IRE VS ZIM ODI

Right then, that's it from the coverage of this game and this series as well. But don't worry there are plenty of matches happening across the world and we have surely got you covered. Do join us soon for more riveting action. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Paul Stirling, the winning skipper is in for a quick chat. He says that they saved their best performance for the last. States that he is happy to get the result and feels that they have been rewarded for working hard over the winter. Mentions that they never felt too far in ODIs and it were the little things they needed to improve on. Feels that the team performed outstandingly and they thoroughly deserved the series win. Also says that they have plenty of cricket coming up but it is the T20 World Cup that comes to mind first. Ends by saying that the control with both bat and ball stood out for him in this series.

Curtis Campher wins the Player of the Series award for his exceptional performances, both with bat and ball. He states that he is extremely happy to have contributed to the team with both bat and ball. He adds that the aggression in his game is nothing but looking at the ball and hitting it. He concludes that he trusts his concrete defence and looks to put the bad balls away.

Andy Balbirnie is the Player of the Match for his outstanding unbeaten knock of 82 runs from 102 balls. He starts by saying that as a top-order batter, you look for consistency. Mentions that it was nice to be there and get the boys over the line in the series decider. Shares that the wickets have been challenging but feels that the more time you spend out there, you get used to it. Further adds that this was probably the best surface of the three games. Credits the bowlers for restricting Zimbabwe. On the catches dropped by Zimbabwe, he replies that that could have made the difference but feels that if you bide the time, you get the luck.

Sikandar Raza, the captain of Zimbabwe is in for a chat. He says that they fell short of 20-30 runs on the board and it has been happening too often which is disappointing. He adds that his dismissal came at the wrong time and that the partnership there was crucial. He also congratulates Ireland for playing extraordinarily well and setting an example for them on how to play at such tricky wickets. He concludes that the 8 or 9 injury concerns in the team are disheartening but also presents new opportunities to other players who will have to make the most of it.

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On the contrary, Ireland bowlers had a great time out on the field. They certainly set the tone for their innings, and did not allow any batter to score freely. They applied the squeeze really well up top, by taking early breakthroughs and putting a lid over the run rate. Graham Hume and Curtis Campher recorded their best ever figures in ODIs, with a four-fer each. It was a dominating performance all-around for the visitors and they certainly deserved to win this series.

Zimbabwe players had their task cut out coming into this run chase, because they would've certainly felt that the momentum was not on their side heading into the break, and that they would need an early breakthrough to unsettle Ireland. Blessing Muzarabani came in early and struck to get the better of the Irish skipper, but the pressure, well was not there to be seen. The bowlers just could not pull their socks up, and allowed the opposition to build three 50+ runs stand, which automatically took the game away from them. Luke Jongwe and Brandon Mavuta chipped in with a wicket each but it was too little too late for the hosts.

For Zimbabwe we saw Joylord Gumbie stepping up his game, making sure that the runs were scored consistently from one end, but lacked support from the other. Whereas for Ireland, every batter got off to a start except Paul Stirling, but most importantly they played the second fiddle really well to Andy Balbirnie. Ireland had control over this run chase throughout the second innings. It could've been a nervy ending if Zimbabwe were able to hold on to their chances in the fag end of the innings, but they could not bring their A-game when it mattered the most. In the end, Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker stitched an unbeaten stand of 59 runs to take their side over the finishing line.

Well, there was a 2-hour rain delay in the first innings, but fortunately, the rain did not return after passing by, and we got an 80-over match, with a DLS target of 201 for the Irish to chase down after they bundled out Zimbabwe 197 runs after 40 overs. Eventually, Ireland got over the victory line and have created history by winning their first-ever ODI series in Zimbabwe. A moment that they will never forget. Ireland cricket is certainly going in the right direction.

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Lorcan Tucker hits the wining runs to take Ireland over the line! This is bowled on a full length, outside off, Lorcan Tucker extends his arms and leans into the drive. He gets this one past cover to seal the deal for his side with a boundary. Lorcan Tucker punches the air in delight as does Andy Balbirnie. All smiles in the Irish dressing room as they win their first-ever ODI series in Zimbabwe. Ireland win by 7 wickets and seal the series 2-0!

FOUR! Dispatched by Lorcan Tucker! Tanaka Chivanga bowls it short now, on middle, Lorcan Tucker stands tall and takes no half-measures as he hammers the pull past mid-wicket for a boundary. Scores level now!

WIDE! Slips this one down leg, on a fuller length, Lorcan Tucker fails to paddle it away and it is called wide by the umpire.

Fullish delivery, on middle, Andy Balbirnie hits it down the ground to long on and takes a single.

Slower and on a length, angling into middle, Andy Balbirnie tucks it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Oh dear! Tanaka Chivanga falls over in his follow through! Attempts a bumper now, over middle, this one sits up nicely for the batter, Lorcan Tucker tonks it on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.  Chivanga loses his footing in his follow through and inspects the landing area while walking back to his mark.

WIDE! Loses his radar and bowls it on a short of a length, down leg, Lorcan Tucker gives the charge but fails to help it away. Wide called by the umpire.