires are in conversation with the Zimbabwean skipper and wait a minute, umpires are taking the players off the field. Initially, the players are taken off for bad light but the rain has just picked up a touch as well. The covers are now coming on which is never a good sign. Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully, it isn't a long delay.
End Of The Over 8 : 33/5
4 Runs
- 07.1
- 07.2
- 07.3
- 47.4
- 07.5
- 07.6
A. McBrine
4 (7)
L. Tucker
9 (8)
R. Ngarava
4-1-12-4
7.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
On a length on middle and leg. Andy McBrine tucks it towards wide mid on for no runs.
7.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Length delivery outside off. Andy McBrine rocks back and punches it outside off.
7.4
4
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
FOUR! Runs are coming up from the Irish willow! Full-length delivery from Richard outside of. Andy McBrine lunges forward, leans towards the delivery and drives it wide of the cover fielder for his first boundary of the inning.
7.3
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Short of a length at the body line of the batter. Andy McBrine tries to pull it but ends up tucking it towards his leg side.
7.2
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Back of a length around off. Andy McBrine gets behind the line and dabs it down.
7.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
Fuller outside off. Andy McBrine tris to block it down but gets beaten on the outer edge.
End Of The Over 7 : 29/5
8 Runs
- 06.1
- 06.2
- 06.3
- 46.4
- 46.5
- 06.6
L. Tucker
9 (8)
A. McBrine
0 (1)
B. Muzarabani
4-0-16-1
6.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller, and shaping in outside off. Lorcan Tucker leaves it alone.
6.5
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! Confidence is fuming from Lorcan Tucker's willow! Short delivery on off and middle. Lorcan Tucker hangs back and pulls it hard towards deep mid-wicket for another boundary. There is some nervous round of applause from the Irish spectators!
6.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR! Confident piece of batting! This one is fuller just outside off shaping in. Lorcan Tucker lunges halfway, uses the pace of the bowler against him and pushes it towards the long off fence for a boundary.
6.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Length delivery just outside off. Lorcan Tucker eases it towards gully for no runs.
6.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller delivery, shaping it in towards the stump. Lorcan Tucker nudges it towards mid-wicket for no runs.
6.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Lorcan Tucker
Length delivery outside off. Lorcan Tucker looks to defend at it but misses on the outer edge.
End Of The Over 6 : 21/5
5 Runs
- W 5.1
- 4 B 5.2
- 15.3
- 05.4
- W 5.5
- 05.6
A. McBrine
0 (1)
L. Tucker
1 (2)
R. Ngarava
3-1-8-4
5.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Andy McBrine
On a length around off. Andy McBrine gets behind the line and defends it outside off.
Andy McBrine walks in with Ireland in dire straits.
5.5
W
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! Richard Ngarava is just on fire! This is an exceptional spell! Richard Ngarava bowls this one on a length outside off and nips it away. Paul Stirling looks to drive and gets nicked like any other batter in this inning. The ball carries over towards the right of the keeper. Clive Madande moves to his right and takes the simple catch into his gloves. Ireland 21/5 and on the brink at the moment.
5.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
Back of a length outside off. Paul Stirling plays it inside the line and misses.
5.3
1
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
Fuller on pads. Lorcan Tucker tucks it towards mid on for a single.
5.2
b
Richard Ngarava To Lorcan Tucker
FOUR BYES! Poor work behind the sticks! On a length outside off and the ball straightens after pitching. Lorcan Tucker tires to block it outside off but misses with thin air. Clive Madande behind the stump tries to glove it but the ball bursts out of his hands and goes to the boundary.
Lorcan Tucker is the new man in.
5.1
W
Richard Ngarava To Harry Tector OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! Caught behind! Another bites the dust! The Irish batters are coming and going! Richard Ngarava comes over the wicket and bowls fuller outside off, shaping it further away from the batter. Harry Tector prods forward and tries to drive at it but gets a slight nick on the outer edge. That was just a half appeal from the Chevrons but they got the approval from the Umpire. Tector is devastated as he feels his bat hit the ground and it really seems touch and go but the most important man on the field felt there was an edge and Tector has to make the long walk back to the hut.
End Of The Over 5 : 16/3
2 Runs
- 04.1
- 04.2
- 04.3
- 24.4
- 04.5
- 04.6
P. Stirling
10 (14)
H. Tector
0 (5)
B. Muzarabani
3-0-8-1
4.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Back of a length shapes it in. Paul Stirling tries to glance at it but misses the connection and hits the pads.
4.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Short delivery outside off. Paul Stirling leaves it alone.
4.4
2
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Short delivery, shaping it in. Paul Stirling looks to pull at it but gets the upper part of is willow. The ball rolls towards square leg region and the batters get a couple of runs.
4.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Length delivery around off. Paul Stirling gets behind the line and blocks it back to the bowler.
4.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Good-length delivery outside off. Paul Stirling looks to punch at it but misses on the outer edge.
4.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Back of a length on middle, jagged in vigorously. Paul Stirling with no footwork tries to flick it but thumps his thigh and the ball loops towards short leg.
End Of The Over 4 : 14/3
7 Runs
- 03.1
- 23.2
- 03.3
- 03.4
- 43.5
- 13.6
P. Stirling
8 (8)
H. Tector
0 (5)
R. Ngarava
2-1-7-2
3.6
1
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
On a length on leg. Paul Stirling flicks it towards fine leg and gets a single.
3.5
4
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
FOUR! Bad delivery and got punished! Full toss delivery around off. Paul Stirling defects the bad ball and drills it hard through the mid off region to get four important runs.
3.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
On a length on off. Paul Stirling gets behind the line and blocks it down.
3.3
0
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
Oh.. what happened there? A huge appeal for a catch and the umpire turns it down. Richard Ngarava bowls a short delivery on middle and off. Paul Stirling covers the stump and drops his stance but the ball thumps the shoulder of the batter and balloons towards the third slip. Zimbabwe players looked very convinced that it came off the bat, but it was a good decision by the umpire!
3.2
2
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
On a length on to pads. Paul Stirling hangs back and closes his bat in time to flick it towards square leg for a couple of runs.
3.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Paul Stirling
Swing and a miss! Much fuller outside off. Paul Stirling crouches down and looks for a drive but fails to connect and misses on the outer edge.
End Of The Over 3 : 7/3
1 Runs
- 02.1
- W 2.2
- 02.3
- 12.4
- 02.5
- 02.6
H. Tector
0 (5)
P. Stirling
1 (2)
B. Muzarabani
2-0-6-1
2.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Harry Tector
Oh... some movement off the pitch and a good leave as well! Back of a length on off and middle, angling it in. Harry Tector lifts his bat up and allows the delivery watchfully.
2.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Harry Tector
Short of a length and around middle and leg, the ball nips back in, Harry Tector misses on the block and gets hit high on the pad.
2.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
Gets off the mark does Paul Stirling! Blessing Muzarabani keeps it outside off and on a length, Paul Stirling punches it to point who makes half a stop allowing the batters to cross.
2.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Paul Stirling
On a length and into the pads, Paul Stirling misses out on the flick and gets pinged on the pads.
Paul Stirling walks in with Ireland in a huge spot of bother.
2.2
W
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie OUT!
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Would you believe it? Ireland are 3 down for just 6 runs in the blink of an eye and Zimbabwe are pumped up. Immaculate length from Blessing Muzarabani bowled in and around the off stump line, getting it to just nip off the deck. Andy Balbirnie gets on the front foot to drive but plays a bit away from the body and the outside edge is found. The ball goes wide of third slip where Prince Masvaure dives across to his right and takes a fine low catch with both hands. Ireland still need 152 runs which seems far, far away.
2.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
Short of a length outside off, nips it in. Andy Balbirnie gets behind the stump and dabs it down.
End Of The Over 2 : 6/2
0 Runs
- 01.1
- W 1.2
- W 1.3
- 01.4
- 01.5
- 01.6
H. Tector
0 (3)
A. Balbirnie
4 (6)
R. Ngarava
1-1-0-2
1.6
0
Richard Ngarava To Harry Tector
Oh hello? What just happened? Ngarava hits the hard length around the fifth stump line, outside off, Harry Tector looks to push it but gets an under edge that zips past the off stump. Could have easily gone back to rattle the stumps.
1.5
0
Richard Ngarava To Harry Tector
Outside off, on a length, Harry Tector leaves it alone.
1.4
0
Richard Ngarava To Harry Tector
No hattrick for Richard Ngarava, but this was an exceptional delivery! Angles it across on a length and just outside off, the ball kicks off the deck beating the outside edge of Harry Tector's blade as he looks to block it out straight.
Harry Tector walks in to face the hat-trick ball.
1.3
W
Richard Ngarava To Curtis Campher OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! On a hat-trick now! Short of a length once again outside off. Curtis Campher tries to cut it through to the cover point region but ends up elevating it a bit high toward the fielder. Brian Bennett stays where he is and reverse-cups the catch pretty easily. This is an exceptional start from the Chevrons!
Curtis Campher walks in at number 3.
1.2
W
Richard Ngarava To Peter Moor OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! That was a beautiful catch by Joylord Gumbie! Outstanding! Richard Ngarava bowls this one short as well on middle leg and middle at the batter's body line. Peter Moor rises to the bounce and tries to dab it down but takes his eyes off the ball at the very last moment. Ends up looping it towards the right of the short square-leg fielder. Joylord Gumbie dives low to his right and gets that fabulous catch. Peter Moor has to depart for a duck and his magic willow didn't work this time!
1.1
0
Richard Ngarava To Peter Moor
Richard Ngarava, the left arm pacer, comes over the wicket and bowls back of a length outside off. Peter Moor hangs back and punches it towards the backward point fielder.
Richard Ngarava to operate from the other end. Also, Tanaka Chivanga doesn't seem to catch a break as he has hurt himself on that final delivery in an attempt to stop the boundary. He is off the field now and Johnathan Campbell comes on as the substitute fielder.
End Of The Over 1 : 6/0
6 Runs
- 1 B 0.1
- 1 NB 0.2
- 00.2
- 00.3
- 00.4
- 00.5
- 40.6
A. Balbirnie
4 (6)
P. Moor
0 (1)
B. Muzarabani
1-0-5-0
0.6
4
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
FOUR! Fullish delivery once again just outside off. Andy Balbirnie plants his front foot and drive it from the middle of his bat through the cover region. The ball doesn't have enough legs to roll towards the fence. The cover fielder makes a chase and saves the boundary. Three runs taken taken by the batters but it is later confirmed that Chivanga was in contact with the ropes when he pulled the back in and it will be a boundary.
0.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
Full and outside off. Andy Balbirnie drives it towards the cover region. Fine stop at cover!
0.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
CLOSE! On a length outside off but shaping it in. Andy Balbirnie looks to defend it but gets an inner edge which deflects the ball and misses the off stump.
0.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
Back of a length outside off. Andy Balbirnie plays it inside the line and gets beaten on the outer edge.
0.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
Full and outside off, nipping it away from the batter. Andy Balbirnie gets forward to drive it back towards off.
0.2
nb
Blessing Muzarabani To Andy Balbirnie
NO BALL! Overstepping now! Short of a length outside off. Andy Balbirnie punches it towards cover.
0.1
b
Blessing Muzarabani To Peter Moor
Here we go, Zimbabwe has started their bowling with extras! On a length but sprays it down the leg. Clive Madande dives to his left but fails to reach it. The batters get a bye down to fine leg and the Irish chase is underway.
0
Filters
Type
Overs
Batsmen
- Peter Moor
- Andy Balbirnie
- Curtis Campher
- Harry Tector
- Paul Stirling
- Lorcan Tucker
- Andy McBrine
- Mark Adair
- Barry McCarthy
- Craig Young
- Matthew Humphreys
Bowlers
Match Info
- Venue Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
- Weather Sunny
- Toss Ireland won the toss and elected to field
- Result Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match Andy McBrine
- Umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat (BAN), Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Mark Hawthorne (IRE)
- Referee Jeff Crowe (NZ)
Match Notes
- Stumps: Zimbabwe 210/10 in 71.3 overs
- Innings Break: Zimbabwe 210/10 in 71.3 overs
- Zimbabwe 200/8 in 66.0 overs
- Drinks: Zimbabwe 193/5 in 62.1 overs
- Tea: Zimbabwe 153/3 in 50.0 overs
- Zimbabwe 150/3 in 49.4 overs
- Drinks: Zimbabwe 121/2 in 38.3 overs
- P Masvaure 4th Test fifty: 50 runs in 97 balls (6x4) (0x6)
- Zimbabwe 100/1 in 33.1 overs
- Rain Stoppage: Zimbabwe 97/1 in 31.4 overs
- Lunch: Zimbabwe 85/0 in 27.0 overs
- 1st wkt Partnership: 51 off 87 balls between J Gumbie (38) and P Masvaure (12)
- Zimbabwe 51/0 in 14.3 overs
- Drinks: Zimbabwe 45/0 in 13.0 overs
- J Gumbie(ZIM), C Madande(ZIM), B Bennett(ZIM) makes their TEST debut
- Stumps: Zimbabwe 12/0 in 4.0 overs
- Innings Break: Ireland 250/10 in 58.3 overs
- Ireland 250/9 in 58.2 overs
- Wet Ground Condition: Ireland 206/9 in 53.0 overs
- Rain Stoppage: Ireland 206/9 in 53.0 overs
- Tea: Ireland 200/8 in 50.3 overs
- Ireland 200/7 in 50.1 overs
- Drinks: Ireland 165/4 in 36.5 overs
- 4th wkt Partnership: 50 off 65 balls between P Moor (17) and P Stirling (13)
- Ireland 150/3 in 33.1 overs
- Wet Ground Condition: Ireland 115/2 in 25.0 overs
- Rain Stoppage: Ireland 115/2 in 25.0 overs
- Lunch: Ireland 115/2 in 25.0 overs
- Ireland 100/2 in 22.2 overs
- P Moor 6th Test fifty: 50 runs in 53 balls (7x4) (0x6)
- Drinks: Ireland 69/0 in 14.0 overs
- 1st wkt Partnership: 51 off 61 balls between P Moor (38) and A Balbirnie (12)
- Ireland 51/0 in 10.1 overs
- Stumps: Ireland 33/5 in 8.0 overs
- Rain: Ireland 33/5 in 8.0 overs
- Innings Break: Zimbabwe 197/10 in 71.0 overs
- Tea: Zimbabwe 182/8 in 62.1 overs
- D Myers Maiden Test fifty: 50 runs in 128 balls (4x4) (0x6)
- Zimbabwe 151/4 in 47.5 overs
- Drinks: Zimbabwe 140/4 in 44.0 overs
- 4th wicket partnership: 50 off 92 balls between D Myers (13) and S Williams (29)
- Zimbabwe 100/3 in 30.4 overs
- Lunch: Zimbabwe 96/3 in 30.0 overs
- Zimbabwe 51/2 in 17.2 overs
- Drinks: Zimbabwe 47/2 in 17.0 overs
- Ireland 150/6 in 34.2 overs
- A McBrine 3rd Test Fifty: 50 runs in 75 balls (5x4) (0x6)
- L Tucker 2nd Test Fifty: 51 runs in 56 balls (9x4) (0x6)
- Drinks: Ireland 100/5 in 22.0 overs
- Ireland 50/5 in 12.3 overs
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| Player | Runs | Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Masvaure ZIM | 86 | 43.00 |
| Prince Masvaure ZIM | 86 | 43.00 |
| Andy McBrine IRE | 83 | 83.00 |
| Andy McBrine IRE | 83 | 83.00 |
| Peter Moor IRE | 79 | 39.50 |
| Player | Wickets | Eco. |
|---|---|---|
| Andy McBrine IRE | 7 | 2.08 |
| Blessing Muzarabani ZIM | 5 | 3.50 |
| Barry McCarthy IRE | 4 | 2.38 |
| Mark Adair IRE | 4 | 2.75 |
| Richard Ngarava ZIM | 4 | 4.81 |
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