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Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine help Zimbabwe edge past Ireland by 2 wickets in 1st ODI

Zimbabwe and Ireland square off in the second ODI on October 11.

Zimbabwe take a 1-0 lead in the series aganst Ireland © AFP
Zimbabwe take a 1-0 lead in the series against Ireland © AFP

Sikander Raza and Craig Ervine both hit half-centuries as Zimbabwe edged Ireland by two wickets with six balls to spare in the first One-Day International on Friday. Ireland kept picking up wickets at regular intervals but the total was not big enough for their bowlers to restrict. Set a target of 220 runs to win the first of the three-game series, Raza hit an unbeaten 60 off 72 balls with four boundaries. Ervine also made 60 with his runs coming off 78 balls and featuring five fours. Earlier, Ireland reached 219-8 in 50 overs after being put into bat with Gary Wilson top scoring with an undefeated 70 from 88 balls and five boundaries. Live Scorecard: Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2015, 1st ODI at Harare

Ed Joyce also reached a half century, finishing on 53 in an innings which featured one of the game’s only two sixes. The second game of the series takes place at the same venue on Sunday. John Nyumbu and Wellington Masakadza picked up a couple of wickets for Zimbabwe. Another win for Zimbabwe in the series will seal the series, whereas Ireland have all to do in the second match as they will have to win to stay alive in the series. Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe vs Ireland 2015, 1st ODI at Harare

Ireland will be looking to making the best of this opportunity to tour a Test playing nation. They did put u a good fight, but fell about 15 to 20 runs short. They will look to redeem themselves in the second game which will be played in a couple of days.

Brief scores:

Ireland 219 for 8 in 50 Overs (Ed Joyce 53, Gary Wilson 70*; John Nyumbu 2 for 35, Wellington Masakadza 2 for 45) lost to Zimbabwe 222 for 8 in 49 Overs (Craig Ervine 60, Sikandar Raza 60*; Andy Mcbrine 2 for 53, George Dockrell 2 for 29) by 2 wickets.

 

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