Published: Mar 07, 2015, 11:33 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 07, 2015, 03:08 PM (IST)
Ed Joyces’ excellent outing at Hobart continued as he scored his third One-Day International (ODI) century of his career and first against Zimbabwe. This was also his second ODI ton for Ireland. Thanks to his ton and Andrew Balbirnie’s strokefull half century, Ireland were propelling in the Pool B match against Zimbabwe in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. After 40 overs Ireland reached 223 for three. Joyce finally dismissed for 112. Live Updates: Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Earlier Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor won the toss and elected to field. A defeat for Zimbabwe would mean they were unable to qualify for the quarter-finals as it would leave them with two points, with only one group match left to play. But Ireland have played one game less, so they are also a strong contender for qualifying for the next round, AFP reported. Live Scorecard: Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Ireland, currently have four points from three matches and will still have a shot of qualifying for the last eight regardless of Saturday’s result. Taylor was leading Zimbabwe after regular skipper Elton Chigumbura was ruled out of this match with a thigh injury suffered while fielding in the Africans’ preceding 20-run defeat by Pakistan. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Chigumbura’s place was taken by Regis Chakabva as Zimbabwe, who’ve only beaten the part-timers of the UAE at this World Cup so far, went in search of their second win. Ireland also entered this match on the back of a defeat, their first of this World Cup, following a 201-run thrashing by South Africa. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
They dropped Max Sorensen, who had an expensive return of none for 76 against South Africa, and brought in fellow seamer Alex Cusack. When the teams last met at the World Cup, Ireland and Zimbabwe played out a thrilling tie at Sabina Park, Kingston, during the 2007 edition in the Caribbean. Top 10 bowlers in the ICC Cricket World Cup 20
