ICC T20 World Cup 2012 warm-up: Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 54 runs
By CricketCountry Staff
Colombo: Sep 13, 2012
Ireland began their ICC World T20 campaign on good note as they defeated Zimbabwe in their first practice match on Thursday.
Niall O’Brian top-scored for Ireland scoring 62 runs. O’Brian was involved in a 83-run partnership with Ed Joyce. His brother Kevin hit some lusty blows towards the end of the innings and scored an unbeaten 30.
Christopher Mpofu was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe as he picked up three wickets for 39 runs.
Zimbabwe’s innings never got going as they lost Vusi Sibanda early for a duck.
Hamilton Masakadza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 44 and was involved in a 55-run partnership for the third wicket with Criag Ervine.
Both teams will face Asian minnows Bangladesh in their final warm-up match before the tournament begins.
Brief Scores: Ireland 181 for 5 in 20 overs (Niall O’Brien 62, Kevin O’Brien 30*; Mpofu 3 for 39) bt Zimbabwe 127 for 8 in 20 overs (Hamilton Masakadza 44; Alex Cusack 3 for 6, George Dockrell 3 for 28)