On 14th February, 2025, at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 49 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) of the series. Ireland elected to field first and was hit by a solid batting performance of the home side, with a standout performance being Brian Bennett’s incredible 169-run innings. Ireland’s chase was in vain, ending at 250 for 46 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Highlights
Zimbabwe’s batting was led by the young gun Brian Bennett, who batted at the top and scored a brilliant 169 runs from 163 balls, including 20 fours and 3 sixes. Not only did this represent more than half of Zimbabwe’s score but also made Bennett the fourth-youngest to have scored 150-plus in men’s ODIs and the record holder for the fifth-highest individual ODI score by a Zimbabwean batsman. Craig Ervine was useful in support with a 66-run cameo off 61 deliveries, helping to build a big 136-run stand for the second wicket. Although there were some late wickets, Zimbabwe managed a decent total of 299 for 5 in their 50 overs.
Ireland’s Bowling Performance
Ireland’s bowlers struggled to hold back Zimbabwe’s batsmen. Mark Adair was the best of the lot, taking 2 wickets for 55 runs in his 10 overs. Graham Hume and Andy McBrine took a wicket each, giving away 57 and 53 runs respectively. Josh Little, though he tried his best, had a costly outing, giving away 75 runs in his 9 overs for one wicket.
Ireland’s reply and early struggles
In pursuit of 300, Ireland’s innings started on an unenviable note with captain Andy Balbirnie falling to the first ball after Richard Ngarava edged it to Murray and gave away a golden duck. Paul Stirling tried to stabilize the innings with his brisk 32 off 28 balls but was undone by Blessing Muzarabani’s sharp bowling. Middle-order contributions from Curtis Campher (44), Harry Tector (39), and Lorcan Tucker (31) offered some resistance. But repeated wicket falls at key moments frustrated their progress. A late 73-run stand between George Dockrell (34) and Andy McBrine (32) provided a glimmer of hope, but Muzarabani’s comeback into the attack saw them get dismissed in a hurry, sealing the game for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Bowling Masterclass
Zimbabwe bowlers produced a tight performance, with Blessing Muzarabani setting the tone by picking 4 wickets for 51 runs in his 9-over stint, successfully upsetting Ireland’s batting order. Richard Ngarava supported with 3 wickets for 56 runs. The spin pair of Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere each picked a wicket, keeping the pressure on in the middle overs and pushing Ireland’s needed run rate to rise.
Key Takeaways
Brian Bennett’s Exceptional Knock: Bennett’s elevation to the top slot paid dividends, as his 169-run innings underpinned Zimbabwe’s score and revealed his potential as an international cricket star of the future.
Key Associations: The 136-run partnership between Bennett and Ervine was key in establishing a daunting target, reflecting the significance of constructing innings around match-winners.
Ireland’s Middle-Order Resistance: In spite of an early meltdown, Ireland’s middle and lower order showed excellent fight, with Campher, Tector, and subsequently Dockrell and McBrine showing partnerships that kept Ireland in the game and highlighting their batting depth.
Zimbabwe’s Bowling Strength: Muzarabani’s four-wicket haul and Ngarava’s initial breakthroughs were instrumental in breaking Ireland’s chase, with their capacity to pick up wickets at periodic intervals ensuring Zimbabwe was in control throughout the innings.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe: 299/5 in 50 overs (Brian Bennett 169, Craig Ervine 66; Mark Adair 2/55)
Ireland: 250 all out in 46 overs (Curtis Campher 44, Harry Tector 39; Blessing Muzarabani 4/51, Richard Ngarava 3/56)
Zimbabwe won by 49 runs. Player of the Match: Brian Bennett.
The win provides Zimbabwe with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, making the stage for a thrilling battle in the upcoming matches.
