ZIM VS IRE ODI

That is it from this match! Zimbabwe take 1-0 lead in this 3-match series. The 2nd match will be played on Friday, September 10 at 10.30 am local (9.30 am GMT). Do join us for that. Till then, adios and take care!

Craig Ervine, the Zimbabwe skipper says, that the first 10-15 overs were difficult for batting and applauds Brendan Taylor for batting the way that he did and the foundation was nicely laid. He adds that he was happy with the total on the board and 266 was always going to be tough to chase. Also adds that he would have liked to pick up some early wickets but the bowlers stuck to their plan and the spinners bowled tightly as well, which helped them.

Sikandar Raza is THE MAN OF THE MATCH, he says that the foundation was set early on and especially by Brendan Taylor and he was delighted to see senior guys setting it up and the wicket got better when he came on to bat. He adds that he just wanted to go out their with a positive intent and run hard between the wickets and luckily for him, that's what he managed to do.

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the day, it was the skipper of Zimbabwe, Craig Ervine who was the commander in their bating. With some quick cameos, earlier from Taylor and in the fag end of the innings from Raza powered Zimbabwe to 266 for 7.  Stay tuned for the Presentation.

Zimbabwe were disciplined with their lines and lengths. They started off poorly but once they got the first breakthrough, the doors for wicket were wide opened. Porterfield and Tector did stitch a partnership but Luke Jongwe started his second spell brilliantly as he removed the former man. The game was poised till the 40th over but then came Blessing Muzarabani, he was outstanding as he removed the dangerous Harry Tector and after that, it was just finishing the things. Blessing Muzarabani was the figurehead of the bowlers as he scalped 4 wickets. Other bowlers helped him and finished the job comfortably.

It looked like an easy win at one point but the wickets of William Porterfield and Harry Tector changed the scenario. Ireland were off to a great start, both the openers crawled to a 50-run partnership before Paul Stirling gave away his wicket. The runs were not flowing at the required rate but the Irish were staying in the hunt. Once Harry Tector walked out, the momentum changed, and with him and William Porterfield, both managed to stitch a partnership of 71. Once Porterfield fell, the hopes for the win were with Tector but he too fell just after making his 50 and with him, the hopes of a win perished. The win was almost there for Ireland if someone had kept the composure and stayed out in the middle till the end but they were second best and will be a little bit disappointed with their batting performance.

An excellent bowling display from Zimbabwe. They go on to lead this 3-match series by going 1-0 up as they were superior throughout the match.

OUT! TAKEN! That's it, Zimbabwe have done it. Blessing Muzarabani pitches this one up and Little looks to hit it over the long off fence. Little miscues it and the ball goes high and over mid off. Craig Ervine tracks back and takes a fine catch. Blessing Muzarabani ends with a four-fer. ZIMBABWE WIN BY 38 RUNS!

FOUR! In the slot and Josh Little thumps it back over the bowler's head and into the fence. A consolation boundary.

Good-length ball, outside off and this one bounces a bit extra. Josh Little looks to have a poke at it but gets beaten.

Length ball, outside off. Little leaves it alone.

Josh Little is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Zimbabwe are just one wicket away now. Wellington Masakadza bowls another short one, outside off. Lorcan Tucker shuffles across and looks to go over covers. Tucker slashes it behind point and into the deep. Sean Williams takes a simple catch down at deep backward point.

Young goes on the back foot to cut the shorter one towards deep point for another single.

Tossed up, on middle and slogged away to deep mid-wicket for just one.

WIDE! Spilled down the leg side. Tucker misses the flick. Wided.