After losing the one-off test to Ireland in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe made a strong start in the ODI series. Thanks to Brian Bennett’s brilliant 169-run innings, they secured a 49-run victory in the first ODI yesterday.
At Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe lost the toss, and were invited to bat first. Bennett’s century and Craig Ervine’s fifty helped the hosts post 299 runs for 5 wickets. Opening for the first time in ODI cricket, Bennett contributed 56.52% of Zimbabwe’s total runs. During his innings, Bennett became the fourth youngest male player to score a 150-plus innings in ODIs. This innings also marked the fifth-highest individual score in Zimbabwe’s ODI history.
Chasing a target of 300, Ireland kept pace with Zimbabwe for most of the innings. However, losing four wickets in the final 10 overs, they were bowled out for 250 runs. Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ireland faced a batting collapse in the middle overs. Lorcan Tucker (31), Harry Tector (39), Mark Adair (2) returned to the pavilion quickly. Earlier, Curtis Campher scored 44, Paul Stirling made 32, George Dockrell contributed 39. Dockrell , Andy McBrine’s 73-run partnership briefly unsettled Zimbabwe, but Blessing Muzarabani broke the stand, dismissing both in four balls. McBrine scored 32 before Ireland folded in 46 overs. Muzarabani took 4 wickets, while Richard Ngarava claimed 3 for Zimbabwe.
Liberty News Sports Correspondent reports that, the opening pair of Ben Curran (28) and Brian Bennett added 95 runs for Zimbabwe. The 21-year-old opener Bennett then formed a brilliant partnership with 39-year-old captain Craig Ervine (66) for the second wicket. Together, they contributed 136 runs. Bennett was dismissed with four balls remaining in the innings, having played an extraordinary knock of 169 runs off 163 balls, including 20 fours and 3 sixes. Zimbabwe posted 299 runs for 5 wickets. Among the Irish bowlers, Mark Adair took 2 wickets.
LND/SAKIB
