Zimbabwe Vs Ireland 1st ODI - Ireland in Zimbabwe, 3 ODI Series, 2023 - summary

Right then, that is all we have from this cracker of a game! Zimbabwe go 1-0 up in the series and they would be looking to seal this three-match ODI series in the second ODI. Ireland, on the other hand, need to win the second game to level the series and take it to the decider. So, it is all to play for and the second ODI will be played on Saturday, 21st of January and the action will start at 12.45 pm IST (7.15 am GMT). Do, join us for the build-up. Cheers!

Ryan Burl is the player of the match for his amazing knock. He says that it is one of those games that they needed to get over the line. Adds that after the rains, they knew they had to go behind the bowlers. Ends by saying that they will look to improve in the coming games and they are happy to win this one.

Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says that it seems that every time they play the Irish it is always a close game. Tells that the wicket was sticky early on and feels that Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector batted well and the wicket got better later on. Tells that they drop their energies in the middle overs with the ball and they dropped some half-chances but credits Irish batters. Mentions that Chatara needed a rest in this game and he will be back going ahead in the series.

Paul Stirling, the stand-in skipper of Ireland, says that they had great games so far in Zimbabwe. Adds that they started off by settling in with the bat and got a good score. Says that it was a great game but the rain had its part. Ends by saying that they will come back stronger in the next game.

Time for the Presentation ...

For Ireland, this will be a tough pill to swallow! They made a great comeback with the bat after losing two early wickets on the back of centuries by Andy Balbirnie and Tector. With the ball too, they were disciplined for the most part and managed to reduce Zimbabwe to 99 for four. However, things started going away from them a bit with Burl and Raza playing some aggressive cricket. Probably, the game shortening after a rain break did not go their way, as Zimbabwe had all the freedom with six wickets in hand. Irish though would be proud of their effort and need to comeback stronger in the next game.

Ervine won an important toss and decided to bowl to make use of some bowler-friendly overcast conditions. They did start well and got two Irish openers early but Ireland still managed to get a big total as the home team failed to get wickets in the middle overs. In reply, Zimbabwean openers could not make much of an impact and Ervine and Ballance too departed after getting good starts. However, Raza and Burl, two in-form allrounders counter-attacked and kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. The rain though threatened to take the game away from Zimbabwe but it stopped at the right time and with 39 needed off 22 balls, Zimbabwe were in with a sniff. They lost Raza on the second ball after the resumption but Burl continued his superb strokeplay and smashed 59 off 41 balls to take the game to the last over. Clive Madande then showed the nerves of steel to seal the game for the home side.

Wow! What a game! Zimbabwe and Ireland continue to dish out some extraordinary thrillers! The crowd goes wild and so do the Zimbabwe dressing room, we have witnessed an amazing finish here in the fading light at Harare Sports Club! Zimbabwe needed 13 runs off the final over and it came down to the final ball with four needed and Clive Madande on strike. The young man stood up and did what very few individuals around the world have been able to do, brilliant stuff! Ireland, on the other hand, have failed to close out another close encounter, they look gutted!

Graham Hume to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! Clive Madande, you beauty! Misses his yorker and bowls a low full toss outside off, Clive Madande picks it well and powers it over mid-wicket for a boundary. What a victory for the home team. Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 3 wickets!

Graham Hume to Wellington Masakadza, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Wellington Masakadza drills it to mid off for one. 4 needed from the final delivery now!

Graham Hume to Brad Evans, out, OUT! LBW! Oh, he is gone now! Graham Hume has the last laugh! He nails almost a yorker on middle and leg. It turns out to be too good for Evans as he misses his flick shot. The ball hits his pads and there is a big appeal. The umpire raises his finger and Ireland are on top again now! Wellington Masakadza walks out to the middle now.

Graham Hume to Brad Evans, SIX, SIX! Can you believe it! Graham Hume misses his yorker and bowls it fuller and outside off, Brad Evans gets on his knee and slices it over deep point for a maximum. 5 needed off 3 deliveries now.

Brad Evans walks out to the middle now.

Graham Hume to Ryan Burl, out, 1 run, OUT! RUN OUT! Fuller and outside off, Ryan Burl pushes it towards deep covers. They take one and set off for a deadly double. Curtis Campher collects it well and throws it towards Lorcan Tucker who makes no mistake. The replay shows that Ryan Burl was off his crease and he makes his way back into the hut.

Graham Hume to Clive Madande, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Clive Madande looks to slog it but doesn't connect well. It rolls towards left of the keeper as the batters collect one.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, SIX, SIX! All the way. Fuller and on off, Ryan Burl reads it well and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.13 needed from the final over now!

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! On a length and outside off, Ryan Burl looks to swings it hard and gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away the third man fence. Lucky boundary but Zimbabwe won't mind.

Josh Little to Clive Madande, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Clive Madande drives it towards extra covers. The fielder does well to stop it. Single taken. Singles won't do it for Zimbabwe now!

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, 1 run, On a length, shaping away, Ryan Burl slaps it to mid off for one.

Josh Little to Clive Madande, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Clive Madande miscues his heave towards extra covers for one.

Josh Little to Clive Madande, 2 runs, Shaping away outside off, Clive Madande drives it to deep covers for a brace.

Josh Little to bowl the penultimate over!

Graham Hume to Clive Madande, 1 run, A low full toss on leg, Clive Madande shuffles across and drills it to long on for one. 28 runs needed in 12 balls now!

Graham Hume to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Ryan Burl drives it to covers for one.

Graham Hume to Ryan Burl, 2 runs, Lands it on off, Ryan Burl clips it to deep square leg for a brace.

Graham Hume to Ryan Burl, 4 runs,  A low full toss, outside off. Ryan Burl whips it along the ground to the deep mid-wicket region. The fielder does well to stop it at the fence but the batters collect FOUR runs. Excellent running!

Graham Hume to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and outside off, Ryan Burl drives it towards covers but restricts for a single.

Graham Hume to Clive Madande, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Clive Madande pulls it towards mid-wicket for one.

Mark Adair to Clive Madande, 1 run, Back of a length and on off, Clive Madande slices it towards deep backward point for one. Zimbabwe now need 37 runs in 18 balls at 12.33 rpo.

Mark Adair to Clive Madande, wide, 1 run, Wide! Slightly shorter and wide outside off, Clive Madande lets it go.

Mark Adair to Clive Madande, no run, Shorter and outside off, Clive Madande looks to slap it but misses.

Clive Madande walks out to the middle now.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, out, OUT! TAKEN! A huge moment in the game and Sikandar Raza departs for 43. Slightly shorter and on off, Sikandar Raza pulls it but mistimes his stroke as it carries towards cow corner. Curtis Campher settles under and takes a good catch near the ropes.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, no run, Short and wide outside off, Sikandar Raza goes for a wild swing but misses.

We are all set to resume now! We will have 22 balls more in this game now and the target for Zimbabwe is 214! So, 39 needed now from 22 balls!

Update - 8.18 pm IST (2.48 pm GMT) - There is some movement on the ground with groundstaff and umpires on the field. The side covers have been taken off! So, to state the obvious, rain has stopped! The players are also on the field now doing their practice drills. All the covers are off now. The game shall resume soon if rain stays away now.

Update - 7.50 pm IST (2.20 pm GMT) - It is still raining, folks! The covers are firmly on and must say conditions are not looking great at the moment. Also, we have started losing overs now and let's hope that our not-so-beloved friend, rain, finds some other place in the African continent to chill out. It may well enjoy conditions in the Sahara desert and countries there probably would welcome rain with loud cheer!

In the meanwhile, if you still want to enjoy some ODI cricket, you can switch tabs and enjoy the coverage of India vs New Zealand ODI. India posted a huge total of 349 runs with Shubman Gill scoring a double century. In reply. New Zealand are in some serious trouble at the moment with four down for 110 at the end of 24th over. They would probably need a miracle from that position to win the game. As said before you can switch tabs but do not forget to switch back here quickly as we bring you all the updates of this game.

Update - 7.22 pm IST (1.52 am GMT) - Here we go, the drizzle has got heavier and the umpires have finally decided to call the covers on. The groundsmen are quick to cover the pitch and surrounding area but for Zimbabwe it would be a heartbreak if match does not resume again. They are just 2 runs behind the DLS par score at the moment. The good thing for Zimbabwe and all those cricket fans who wants to watch some good quality cricket is that on-air commentator feels that it will not be a long delay and let's hope that he is right in his judgement. Also, there are around 24 minutes before we move towards a curtailed game.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Short and it is outside off. Raza first sets up to hit it but then lets it go. The umpire calls it wide. Adair is not happy with that call!

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, no run, Raza goes across to his right and Adair follows him. It is back of a length and Raza could only leave it.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, no run, Back of a length and outside off. Raza tries to punch it but the ball bounces sharply and beats the outside edge of Raza's blade.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, no run, This is full and down the leg side. Burl tries to flick it but misses. There is an appeal for a caught behind but it probably brushes the pads on its way back to the keeper.

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Back of a length, on leg. Raza works it to fine leg for a single.

There is a slight drizzle going on but not enough to stop the play yet. Let's hope it goes away soon.

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, no run, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off. Raza goes for the pull shot but misses. 

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Shortish and outside off. Burl tries to punch it through covers for a single.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, no run, Short and outside off. Burl tries to pull it but mistimes it to mid off. At the end of this over, Zimbabwe need to be at 176 without losing any further wicket according to the DLS par score.

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Back of a length, on off. Raza works it to deep square leg for a single.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Touch shorter and around off. Burl tries to cut it but gets an inside edge this time and the ball goes just past the stumps.

Drinks! Zimbabwe are currently on 171 for 4 wickets and they need118 runs in 108 balls at 6.55 rpo. Both, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza will look to pit up a gritty stand and get their team over the line. Ireland will be hoping on their bowlers to pick some quick wickets and bring the hosts under pressure. Josh Little comes into the attack.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Short and wide outside off. Burl tries to cut it but misses.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, A fullish delivery and outside off. Raza drives it to covers and takes a single.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Back of a length, on leg. Burl tries to work it towards the leg side but gets inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards the off side and a run is taken.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Back of a length, on middle. Burl makes room and slaps it just short of mid off.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! These are handy boundaries! Short and on middle. Burl tries to pull it but gets a top edge and the ball runs away towards the fence.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Just short of good length, around off. Raza punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, Touch shorter and on middle. Burl works it bit uppishly towards mid-wicket but the ball falls just short of the fielder.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 2 runs, Burl makes room and it is fuller on leg. Burl smashes it through covers. The fielder in the ring half-stops it and two runs are taken.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! Burl is enjoying batting against spinners! This is fuller and on middle. Burl shimmies down the track and flicks it uppishly but in the gap towards the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! Powerful shot! This is short and on off. Burl rocks back and pulls it towards the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, Goes fuller and on middle. Burl works it to mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, A fullish delivery on off. Burl drives it back to the bowler.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Short and on middle. Burl pulls it bit uppishly to deep square leg for a single. 136 needed now from 120 balls!

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Serves it fuller and on off. Raza drives it to mid off and takes a quick single.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, no run, On a length, on off. Raza drives it to mid on this time.

Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, SIX, SIX! Zimbabwe are starting to roll now! This is short and on off. Raza as always picks the length quickly and he pulls it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Back of a length, on middle. Burl works it to mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Back of a length, on off. Burl punches it to mid off this time.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, no run, Goes fuller and on leg. Raza tries to paddle it but could not get it away. 145 needed now from 126 balls!

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, no run, A flatter delivery on off. Raza tries to cut it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 1 run, On the shorter side, on off. Burl punches it to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, Touch shorter and on middle. Burl works it to mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Bowls it fuller and around leg. Raza reverse-sweeps it to point for a single.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, FOUR, FOUR! Raza joins the party here! Shortish and on off. Raza goes back and hits it over mid off for a boundary.

George Dockrell to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Angles it fuller on leg. Raza works it to square leg for a single.

George Dockrell to Ryan Burl, 1 run, On middle and leg. Burl works it to square leg for a single.

George Dockrell to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! Slams it through the off side this time! Short and wide outside off. Burl goes back and hits it hard through the extra-cover region for a boundary.

George Dockrell to Ryan Burl, SIX, SIX! Ryan Burl loves playing against George Dockrell! This one is tossed up on off. Burl shimmies down the track and tonks it straight down the ground for a biggie.

George Dockrell to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! First aggressive shot from Burl! Shortish and on off. Burl goes back and slams it down the ground for a boundary.

George Dockrell to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Shortish and around off. Raza cuts it to deep point for a single.

George Dockrell comes into the attack.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, Slower through the air, on off. Burl blocks it off the front foot.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Touch shorter and on middle. Raza punches it to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Flighted delivery on off. Burl shimmies down the track and drives it to long off for a single.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 2 runs, Goes fuller and around off. Burl drives it to deep extra cover and comes back for the second run.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Shortish delivery on off. Raza pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Tosses it up on middle. Burl shimmies down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, FOUR, FOUR! Raza ends the over with a boundary! Shortish delivery on off. Raza picks the length quickly and pulls it towards the mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, Serves it on a length, on off. Raza only manages to fend it behind square on the off side.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, On a length, around off. Raza dabs it towards backward point.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, 2 runs, Back of a length, on off. Raza works it to square leg and charges back for the second run, good running.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, On a length, angling into middle and leg. Raza tries to clip it but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, Lands it on a length, on off. Raza lunges forward and defends it.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Slightly shorter one, angling in, Sikandar Raza punches it to long on for one.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Ryan Burl flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Andy McBrine to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and on off, Ryan Burl flicks it to the man at mid on.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Bowls it on middle, Sikandar Raza drives it towards covers for one.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, no run, Lands it on middle, Sikandar Raza flicks it but finds the man at mid-wicket.

Andy McBrine to Sikandar Raza, 2 runs, Fuller and outside off, Sikandar Raza looks to drive it but edges it towards third man for a brace.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza miscues his drive towards long on for one.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, Bowls it on off, Sikandar Raza lunges and blocks it towards covers.

Curtis Campher to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Fuller and on middle and leg, Ryan Burl flicks it towards square leg for one.

Curtis Campher to Ryan Burl, no run, On a length and down leg, Ryan Burl misses his flick and gets a rap on his pads. A stifled appeal turned down.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Slightly shorter one, Sikandar Raza pulls it towards deep square leg for one.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, Length ball outside off, Raza punches it to short cover.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, no run, On a length and on middle, Ryan Burl defends it back towards the bowler.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, no run, Shorter and on middle, Ryan Burl ducks underneath it.

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, no run, Slightly shorter one, Sikandar Raza fends it back towards the bowler.

Josh Little to Ryan Burl, leg byes, 1 run, On a length and on leg, Ryan Burl misses his flick as it hits his pads and rolls towards the leg side. They cross for a leg bye.

Ryan Burl walks out to the middle now.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, out, OUT! TAKEN! On a length, some extra bounce, on leg, Gary Ballance looks to pull it but gets a top edge. It carries towards deep square leg. Graham Hume runs to his left and takes a good catch sliding down. Gary Ballance walks out for 23 runs!

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, On a length and on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it solidly.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, FOUR, FOUR! Back to back boundaries. Fuller one, on off, Sikandar Raza hangs back and flicks it through square leg for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, FOUR, FOUR! Bowls it outside off, Sikandar Raza goes for a wild swing and ends up slicing it through third man for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza looks to play at it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat and carries towards the right of the bowler who doesn't reach it. Safe.

Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, no run, On a length, angling in, Sikandar Raza blocks it back.

Curtis Campher to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Fuller one on middle and leg, Gary Ballance flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Bowls it on middle and leg, Gary Ballance flicks it to backward square leg for one.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, wide, 1 run, Wide! Lands it down leg, Gary Ballance misses his flick.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Slightly shorter one, Gary Ballance hangs back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary!

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, no run, Outside off this time, Gary Ballance blocks it solidly.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, no run, Slightly shorter and on off, Gary Ballance guides it to backward point. Harry Tector makes a good stop diving to his right. Good fielding!

Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza drives it to covers for one.

Josh Little to Gary Ballance, 1 run, On a length and outside off, Gary Ballance guides it to third man for one.

Harry Tector to Sikandar Raza, no run, Bowls it on leg, Sikandar Raza looks to pull it but gets a rap on his thigh. An appeal for lbw turned down. Perhaps, pitching outside leg.

Harry Tector to Sikandar Raza, no run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to covers.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Gary Ballance drives it to covers for one.

Harry Tector to Sikandar Raza, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza sweeps it to square leg for one.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, out, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Fuller one with a hint of turn, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs in the air towards mid on. Harry Tector runs for it and with another fielder going for it. Harry Tector calls for it and takes a good catch running behind. Craig Ervine makes his way back into the hut. Sikandar Raza walks in.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Gary Ballance flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, Around off, defended out.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Fuller one, Craig Ervine sweeps it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, Drifting it on the leg, Craig Ervine blocks it to square leg.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, Fuller and on off, Craig Ervine looks to play a reverse sweep but misses as the ball hits his arm and lobs towards the man at slips. A loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Good decision!

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, This one lands outside off, some turn as well, Craig Ervine looks to play at it but misses.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, Bowls it on off, Craig Ervine defends it back.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Fuller and on middle, Craig Ervine lofts it towards long off for one.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Lands it outside off, Gary Ballance drives it to covers for one.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, Around off, defended out.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, wide, 2 runs, Two Wides! Fuller and down leg, Craig Ervine misses his flick. The keeper fails to grab it as the batters collect one.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Lands it on middle, Craig Ervine knocks it towards long off for one.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Bowls it on off, it keeps a tad low, Craig Ervine blocks it solidly.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Bowls it outside off, Gary Ballance slaps it towards deep point for one.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slightly shorter one, Gary Ballance punches it towards covers for one.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Fuller and on middle, Gary Ballance moves forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary!

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, 1 run, This one lands on middle, Craig Ervine plays it towards mid on for one.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slightly shorter and outside off, Gary Ballance slaps it towards covers for one.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, no run, Fulller and on off, Gary Ballance blocks it again.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, no run, Bowls it on off, Gary Ballance blocks it back.

Drinks break. Ireland have done well to take two early wickets just like Zimbabwe did and it is upto the pair of Ervine and Ballance now to take this game deep. A lot will depend on how two left-handers will play off spin of Tector and Andy McBrine here and we have an interesting middle phase of this run-chase coming up.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Pitched up, on middle, Craig Ervine blocks it watchfully.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Outside off, Craig Ervine plays it uppishly towards deep covers for a brace.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Gary Ballance taps it to covers for one.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, Bowls it on middle, Gary Ballance lunges and blocks it away.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to point for one.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Fuller and on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to deep extra covers for a brace.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Bowls it fuller and on middle. Ervine shimmies down the track and knocks it to long on for a single.

Andy McBrine to Craig Ervine, no run, Touch short of full length, on off. Ervine with a solid block off the front foot.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Tosses it up on off. Ballance drives it to long off for a single.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, no run, Angles a flatter one on middle. Ballance defends it off the front foot.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, no run, Slower through the air, on off. Ballance fends it off the front foot.

Andy McBrine to Gary Ballance, no run, Angles a full delivery on leg. Ballance tries to sweep it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Andy McBrine comes into the attack.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Angles it on leg and it is quicker. Ballance works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, Fires it quicker on off. Ballance fends it nicely from his crease.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, Tosses it up on off. Ballance fends it off the front foot.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 2 runs, Touch shorter, on off. Turn and bounce but Ballance plays it late and with soft hands, The ball runs through backward point and two runs are added.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Bowls it quicker on leg. Ervine sweeps it to short fine leg for a single.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Tosses it up on middle and leg. Ervine tries to push it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Harry Tector comes into the attack.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Shortish and outside off. Ervine tries to cut it but gets a thick outside edge to deep backward point for a single.

Graham Hume to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Back of a length and around off. Ballance waits for it and steers it towards third man for a single. He is off the mark.

Gary Ballance walks in.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, out, OUT! CAUGHT! This time Innocent Kaia is gone and Hume would feel much better now! There are two fielders in the deep on the leg side and there is definite ploy to bowl short at him. Hume does exactly that and bowls it short on off. Kaia goes for the pull shot again. Does not bother to keep it on ground and hits it towards deep square leg where Curtis Campher takes a good low catch this time. 

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, no run, On a length, on off. Kaia dabs it towards point this time.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, 1 run, On the shorter side on middle. Ervine pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Oh, dropped! A shortish delivery on middle. Kaia pulls but does so aerially towards fine leg where  the fielder fails to take a low catch. A single taken.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, no run, A fullish delivery on off. Ervine pushes it towards mid off.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, no run, Back of a length and outside off. Ervine tries to push at it but gets beaten.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Back of a length and outside off. Kaia tries to push it away but gets an outside edge. The ball goes aerially but falls short of third man. A single taken.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, wide, 1 run, WIDE! On a length and it is well down the leg side again. Kaia lets it go this time.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Full and it is down the leg side. Kaia tries to flick it but misses.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Back of a length, on off. Kaia tries to punch it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Angles a length delivery on middle. Kaia works it towards the leg side.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Touch short and angling into middle. Kaia works it to mid-wicket.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run, On a length, on off. Ervine drives it to the mid off fielder.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Short and around off. Kaia dabs it towards the off side and takes a single.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, no run, On a length and outside off. Kaia pushes it to cover-point.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, no run, Back of a length, on off. Kaia dabs it towards the off side.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 2 runs, Back of a length, around off. Kaia shimmies down the track and tries to heave it towards the leg side. The ball goes off the top edge towards third man where two runs are taken.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, no run, Back of a length, on off. Kaia fends it from his crease.

Time for Powerplay 2! Now, a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Ervine continues to find boundaries! On a length and outside off. Ervine slashes it and does so very well through backward point where the fielder in the deep misfields a bit. The ball runs away towards the fence.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, no run, On a good length and outside off. Ervine tries to push it away but gets beaten.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Another lovely shot, Ervine is looking in fine touch here! This is full and on off. Ervine leans forward and drives it past the bowler for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, no run, Lands it on a length, on middle. Ervine works it towards the leg side.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, On a length, on middle. kaia tucks it towards the leg side for a single.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Back of a length, on off. Kaia fends it towards the off side.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Beautifully played! This is full and on off. Ervine leans forward and creams it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run, Back of a length, around off. Ervine dabs it towards point.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run, On a good length and outside off. Ervine leaves it alone.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run,  Serves it fuller and on middle. Ervine drives it to the mid on fielder.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run, Goes fuller and on middle and leg. Ervine tries to flick it but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal follows but it is going down leg.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, On a good length and outside off. Kaia guides it towards third man for a single.

Josh Little to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Angles a shortish delivery on leg. Ervine clips it to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Josh Little to Craig Ervine, no run, Back of a length, around off. Ervine rides the bounce and dabs it towards backward point.

Josh Little to Craig Ervine, no run, Lovely delivery! On a good length and outside off. The ball seams away after pitching and Ervine who initially tries to push it, takes his bat out of the line at the last moment.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Short and outside off. Kaia cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Just short of good length and around off. Kaia dabs it towards point.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Touch shorter and on off. Kaia fends it nicely from his crease.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Back of a length, on leg. Ervine clips it to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, no run, Back of a length, on off. Ervine fends it towards the off side.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 3 runs, Back of a length, on off. Kaia pulls it towards cow corner and the ball seems to be rolling towards the stumps. However, the fielder chases it and puts in a dive near the fence to save one run for his side. Three taken.

Graham Hume to Craig Ervine, 1 run, Oh, great effort but fails to hold onto it! A fullish delivery and outside off. Ervine drives it off the outside half of his blade and the ball goes right of point. The fielder there dives to take it but the ball pops out of his hands. A single taken.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, On a length, on middle. Kaia works it to fine leg for a single.

Graham Hume to Innocent Kaia, no run, Lands it on a length, on off. Kaia fends it from his crease.

Josh Little to Craig Ervine, no run, On a length, on off. Ervine is solid in his block. Cautious start from Zimbabwe this!

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Serves a fullish delivery on off. Kaia connects the drive and takes a single as the ball goes left of mid off.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Nice delivery! Little lands it on a good length and gets it to angle across the right-hander. Kaia tries to drive it away but the ball goes onto beat the outside edge of his blade.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, A fullish delivery on off. Kaia leans forward and defends it off the middle of his blade.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Back of a length and around off. Kaia punches it to the cover-point fielder.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Back of a length and down the leg side. Kaia tries to clip it but misses.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Lands it on a length, around off. Kaia fends it off the front foot.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Lovely shot. Fuller and on off, Craig Ervine stands tall and drives it through mid off for a boundary!

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, 2 runs, Fuller and on off, Craig Ervine flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, no run, On a length and outside off, Craig Ervine leaves it alone.

Craig Ervine walks out at number 3!

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, out, OUT! TAKEN! On a length and on off, shaping away a touch, Wesley Madhevere looks to drive it but gets an outside edge. It carries towards Tyrone Kane (sub) at backward point and he takes a good catch bending low. Mark Adair gets the breakthrough for Ireland.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Another one on off, Wesley Madhevere eases it to short covers.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Fuller and on off, Wellington Masakadza blocks it watchfully.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Fuller again, this is defended towards the man at square leg.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Fuller and on off, Kaia flicks it but finds the man at mid-wicket.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, FOUR, FOUR! Fuller and on off, Kaia hangs back and drives it through covers for a boundary!

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, On a length, some extra bounce, angling in, Kaia looks to block it but gets a rap on his pads. A loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Perhaps the height was the issue. Close!

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Lands it on off, Kaia drives it straight to the man at covers.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Fuller and on off, Innocent Kaia eases it to the man at mid off.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Good length, outside off, shaping away, Madhevere looks to defend it but gets beaten.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Bowls it outside off, Madhevere drives it but finds the man at covers.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, On a length again, Madhevere defends it to mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, On a length and on off, Madhevere taps it to short covers.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Fuller and on middle and leg, Kaia flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Angling in from outside off, Kaia eases it to short covers.

Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Fuller and on middle, Madhevere flicks it to the man at mid on.

Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Shorter and outside off, Madhevere let's it go.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Kaia punches it to covers for one.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Bowls it down leg, Kaia misses his flick as the ball brushes his thigh pads and lobs towards the keeper. A stifled appeal turned down.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, wide, 1 run, Wide! This one lands down leg, Kaia misses his flick.

Josh Little to Innocent Kaia, no run, Slightly shorter, shaping it away, Kaia looks to slap it but gets beaten.

Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Bowls a yorker and on off, Madhevere digs it to long off for one.

Josh Little to start from the other end.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, Lands it just outside off, Kaia reads it well and leaves it alone.

Mark Adair to Innocent Kaia, no run, On a length and on off, Kaia eases it to short covers.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Seaming it down leg, Madhevere tucks it to square leg and gets off the mark. Single taken.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Lands it outside off, Madhevere let's it go.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Fuller one and on off, Madhevere eases it back towards the bowler.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Starts with a length ball outside off, Madhevere blocks it to short covers.