Brian Bennett Shines as Zimbabwe Triumphs Over Ireland in ODI Opener
What a game we just witnessed in Harare! Zimbabwe has kicked off their ODI series against Ireland in style, securing a solid 49-run victory—and the man of the moment? None other than Brian Bennett, who absolutely lit up the field with a sensational 169-run knock.
At just 21 years old, Bennett put on a batting masterclass, hammering 20 fours and three sixes in his 163-ball innings. This was his maiden ODI century, and what a way to do it! His knock not only guided Zimbabwe to a commanding total of 299-5 but also made him the fourth youngest player ever to score 150 or more in an ODI. Skipper Craig Ervine played his part too, contributing a well-made 66 to set up a tough chase for Ireland.
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Ireland's response started on a shaky note as Andrew Balbirnie fell on the very first ball of the innings. Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher tried to steady the ship, with Campher top-scoring for the visitors with 44 runs. Harry Tector (39) and Lorcan Tucker (31) chipped in, but the Irish batters never quite got going. At one stage, they looked like they might mount a comeback, reaching 109-2, but a sudden collapse saw them crumble to 169-6.
A late fightback from George Dockrell (34) and Andy McBrine (32) briefly kept Irish hopes alive, but Blessing Muzarabani put an end to that with two quick wickets in the 45th over. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 250 in 46 overs. Muzarabani was Zimbabwe’s hero with the ball, picking up 4-51, while Richard Ngarava was just as lethal, finishing with 3-56.
With this win, Zimbabwe takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next game set for Sunday. Ireland, who started their Zimbabwe tour with a Test victory in Bulawayo, will be looking to bounce back. However, they’ll have to do so without Barry McCarthy, who has been ruled out due to injury.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting series, and if today’s match is anything to go by, there’s plenty more action to come!
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