The Sunday News
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
IRELAND have levelled the One Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe after winning the second 50 over cricket encounter by 46 runs at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
After being sent in to bat first, Ireland scored 294-7 in 50 overs with two half centuries scored and managed to bowl out Zimbabwe for 248 to make sure there is all to play for in the final match tomorrow as the three-match series is delicately poised at 1-1 after the Chevrons triumphed by three wickets (DLS method) in the opening match last Wednesday.
Stephen Doheny top scored for the visitors with 84 runs from 111 deliveries while Harry Tector also scored a half century, finishing with 75 runs off 61 balls. Captain Paul Stirling fell five runs short of his half ton on 45 runs having faced 61 balls.
For the Chevrons, fast bowler Tendai Chatara had the best bowling figures of 3/51 in 10 overs. Bradley Evans took two wickets giving away 66 runs in nine overs while Ryan Burl and Richard Ngarava picked up one scalp each.
With the bat, Zimbabwe also had two players score half centuries, however falling just after crossing the 50 run mark. Innocent Kaia departed for 51 runs off 70 balls while Gary Balance, playing only his second ODI for Zimbabwe top scored with 52 runs from 67 balls. Burl was run out for 41 runs and returning former captain Chamunorwa Chibhabha was dismissed for 40 runs.
Gary Ballance top scored for Zimbabwe with 52 runs
Left arm seamer Josh Little starred with the ball for Ireland taking four wickets for 38 runs in 10 overs. Mark Adair and Graham Hume took two wickets each conceding 39 and 52 runs respectively.
The other scalp was taken by Andy McBrine as the visitors leveled the series.
The final match of the series which will conclude the tour is set to be played tomorrow at Harare Sports Club.
Innocent Kaia scored 51 runs
Meanwhile, the Logan Cup first class cricket competition, an unbeaten 116 runs from Milton Shumba gave Tuskers a good day one score against Rhinos as they finished on 282-7 at the end of play yesterday at Kwekwe Sports Club. Alvin Chiradza scored 55 runs for the Bulawayo based side while Tanunurwa Makoni contributed 45 runs.
In the other match between Mega Market Mountaineers and Eagles only 1.5 overs could be played in the day which ended with Mountaineers on 1-0 at Old Hararians. Play resumes today for both matches — Follow on Twitter @brandon_malvin
