ZIM VS IRE T20I

Right then, that is all from this game. Ireland emerge victorious in this game and keep the three-match T20I series alive. It is all to play for in the third and final T20I between Ireland and Zimbabwe. That game will be played on Sunday, 15th January and it will begin at 4.30 pm IST (11.00 am GMT). Do join us in advance for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Ross Adair is the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 65 runs from 47 balls. He says that it’s massively important for him to contribute whenever he gets the chance. Adds that he had a chat with the team and they discussed assessing the conditions and batting accordingly. Closes out by saying that he had faith in the lower order that they would take the side over the line after he got dismissed.

Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland, says that he is happy with the way pulled it back in the innings. Adds that it allowed them to restrict Zimbabwe to a chasable total. Shares that it was all about building partnerships and credits Ross Adair for the way he batted after the Powerplay. Also says that Harry Tector is a high-quality player. Ends by saying that he is happy to get over the line and win gives the team confidence.

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says that they should have gotten over 160 after the start they got. Adds that they had built a good platform but lost 2-3 wickets at the wrong time. Says that they got 50 odd runs in the Powerplay and should have got near 160 in the end. Lauds Ross Adair and says that he batted extremely well and it was not easy pitch to bat on. He hopes that Sean Williams and Gary Ballance are back for the third T20I. Ends by saying that lot of guys like playing here because of the crowd and how they get behind them.

Time for Presentations...

Earlier in the game, after being asked to bat first, Zimbabwe were off to a good start scoring 52 runs in the Powerplay. The batters looked in charge and as a result, Zimbabwe had a platform set to post a huge total. However, they lost wickets in a clump and lost their way in the second half of their batting effort. As a result, the hosts failed to capitalize in the back end of the innings and had to settle for a lower total. With not a big total to defend, Zimbabwe had their backs against the wall and their bowlers gave it their all but enough to get the win in this game.

Having failed to post a daunting total on the board, a lot was riding on the Zimbabwe bowlers and they needed to strike early. They did manage to keep the runs in check in the Powerplay but failed to take any early wickets. Ryan Burl was brought on in the middle overs and he struck to break the opening stand. After that wicket, they failed to keep the pressure on and lost their way against Ross Adair and Harry Tector. They did manage to take the game till the last over but with a low total on the board, they could not get over the line in this game. Despite the loss, Ryan Burl was the star with the ball with two wickets while Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava took a wicket each.

Ireland do it the hard way but chase down the total with two balls to spare. With this win, they make it 1-1 and keep the series alive. In their pursuit of 144, Ross Adair and Andy Balbirnie got the visitors off to a decent start. Ross Adair took the back seat in that partnership and it was Andy Balbirnie who kept the scoreboard ticking. After the dismissal of the skipper, Ross Adair took charge with support from Harry Tector and put on a 59-run stand. Ireland were put in a spot of bother as they lost both set batters but George Dockrell and Curtis Campher held their nerves towards the end and saw Ireland home in the final over.

SIX!! BANG!! That's it! George Dockrell finishes off in style! Length ball in the slot, George Dockrell clears his front leg and lofts it over the long-off region for a maximum. Ireland gets over the line by 6 wickets and squares up the series 1-1. This win for Ireland sets up the decider nicely on Sunday.

Yorker on the leg peg, Curtis Campher gets late to dig it out and tucks it off his pads to the onside as the batters run through for a leg bye. Just 1 needed now.

Fuller on off, Curtis Campher drives it straight to mid-off.

Fuller on off, George Dockrell drives it hard to mid-off and scampers for a single. Ryan Burl gets a direct hit from mid-off from the batter has made his ground.

Brad Evans will bowl the final over.

Short of a length into the pitch, Curtis Campher hits it over the mid-on as the fielder gives the chase and keeps it to 2.

FOUR!! CUT-AWAY! On a length and bowls it slow outside off, Curtis Campher cuts it through the point region as the ball races away for four. The nerves will be settled now in the Irish camp.

Length ball outside off, Curtis Campher cuts it hard to the backward point region who dives and saves a certain boundary.

Length ball just outside off, Curtis Campher nearly chops on back onto the stumps as the ball bounces just over the stumps to the keeper. It's all happening here in Harare.