Zimbabwe vs Ireland | Ireland tour of Zimbabwe, 2025 | 1st ODI

Right then, that is it from the game. Zimbabwe have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series with a convincing win over Ireland. The second ODI between these two sides will be played on Sunday, the 16th of February. The game will begin at 7.30 am GMT. Do join us for the early build up as well. Until then, take care, and cheers!

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says that Brian Bennett batted extremely well and scored big. Adds that the opening partnership is crucial for the team and it was really important. Ends by saying that the surface played well for them and they bowled well. Ends by saying that they will keep on improving every game and carry on with the momentum.

Paul Stirling, the skipper of Ireland, says that Brian Bennett's knock was excellent. He adds that they need to work on their bowling and they need to work on it. He says that the wicket was good to bat and the target was chasable but they failed with the bat as well. Ends by saying that they have a deep batting and they will bounce back.

Brian Bennett is the Player of the Match for his knock of 169 runs! He says that he wanted to bat in the top order and he finally got the chance. Adds that its a good sign for the team to get runs from the top order. He says that he will look to carry on and play well.

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Earlier in the game, Zimbabwe set a target of 300 runs in their innings, led by Brian Bennett's impressive 169 runs off 163 balls. The innings started strong with a 95-run partnership between Bennett and Ben Curran, who scored 28 runs. Captain Craig Ervine contributed significantly with a 66, forming a crucial 136-run partnership with Bennett. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets, Bennett remained steady till the end. He was dismissed in the final over. For Ireland, Mark Adair took 2 wickets, while Joshua Little, Graham Hume, and Andy McBrine each claimed 1 wicket.

Ireland were good with the bat but only in parts. They just couldn’t convert the starts their batters got off too. A couple of them looked promising but they always lost a wicket when they needed someone to kick on. George Dockrell and Andy McBrine revived hopes yet again from a tough position but it was too much of a task.

A fine win for the hosts! Have to credit Brian Bennett big time for this victory! He’s the sole reason for the win. He’s the actual difference between the two sides. His massive score helped them get to 300 and then their bowlers responded well. They got a wicket on the very first ball of the innings but then leaked runs. However, in the middle overs, the spinners really put a halt on the run flow, and later on the Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani were excellent in finishing the job for the hosts.