ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Pool B match in Hobart in caricatures

Hobart on Saturday saw a last over thriller involving two teams which are supposed to be ‘minnows’ in world cricket – Ireland and Zimbabwe. The open Pool B encounter was the second crucial game of the Saturday which may change the complexion of the quarter-final line-up of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Ireland held their nerve in the end to clinch a five run victory over Zimbabwe in the last over.  (ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Full coverage)

Zimbabwe had won the toss and chose to field first; Brendon Taylor donned the captain’s hat in place of Elton Chigumbura who is out injured. They got Ireland under early pressure when they were not able to score runs at a good rate but the 63-run partnership between William Porterfield (29) and Ed Joyce (112) got Ireland to a stable position to attack. The 138 runs partnership between Joyce and Andrew Balbirnie (97) changed the face of the game as Ireland posted an imposing total of 331 for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs. A fantastic century from Joyce and a career-best knock of 97 from Balbirnie was crucial in the end. Tendai Chatara (three for 61) and Sean Williams (three for 72) were expensive but picked up the wickets in the end when Ireland batsmen were going for everything. (ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Points Table)

While chasing, Zimbabwe were under pressure at the start when Ireland bowlers got four wickets with only 74 on board. It was then that Taylor (121) and Sean Williams (96) got together and put up a brilliant 149 run stand which put them in a position where they could have won the game. Taylor fell but Williams carried on until a controversial decision ruled him out. John Mooney, the fielder had caught the ball on the boundary line. It went upstairs and the cameras showed that he might have just touched the rope but the third umpire gave him out, much to the anger of Zimbabwe team management. Tawanda Mupariwa (18 off 9 balls) tried hard to take on the Irish bowlers but fell short as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 326 runs in 49.3 overs. Returning Alex Cusack (four for 32) was the pick of the bowler; he took the last two wickets which gave them the much needed win. Mooney (two for 58) and Kevin O’Brien (two for 90) provided an able support in terms of wicket; although O’Brien was terribly expensive.

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Ed Joyce was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant century.

The win puts Ireland in the fourth position on the table with six points tied with Pakistan and South Africa with a game in hand. It is all to play for the Irish team. For Zimbabwe, it is pretty much over, they put up a brave fight but fell short by smallest of margins in all their games. Ireland next play India on Tuesday while Zimbabwe play the same opponent on March 14.

Brief Scores:

Ireland 331 for eight in 50 overs (Ed Joyce 112, Andrew Balbirnie 96; Tendai Chatara 3-61, Sean Williams 3-72) bt Zimbabwe 326 all out in 49.3 overs (Brendon Taylor 121, Sean Williams 96; Alex Cusack 4-32) by five runs.