In a remarkable display of skill, Josh Little’s six-wicket haul was pivotal in securing Ireland’s series lead with a win against Zimbabwe, setting the stage for an exciting finale in the upcoming Sunday match. In the second ODI held in Harare, Zimbabwe was restricted to 166 runs in 42.5 overs, owing largely to Little’s impressive 6-36. Key contributions came from Wellington Masakadza (40 runs), Ryan Burl (38 runs), and Clive Madande (33 runs) for Zimbabwe. Ireland responded with a solid 170-6 in 40.1 overs, anchored by Curtis Campher’s standout innings of 66 and Lorcan Tucker’s valuable 28, overcoming Blessing Muzarabani’s tight bowling (2-23). This four-wicket triumph gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, following the washout of the first game due to rain in Harare.
Josh Little, making his mark with the best one-day ODI figures by an Irish bowler at 6-36, dismantled Zimbabwe’s top order, including the dismissals of Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Joylord Gumbie, Milton Shumba, and Sikandar Raza, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 19-4. Little’s landmark performance, which also included the scalps of Masakadza and Richard Ngarava, eclipsed Paul Stirling’s previous Irish record of 6-55 against Afghanistan in March 2017.
Despite early setbacks, Zimbabwe rallied through Masakadza’s efforts, with Burl and Madande chipping in to post a total of 166. However, their score, shortened by 7.1 overs, seemed inadequate against Ireland’s batting lineup.
Celebrating his 100th appearance for Ireland, Little, a recent Indian Premier League participant, was a key figure in the game, earning the player of the match title. He attributed his success to effective bowling that kept the ball new and swinging. Little’s impact was particularly felt in the fourth over at Harare Sports Club, where he claimed three wickets in five deliveries, including the crucial wicket of stand-in captain Sikandar Raza. A stabilizing partnership of 63 runs between Masakadza and Burl provided some resistance for Zimbabwe.
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s captain, lauded Little’s 10-over spell as one of the finest he’s witnessed, emphasizing their goal to lead the series and their eagerness to clinch it in the next game.
Campher’s crucial innings of 66 was the backbone of Ireland’s chase of Zimbabwe’s modest target. Despite early setbacks, including Andrew Balbirnie and Stirling’s quick dismissals, Campher’s effort steered Ireland to a comfortable position. His departure, followed by Tucker’s, led to some tension, but Mark Adair’s unbeaten 25 ensured Ireland’s victory in 40.1 overs.
Ireland, looking to replicate their T20 series success in Zimbabwe, entered these matches following a challenging summer, which included missing World Cup qualification. Zimbabwe, similarly struggling with recent World Cup qualification failures, faced Ireland with low confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ireland-Zimbabwe ODI
Who were the key players in Ireland’s victory over Zimbabwe in the ODI series?
Josh Little and Curtis Campher were instrumental in Ireland’s win. Little achieved a six-wicket haul, and Campher scored a crucial 66 runs.
What was Josh Little’s performance in the match against Zimbabwe?
Josh Little delivered an outstanding performance with record ODI figures of 6-36, playing a pivotal role in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
How did Curtis Campher contribute to Ireland’s win in the ODI against Zimbabwe?
Curtis Campher played a significant role with a strong innings of 66 runs, helping Ireland chase down Zimbabwe’s total and secure the victory.
What was the final score in the Ireland vs. Zimbabwe ODI match?
Ireland won the match by 4 wickets, scoring 170-6 in 40.1 overs in response to Zimbabwe’s 166 all out in 42.5 overs.
What does this win mean for Ireland in the ODI series against Zimbabwe?
This victory gave Ireland a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with one game washed out due to rain and the final match still to be played.
What record did Josh Little break in this ODI match?
Josh Little broke the record for the best one-day bowling figures by an Irish player, surpassing Paul Stirling’s previous record with his 6-36 against Zimbabwe.
More about Ireland-Zimbabwe ODI
- Ireland vs Zimbabwe ODI Series Overview
- Josh Little’s Player Profile
- Curtis Campher’s Cricket Career Highlights
- Ireland Cricket Team News
- Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Updates
- ODI Cricket Records and Statistics
- Harare Sports Club Venue Information
5 comments
little’s 6-36 is impressive but let’s see how he does in the next match. consistency is key in cricket
wow just read about Ireland’s win, Little’s bowling was just amazing! 6 wickets? that’s some skill there
kinda disappointed with our team’s performance but gotta admit, Ireland played well. better luck next time for us I guess.
interesting to see little break stirling’s record, shows how much talent is coming up in Irish cricket.
campher’s 66 runs were crucial, solid batting there! Ireland’s looking strong this series.