One-Off Test
Day-2 Highlights:
Zimbabwe has clawed back before Ireland stumbles to a first innings lead
Zimbabwe scored 210 (1st Innings) & 12/0 (2nd Innings), where as Ireland scored 250 (1st Innings).
So, finally Zimbabwe trial by 28 runs.
Ireland let their advantage slip in the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe after suffering a batting collapse in the final session.
At one point, Ireland seemed poised to secure a substantial first-innings lead, but they crumbled from 165/3 to be bowled out for just 250, limiting their lead to 40 runs.
The visitors then navigated a tricky final spell, adding 12 runs without losing a wicket.
After four quiet overs, Peter Moor kickstarted the Irish innings with a confident square drive.
This shot boosted his confidence, and he consistently found the boundary in the early overs.
Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava each conceded a couple of boundaries, and Blessing Muzarabani faced similar treatment.
Zimbabwe’s cause was hindered by Muzarabani and wicketkeeper Clive Madande, who conceded a record number of byes, reducing the pressure on the Irish batters.
The opening stand was eventually broken by Tanaka Chivanga, but Moor continued his aggressive play, reaching a well-deserved fifty.
Chivanga struck again, finding the outside edge of Curtis Campher, but Ireland had already reached 115 by lunch.
Rain delayed the restart of play, and when it resumed, Harry Tector was trapped leg-before-wicket on the second ball.
Paul Stirling narrowly avoided dismissal in the same over due to the bowler overstepping.
Stirling and Moor then prepared for a lengthy partnership before Muzarabani’s consecutive strikes opened up the game again.
Ireland’s position deteriorated from 165/3 to 165/5, giving Zimbabwe a real chance to exploit the lower order.
Ireland’s collapse continued, reducing them to 203/9.
However, Andy McBrine and Matthew Humphreys put up a resilient 47-run partnership for the final wicket, ensuring a first-innings lead for Ireland.
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