ZIM VS IRE T20I

Right then, that is all we have from a very entertaing T20I series. Zimbabwe have bagged the series 2-1 and we will now move to the ODI series. The first match of the three-match ODI series will be played on Wednesday, 18th of January and the action will start at 12.45 pm IST (7.15 am GMT). Do join us for the build-up of that game. Cheers!

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says that this series win means a lot. Tells that especially the way they finished last year, they wanted to continue the momentum forward and he is glad that they did well here. Says that it was an opportunity for other guys to step up in the absence of seniors and they did that. Says that it is a nice feeling to chase down a total in a decider and and he feels that Burl batted brilliantly. Informs that Sean Williams will not be available for the ODIs with a fractured finger but adds that Raza and Ballance will be back for the ODI series.

Ryan Burl is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AND PLAYER OF THE SERIES! Burl says that the kind of role he is playing in the team, he is trying to put Zimbabwe in good positions. Tells that it nice to remind the world about his batting and is happy to deliver a good performance. Tells that their fielding has been outstanding and feels that if they can stop some soft dismissals and improve their running, they can get better. He signs off by saying that he is proud of the series win.

Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland says that they left a few runs out there in the first half and adds that they knew that if they bowl well they can make the match out of it. Credits Burl and Ervine and says that they played well. Mentions that the team that have chased have won all three games but he is not sure that made the difference and feels that Zimababwe adapted better. Adds that in hindsight, it can be called a wrong decision of bowling left-arm spinner to Burl but it could have gone other way around too. Says that they will have Little, Stirling and Tucker back for the ODIs and hopes to do well in the ODI series.

Time for the Presentation..

Ireland, well, they played good cricket and kept themselves in the game right till the end. They recovered well with the bat after losing three wickets early and Harry Tector was the one who played a handy knock of 47 off 38 balls. They got over 140 and Tector once again was brilliant with the ball in the second half and gave away just 14 runs in his four overs and took a crucial wicket too to keep his team in the game. Barry McCarthy and Benjamin White got two wickets apiece but the move to bowl Dockrell against Burl in the 18th over turned out to be a game-changer as that over went for 19 runs and took the game away from the Irish. Overall, a good performance from Ireland throughout the series but it was not enough to take the trophy home.

This victory was set up by Zimbabwe with a disciplined bowling in the first half on a sluggish wicket. Their spinners were top-notch once again and seamers too did their job quite well. However, they needed to bat well to get to the target as the pitch was a bit tricky and it was their captain who decided to take the responsibility on his shoulders. He held one end up as other batters could not convert their starts into anything substantial though Innocent Kaia and Tony Munyonga made important contributions. However, the man who stole the limelight was Ryan Burl! He kept his cool even when Ervine lost his wicket in the 17th over and then smashed Irish bowlers all over the park on a wicker where even single runs were cheered by the crowd. He ended with 30 off just 11 balls and took his team to a memorable series victory here.

Zimbabwe have done it! They win the series and this Zimbabwean side under Craig Ervine continues to grow from strength to strength. Incredible scenes at the Harare Sports Club and we have wintessed a cracker of a decider and series here. Zimbabwean players are emotional and it shows how much this means to them, they have done it without Raza and Williams here and it really shows the depth and character of this team.

FOUR! That's it! Luke Jongwe finishes things in style! This is full and on middle. Luke Jongwe slams it down the ground and almost gets a six as the ball bounces just in front of ropes for a boundary. The crowd goes wild and it is Zimbabwe who win this game by 4 wickets! They win the series by 2-1 margin!

WIDE! Back of a length, around leg. Jongwe tries to clip it but misses. 2 needed now!

OUT! BOWLED! Barry McCarthy hits the timber and is pumped here! Still 3 needed from 7 balls. This is very full and on middle and leg. Clive Madande goes for another big swing across the line. However, he misses it and the ball knocks over the stumps. Is there another twist in the tale? Luke Jongwe is the next man in.

FOUR! This time he connects and gets a boundary! 3 needed now! A fullish delivery on middle. Clive Madande drills it down the ground for a boundary.

This is not clever batting! On a length, on off. Clive Madande goes for a wild swing and ends up missing it completely. He just needs to show some cricketing nous!

Goes fuller and on middle. Clive tries to hit it hard but mistimes it to mid-wicket.

On a length and angling on middle and leg. Clive Madande tries to heave it towards the leg side but misses. The ball hits his pads and there is an appeal but the umpire says no.

FOUR! Boundary to end the over and just 7 needed now! This is full and on leg. Easy pickings for Burl as he flicks it towards the backward square leg fence for a boundary.

SIX! Burl goes BANG BANG! Touch shorter and on off. Burl gets under it and slams it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Crowd goes wild and Zimbabwe are inching close to the finish line now!