ODI

Bad news, folks! The match has been called off. Alas, the outfield was not fit enough for play to resume and there was more threat of rain, so the umpires have decided to call the game off after just one innings. What a sad end to what could have been an interesting match. Right then, Zimbabwe have maintained their lead going into the third ODI. Ireland would be disappointed with the rain as they batted really well in this game but the rain just spoiled their attempt to level the series. We have one final game to go. The third and final game will be played on Monday, 13th September 2021 at 10:30 am Local (9:30 am GMT). Do join us then. Cheers and take care

Update 4:50 pm Local (3:50 pm GMT) - And the wait continues. The inspection is done and the umpires have decided that they will conduct another inspection at 5:15 pm Local (4:15 pm GMT). We hope for some good news then! Meanwhile, in the first T20I in Colombo, South Africa scored 163 runs with the bat. While chasing the target, Sri Lanka are at 47 for 2 at the end of the 9th over. While we wait for updates here, you can switch tabs and enjoy our coverage of that game.

Update 4:20 pm Local (3:20 pm GMT) - Well, the inspection is done. We still do not have any official word yet. The umpires were standing near the pitch and inspecting it. We will bring you more updates as they come. Now we hear that the next inspection will be at 4:45 pm Local (3:45 pm GMT)!

Update 3:37 pm local (2:37 pm GMT) - Good news! It looks like the rain has completely stopped and the groundstaff is hard at work. We are around 40 minutes away from the scheduled inspection and we should get some good news then!

Update 3.13 pm local (2.13 pm GMT) - It seems that the rain has relented a little and it does look a little brighter. The covers are still on though. Let's hope that we have some good news sooner than later. As we said that, the covers have started to come off slowly. Let's hope we get a restart time soon. We have got an inspection scheduled at 4.15 pm local (3.15 pm GMT). There is still time to go for that. Stay tuned.

In the last few days, plenty of drama has unfolded in the cricketing world. Many countries announced their squads for the upcoming T20 World Cup and there was some drama surrounding that. From Yuzvendra Chahal not being included in India's side to Rashid Khan stepping down after the Afghanistan Cricket Board allegedly announced the squad without consulting him. Which decision has surprised you the most? For me, the exclusion of Faf du Plessis from South Africa's side was quite shocking. Remember that these squads can be changed before the tournament starts so a good performance in the Indian T20 League could potentially see some players finding a place back in their respective squads.

Meanwhile, in Colombo, the first T20I between Sri Lanka and South Africa is underway. The visitors have won the toss and elected to bat first. While we wait for the rain to stop here, you guys could switch tabs and enjoy our coverage of that match.

2:31 pm Local Time (1331 GMT) - Yeah. There is a reason we asked that question. Welcome back but it is not good news. Live visuals show that it is currently raining out there and the square has been covered. The start of the second innings will be delayed. Stay tuned as we will bring you more updates as we get them. Hopefully, they are positive.

... THE RUN CHASE ... OR.... WAITING GAME ????

Right then. 283 runs are what Zimbabwe need to win this game. The pitch is a good one but expect the Irish to come hard at them. What will happen in the second half? Stick with us to find out.

Zimbabwe would be a little disappointed with their show. They would have wanted to take early wickets and Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava bowled well, but did not get the early wicket. In fact, they allowed partnerships to build and that is what let Ireland put on a big score. Richard Ngarava was the pick of the bowlers as he picked 3 wickets. Sean Williams took one wicket and so did Blessing Muzarabani and Luke Jongwe but they were a touch expensive.

Ireland batted really well. The ball was moving quite a bit when it was new, but William Porterfield and Paul Stirling hung in there to lay the foundation. Stirling fell, but Andy Balbirnie played a really good knock. Both Porterfield and Balbirnie did not put on a big score but the hosts had a good foundation to tee off in the death overs and they did just that. Harry Tector played a blinder at the death and he was well supported by George Dockrell and Lorcan Tucker. The Irish would be very satisfied with their score.

What a show by Ireland! They batted really well and have put on a very challenging total on the board. Zimbabwe won the toss, hoping that they would restrict the hosts to a low score but that has not happened. The visitors have their work cut out now.

FOUR! What a shot to end the innings! Full on middle, Young lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. IRELAND END ON 282 FOR 8.

Very full on off, Adair defends it to covers for one.

Craig Young is the new batter.

OUT! RUN OUT! McBrine goes! Very full outside off, McBrine lets it go. Adair calls him for the bye. Chakabva throws it to Jongwe and he does the rest. Wide and also a wicket.

SIX! Cracked! Full on off, McBrine lifts it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. What a way to get off the mark!

Andy McBrine walks out to bat.