After Eire’s second innings was a story of promise and resilience met by a decided Zimbabwean bowling assault. Starting the day on 83-1, with Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher well-set, the guests appeared to solidify their benefit. The pair prolonged their partnership to 75 runs earlier than Trevor Gwandu struck, dismissing Campher for a well-earned 39.
Balbirnie, taking part in a captain’s knock along with his fifth Take a look at fifty, helped Eire construct a formidable lead. After the primary session, Eire stood at 149/2, and taking management of the Take a look at match.
Nonetheless, Zimbabwe got here again strongly after the break. Harry Tector was trapped leg earlier than by Johnathan Campbell for 17, giving the bowler his maiden Take a look at wicket. Balbirnie adopted quickly after, falling to Wessly Madhevere’s sharp flip for a vital 66. Paul Stirling’s brisk 21, that includes two sixes, ended with a glove behind off Blessing Muzarabani. The batter appeared unconvinced by the choice. Madhevere continued his spectacular spell, eradicating Andy McBrine for 16.
Lorcan Tucker performed a preventing innings, scoring a vital 58, however Eire’s center and decrease order faltered below the stress of disciplined Zimbabwean bowling. Richard Ngarava’s masterful use of the second new ball proved decisive as he claimed 4 wickets, together with the important thing scalps of Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Lorcan Tucker.
Tucker picked up his third half-century, the final man out on 58. Eire had been bowled out for 298, setting Zimbabwe a report 292 to win — a difficult goal given the historical past in Zimbabwe, the place no aspect has efficiently chased over 200.
Eire’s disciplined bowling assault executed their plans with precision, incomes due rewards as McCarthy dismissed Ben Curran for the second time within the match, this time for simply 4 runs.
The supply nearly mirrored the one from the primary innings, holding its line and inducing an out of doors edge that was comfortably collected by Tucker behind the stumps.
Quickly after, Adair received in on the act, sending down a peach that went by the gates and crashed into the off-stump, eradicating Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 14.
Humphreys then received the large wicket of Nick Welch, who made 90 within the first innings. He flighted one which bamboozled Welch, putting him on the best leg. Eire appealed, and the umpire raised his finger.
Zimbabwe completed Day Three at 38-3, nonetheless 254 runs away from victory. For Eire, seven wickets will do it. There’s a small matter of rain within the forecast for Sunday and Monday. Eire will possible be extra keen than Zimbabwe for it to remain away.
MATCH SUMMARY
- Eire v Zimbabwe, Solely-Take a look at in Zimbabwe, 6-10 February 2025
- DAY THREE (Shut of play)
- Eire 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
- Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
- Eire 298 (93.3 overs; A Balbirnie 66; R Ngarava 4-55)
- Zimbabwe 38-3 (15 overs; B Bennett 15*; M Humphreys 1-4)
- Zimbabwe want 254 runs for victory (Eire require 7 wickets)
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