ZIM VS IRE 1ST ODI

Right then, that is all we have from this cracker of a game! Zimbabwe go 1-0 up in the series and they would be looking to seal this three-match ODI series in the second ODI. Ireland, on the other hand, need to win the second game to level the series and take it to the decider. So, it is all to play for and the second ODI will be played on Saturday, 21st of January and the action will start at 12.45 pm IST (7.15 am GMT). Do, join us for the build-up. Cheers!

Ryan Burl is the player of the match for his amazing knock. He says that it is one of those games that they needed to get over the line. Adds that after the rains, they knew they had to go behind the bowlers. Ends by saying that they will look to improve in the coming games and they are happy to win this one.

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says that it seems that every time they play the Irish it is always a close game. Tells that the wicket was sticky early on and feels that Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector batted well and the wicket got better later on. Tells that they drop their energies in the middle overs with the ball and they dropped some half-chances but credits Irish batters. Mentions that Chatara needed a rest in this game and he will be back going ahead in the series.

Paul Stirling, the stand-in skipper of Ireland, says that they had great games so far in Zimbabwe. Adds that they started off by settling in with the bat and got a good score. Says that it was a great game but the rain had its part. Ends by saying that they will come back stronger in the next game.

Time for the Presentation ...

For Ireland, this will be a tough pill to swallow! They made a great comeback with the bat after losing two early wickets on the back of centuries by Andy Balbirnie and Tector. With the ball too, they were disciplined for the most part and managed to reduce Zimbabwe to 99 for four. However, things started going away from them a bit with Burl and Raza playing some aggressive cricket. Probably, the game shortening after a rain break did not go their way, as Zimbabwe had all the freedom with six wickets in hand. Irish though would be proud of their effort and need to comeback stronger in the next game.

Ervine won an important toss and decided to bowl to make use of some bowler-friendly overcast conditions. They did start well and got two Irish openers early but Ireland still managed to get a big total as the home team failed to get wickets in the middle overs. In reply, Zimbabwean openers could not make much of an impact and Ervine and Ballance too departed after getting good starts. However, Raza and Burl, two in-form allrounders counter-attacked and kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. The rain though threatened to take the game away from Zimbabwe but it stopped at the right time and with 39 needed off 22 balls, Zimbabwe were in with a sniff. They lost Raza on the second ball after the resumption but Burl continued his superb strokeplay and smashed 59 off 41 balls to take the game to the last over. Clive Madande then showed the nerves of steel to seal the game for the home side.

Wow! What a game! Zimbabwe and Ireland continue to dish out some extraordinary thrillers! The crowd goes wild and so do the Zimbabwe dressing room, we have witnessed an amazing finish here in the fading light at Harare Sports Club! Zimbabwe needed 13 runs off the final over and it came down to the final ball with four needed and Clive Madande on strike. The young man stood up and did what very few individuals around the world have been able to do, brilliant stuff! Ireland, on the other hand, have failed to close out another close encounter, they look gutted!

FOUR! Clive Madande, you beauty! Misses his yorker and bowls a low full toss outside off, Clive Madande picks it well and powers it over mid-wicket for a boundary. What a victory for the home team. Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 3 wickets!

Fuller and on off, Wellington Masakadza drills it to mid off for one. 4 needed from the final delivery now!

OUT! LBW! Oh, he is gone now! Graham Hume has the last laugh! He nails almost a yorker on middle and leg. It turns out to be too good for Evans as he misses his flick shot. The ball hits his pads and there is a big appeal. The umpire raises his finger and Ireland are on top again now! Wellington Masakadza walks out to the middle now.

SIX! Can you believe it! Graham Hume misses his yorker and bowls it fuller and outside off, Brad Evans gets on his knee and slices it over deep point for a maximum. 5 needed off 3 deliveries now.

Brad Evans walks out to the middle now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Fuller and outside off, Ryan Burl pushes it towards deep covers. They take one and set off for a deadly double. Curtis Campher collects it well and throws it towards Lorcan Tucker who makes no mistake. The replay shows that Ryan Burl was off his crease and he makes his way back into the hut.

Fuller and on off, Clive Madande looks to slog it but doesn't connect well. It rolls towards left of the keeper as the batters collect one.

SIX! All the way. Fuller and on off, Ryan Burl reads it well and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.13 needed from the final over now!

FOUR! On a length and outside off, Ryan Burl looks to swings it hard and gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away the third man fence. Lucky boundary but Zimbabwe won't mind.

Fuller and on off, Clive Madande drives it towards extra covers. The fielder does well to stop it. Single taken. Singles won't do it for Zimbabwe now!