Zimbabwe Vs Ireland 1st T20I - Ireland in Zimbabwe, 3 T20I Series, 2023 - fullscorecard

Right then, that is it from this game and it is Zimbabwe who lead the three-game T20I series 1-0. Ireland need to win the next game in order to make the final game interesting. The next game will be played on Saturday, the 14th of January, and will begin at 4.30 pm IST (11 am GMT) but you can join us a lot earlier for the build-up. Cheers!

Ryan Burl (4-0-29-3) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fantastic bowling. He says that it is good to get a chance and there are not many all-rounders on their team. Adds that the pitch was hard to bat on and it had assistance for the bowlers. Ends by saying that winning at the end matters and he would have loved it if they would have lost fewer wickets.

Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe says that their bowling performance was right up there and they were happy to chase a low score. Reckons that they could have been more clinical with the bat. Adds that they knew it was going to be a tricky wicket to chase and boundaries would be hard to come by but it was the dot balls that they would want to improve upon. On Ryan Burl, he says that he is a brilliant bowler and was able to get wickets here. Ends by joking about a catch that he dropped and says that he thought it wouldn't carry.

Ireland skipper, Andy Balbirnie says that it was a bit difficult as the score was not enough. Adds that 140 would have been a decent total and they could have done better. Says that they didn't bat well and that is what cost them the game. Ends by saying they need to look back on their mistakes and improve on them.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Craig Ervine opted to field first and his decision was well repaid by the bowlers as Zimbabwe picked up three wickets inside the Powerplay. They also continued to get the breakthrough whenever a partnership was forming and every bowler bowled well. Ryan Burl though was the pick of the bowlers as he ended up with three wickets. Ireland's batting was well below par and thanks to a late cameo by Gareth Delany, they were able to reach 114 runs. Coming to the chase, Zimbabwe didn't have a good start but were to keep the scoreboard ticking and ended up winning the game pretty comfortably.

A spirited bowling performance from Ireland but they just didn't have enough runs on the board. Harry Tector was surprisingly tossed the new ball and he got a wicket in the first over before Mark Adair followed it up with a wicket of his own in the next one. They were able to keep the scoring rate in check but the opposition batters were able to pick up boundaries at crucial times. Tector and Adair were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each but weren't able to garner much support from the others.

A relatively easy victory in the end for Zimbabwe and the hosts have taken the early lead in the three-game series. Needing just 115 runs for the win, Zimbabwe lost both their openers in the first couple of overs. It was then a stand of 35 runs between Gary Ballance and Wesley Madhevere that brought them back into the contest. The latter though never really looked in control and got out. Ballance too got to 30 and got out but the experienced head of Sean Williams held everything together and he received ample support from the keeper Clive Madande that ensured that they got over the line with balls to spare.

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! That's it, Zimbabwe have won and Clive Madande has finished things off in style. Fuller and on off, Clive Madande hangs back and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary and seems all pumped up. Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 5 wickets!

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, no run, This one lands on middle, Clive Madande defends it to mid on.

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! Scores level now! A full toss and on off, Clive Madande slaps it through covers for a boundary. 

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Flatter and on off, Sean Williams forces it wide of mid off for one.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! Zimbabwe are almost there now. Fuller and on off, Sean Williams moves forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. 6 runs are needed now!

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, 1 run, A low full toss, on off, Clive Madande looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect one.

Gareth Delany (3-0-20-0) comes back in to finish his spell.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Clive Madande sweeps it towards backward square leg for one. Zimbabwe now needs 11 runs in 18 balls.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, no run, Fuller and on middle, Clive Madande pushes it to the man at mid off.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! This one lands on leg, Clive Madande pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary! Excellent timing on this.

George Dockrell to Sean Williams, 3 runs, Bowls it on leg, Sean Williams looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg. The fielder does well to chase it as the batters collect three.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Clive Madande slaps it towards covers for one.

George Dockrell to Sean Williams, 1 run, Bowls it down leg, Sean Williams slogs it towards deep backward point for one.

George Dockrell (1-0-7-0) is brought back into the attack.

Barry McCarthy to Clive Madande, no run, A yorker and outside off, Clive Madande digs it to covers. Ends with a dot.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller again, on middle, Williams flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller and outside off, Sean Williams looks to loft it but misses.

Barry McCarthy to Clive Madande, 3 runs, Bowls it full and on off, Clive Madande flicks it in front of mid-wicket. The fielder does well at the fence. The batters collect three runs.

Clive Madande is the new batter in.

Barry McCarthy to Ryan Burl, out, OUT! TAKEN! Fuller and on middle, Ryan Burl looks to heave it but gets the toe end of his bat, it carries towards short mid-wicket and George Dockrell takes a fine catch around his face. Half of the Zimbabwe side is back into the hut now and Zimbabwe now need 25 runs in 28 balls.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on middle, Sean Williams flicks it towards square leg for one.

Barry McCarthy (1-0-9-0) is back into the attack.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Shorter and on middle, Ryan Burl shuffles across and lofts it over extra covers for a boundary!

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and down leg, Ryan Burl looks to slog it but misses.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams reverse sweeps it towards point for one.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Slightly shorter one, Ryan Burl punches it towards covers for one.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller one this time, this is defended back towards the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Outside off, this is defended to the man at covers.

Gareth Delany (2-0-14-0) is back on.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Slightly shorter and on off, Sean Williams stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Ryan Burl, 3 runs, Fuller ball on the pads, Burl flicks it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder misfields it but the other one does well to stop it before the fence. They collect three on this occasion.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, This one lands on middle, Sean Williams flicks it to square leg for one.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! On a length and outside off, Sean Williams hangs back and punches it uppishly through covers for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Slightly shorter and on off, Sean Williams fends it back towards the bowler.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams flicks it but finds the man at mid-wicket.

Curtis Campher (1-0-6-0) comes back in to replace Gareth Delany.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Beauty! On a length, some extra bounce, and shaping away, Ryan Burl looks to block it but misses.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and outside off, Ryan Burl looks to play at it but misses.

Ryan Burl is the new man in.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, out, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! This one lands slightly shorter and outside off, Gary Ballance rocks back and looks to cut it but misses it completely, and gets a nick on it as it carries behind the sticks. Stephen Doheny pouches it comfortably and Zimbabwe are four down now!

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. This one lands down leg, Gary Ballance pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary!

Mark Adair to Sean Williams, 1 run, On a length and on off, Sean Williams punches it to covers and runs for one. The fielder makes a diving stop and throws to the bowlers end who fails to grab it. Williams was a goner if that would have been collected by Mark Adair.

Mark Adair to Sean Williams, no run, On a length and on off, Sean Williams looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge towards short covers.

Mark Adair (2-0-7-1) is back on.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Lands it outside off, Gary Ballance looks to cut it but misses. Ends with a dot.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 2 runs, Bowls it on off, Gary Ballance drives it through covers for a brace.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams plays it towards covers. The misfield allows the batters to take one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Gary Ballance cuts it to point for one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 2 runs, This one lands on leg, Gary Ballance pulls it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, wide, 1 run, Wide! Another one wide outside off, Gary Ballance lets it go.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Angles it wide outside off, Gary Ballance moves to his left to play at it bit misses.

Gareth Delany (1-0-7-0) is back into the attack.

Fionn Hand to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Back of a length, on middle, Gary Ballance gently pulls it to square leg for one more.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 1 run, Lands it on leg, Sean Williams flicks it towards square leg for one.

Fionn Hand to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Bowls it outside off again, Gary Ballance cuts it to point for a single again.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 1 run, Outside off this time, Sean Williams guides it to covers for one.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 2 runs, Bowls it down leg, Sean Williams clips it towards fine leg for a brace.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller one, on off, Sean Williams drives it but finds the man at mid off.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, Short and wide, cut away to deep point for one. Harry Tector finishes with excellent figures of, 4-0-17-2!

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Missed opportunity! This is dragged down on leg stump, Gary Ballance pulls it along the ground and to the right of the man at deep backward square leg for only a single.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, On a length and drifted onto the pads, this is worked away 'round the corner for a run.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, Flatter one outside off, Sean Williams looks to guide it past backward point but fails to do so.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, This is on off stump, Sean Williams pushes it out on the off side.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, This is drifted into the pads, Sean Williams goes on the back foot to flick but gets a leading edge towards backward point.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, This is full and wide, Sean Williams slices this one over the vacant backward point region and picks up a single. The 50 is now up for Zimbabwe. 65 needed now off 66 balls.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 2 runs, Slower one, bowled into the pitch and outside off, Sean Williams pulls it off the inner half of the bat and behind square leg for a couple of runs.

Curtis Campher to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Full and outside off, Gary Ballance drives it off the outer half of the bat and uppishly down to third man for a single.

Curtis Campher to Gary Ballance, no run, This is bowled from around the wicket and angled in from outside off. Gary Ballance taps it toward backward point.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, Good running! Length, around the top of off, Sean Williams plays it with soft hands in front of cover-point and sets off for the quick single.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, wide, 1 run, WIDE! This is banged in way too short and balloons over the batter's head. A wide is called.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Starts with a good-length delivery around off, Sean Williams punches it without much timing and toward mid off.

Curtis Campher comes into the attack.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, Flatter one around off, this is eased away through cover-point for a single.

Sean Williams is the new batter.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, out, OUT! TIMBER! Wesley Madhevere never looked settled out in the middle and Harry Tector cleans him up. Tector knows Madhevere is itching to step out and cleverly tosses it up on a shorter length and around off stump. Madhevere does step out and moves past the leg stump as well as he looks for the slog. The ball beats him in the flight and spins in to castle into the stumps. Tector is delighted and Ireland do have their third.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Half an appeal for a stumping and it is sent upstairs. This is very full and around leg stump. Wesley Madhevere attempts the cheeky reverse paddle but misses and Stephen Doheny fails to collect the ball cleanly as well. Madhevere falls over a bit but manages to plant a piece of his back leg inside the crease before the bails are taken off. Not Out!

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Beautifully bowled but Gary Ballance survives. Harry Tector bowls it slower and shorter around off, the ball sticks on the pitch and turns away leaving Ballance surprised. The ball takes the leading edge but lobs up well to the left of backward point. They get a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Tector sees Madhevere coming down the track and drags the length back. Madhevere forces it through mid on for a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is quicker and flatter around leg stump, Madhevere looks for the reverse sweep but misses and gets struck on the pads.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is shorter and around off, Madhevere punches it through the point region for a single.

George Dockrell to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Just keeping the scoreboard ticking here. This is fuller and around leg stump, Gary Ballance knocks it down to long on and turns the strike over.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is angled into the pads, Madhevere steps out and heaves it off the inner half of the bat toward deep mid-wicket for one more.

George Dockrell to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slower and shorter outside off, this is eased away through cover-point for a single.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Drops it short now around the body, Madhevere works it off the back foot in front of square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 2 runs, This is tossed up on leg stump, Madhevere charges down the track and heaves it against the turn over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

George Dockrell comes into the attack now.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, no run, This is a good bumper over middle, Gary Ballance looks to pull but misses and takes a blow on the helmet. Hope he is fine though. At the end of the Powerplay, Zimbabwe are 34/2!

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, no run, Good length around off and angling away, Ballance covers the line well and blocks it out.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, SIX, SIX! Easily done! On the hips and Gary Ballance just flicks it aerially and all the way over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Madhevere is living on a knife's edge here! This is banged in short and over middle, Madhevere looks to pull but gets a top edge that lands well short of the man at mid off. They scamper through for one.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Swing and a miss! This is pitched up around off, Madhevere steps down the track and throws the kitchen sink at it but misses the ball completely.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Shorter and angling down the leg side, wide called.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Excellent work in the field! This is full and outside off, Gary Ballance absolutely smashes it uppishly to the right of extra cover. The man over there flies to his right and manages to get a hand on it. That is not a dropped chance but rather three runs saved.

Barry McCarthy comes into the attack now.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Shorter on middle and leg, this is pulled away through mid-wicket for one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Lucky boundary! Flatter one outside off, Gary Ballance looks to cut off the back foot but gets an under edge through the keeper's leg and the ball runs away into the fence.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Fuller and on the pads, this is nudged away leg side with soft hands.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, A tad shorter and wider, Gary Ballance looks to cut but fails to beat the diving man at point.

Gareth Delany to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, On a length and angling into leg stump, Madhevere tucks it away in front of square leg and rotates the strike.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, This is on the shorter side on middle, Gary Ballance flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Gareth Delany comes into the attack.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Another dot to end the over and just the wide of it! Back of a length around middle, Madhevere looks to pull but misses and takes a blow in the mid-riff.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Pitched up outside off, Madhevere looks to drive through covers but gets it off the inner half toward short mid-wicket. Curtis Campher over there makes a sharp stop to his left.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, On a shortish length and on the body, Madhevere looks to use his feet and work it on the leg side but fails to get it away.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, wide, 1 run, WIDE! An attempted short ball over leg stump, balloons over the head of Madhevere and a wide is called.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Good length around middle, this is tucked away toward mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is bowled back of a length and around off, Madhevere walks toward the ball and looks to punch but is beaten yet again.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Beaten! This is bowled on a length around off and the ball seams back in off the deck. Madhevere looks to play at it but is beaten on the inside edge.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, This is pushed through quicker and on a nagging length outside off. Gary Ballance looks to rock back and cut but misses.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, This is speared into middle, Gary Ballance keeps it out on the off side.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is bowled on middle, Madhevere backs away and lofts it down to long on for a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 2 runs, Tector comes from around the wicket and tosses it up outside off, Wesley Madhevere steps out but gets beaten in the flight. Madhevere manages to squeeze it over the cover-point region and picks up a couple of runs.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is dug into the pitch and around middle, Wesley Madhevere manages to defend it out.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR, FOUR! Putting the pressure back on the bowling side. This is fuller and angles across the off stump. Wesley Madhevere dances down the track and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, no run, Mark Adair comes from around the wicket and angles in a length ball from outside off. This one shapes away and as Gary Ballance has a little dab at it, he gets beaten past the outside edge.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Full and wide, Wesley Madhevere reaches out and squeezes it through backward point for one.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Gary Ballance is off the mark in T20Is! This is full and on the pads, Ballance flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, no run, Beaten! Good length, in that channel around off and angling across. Gary Ballance looks to block but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Gary Ballance is the new batter.

Mark Adair to Tadiwanashe Marumani, out, OUT! LBW! Zimbabwe have now lost both openers inside the first two overs. On a good length around leg stump and just shaping back in a touch. Tadiwanashe Marumani gets caught on the crease and as he looks to hop and tuck, he misses. The ball hits him high on the pads and there is a aloud appeal. It is given and the replays show that it is pitching in line. Mark Adair is all pumped up.

Mark Adair to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR, FOUR! Classy shot first up from Tadiwanashe Marumani. This is on a good length around middle, Marumani punches it straight back with brilliant timing and the ball races away into the long off fence.

Wesley Madhevere is the new batter. Also, Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, out, OUT! CAUGHT! Harry Tector does get his man and the Zimbabwean skipper departs early. Just holds it back a touch and bowls it on middle and leg. Craig Ervine takes the aerial route and lofts it high over mid on. Barry McCarthy over there runs back and keeps his eyes on the ball before taking a good catch. Just the start Ireland needed.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Craig Ervine and Zimbabwe are up and running! This is fuller and around off, Ervine drives it past mid off and finds the fence.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Quicker one, around off, Ervine chops it onto the off side.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Flatter again and around off, this is hit firmly but straight to mid off.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Flatter one angled into middle and leg, Craig Ervine looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, DROPPED! Harry Tector could have had a wicket off his very first delivery in T20I cricket. Starts off with a tossed-up delivery outside off. Craig Ervine looks to drive and does so uppishly and straight to Gareth Delany at covers. Delany makes a complete mess of it and spills it down. What a let-off this is!

We are back for the chase. The players and the umpires have made their way out in the middle. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Craig Ervine are the openers for Zimbabwe. Harry Tector comes to bowl. Here we go...

... The Run Chase ...

Zimbabwe were excellent with the ball! It was Ryan Burl who ran havoc and provided a great spell for his team. He ended with three wickets beside his name. Wellington Masakadza was very economical and bagged two wickets as well. Richard Ngarava and Chatara took two wickets too, whilst Evans has one in his kitty. Zimbabwe will be counting on their batters now to chase this low score down with ease. Which team will get over the line? To find out, do join us for the second essay in a short while.

Ireland have struggled with the blade here and they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Stephan Doheny and Curtis Campher were the only two batters from the top order who scored in double digits. The rest of the batters kept on giving their wickets away, with no one trying to just consolidate. Gareth Delany played a good knock at the end and scored 24 runs off 20 deliveries and has given the Irish bowlers a fighting chance in the game.

A dull outing for the visitors and Zimbabwe will be pleased with how things have panned out at the halfway mark. They have outclassed the visitors with the ball and would be the happier side going into the break as they have kept Ireland to a below-par score of 114 runs.

Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, out, OUT! TAKEN! A spectacular catch from Craig Ervine and Ireland have been bundled out here! Tendai Chatara pitches it up outside off. Barry McCarthy hangs deep in his crease and looks to loft it over mid off. The timing isn't great but still, the ball seems to go over mid off. Ervine over there takes a couple of steps back and jumps backward to take a one-handed stunner with his left hand. McCarthy cannot believe it and Ireland have been bowled out for 114!

Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, no run, This is slower and shorter well outside the off stump. Barry McCarthy walks past the stumps and looks to pull but misses. No wide is called.

Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, 1 run, This is around middle and leg, Barry McCarthy pushes it back to the bowler who fumbles and the ball rolls toward mid on. They get the single.

Richard Ngarava to Fionn Hand, leg byes, 1 run, LEG BYE! Slower one bowled into the pitch and around leg stump. Fionn Hand looks to pull but misses. The ball goes off his body and towards backward point. They scamper through for one.

Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, 1 run, Back of a length and outside off, Barry McCarthy makes room and cuts it toward deep point for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, FOUR, FOUR! Excellent shot! Just a fraction shorter and outside off, Barry McCarthy cuts it hard and finds the point boundary. The fielder from deep cover couldn't get there as it was timed beautifully.

Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, 2 runs, Good length around off, this is played square of the wicket on the off side for a couple of runs.

Barry McCarthy walks in.

Richard Ngarava to Gareth Delany, out, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! 'You miss, I hit,' stuff from Richard Ngarava and he gets rid of Gareth Delany. Delany pre-meditates and shimmies down the wicket. Ngarava pulls the length back and angles it across from around leg stump. Delany looks to slap it away but misses and the ball castles into the off pole. Ireland lose their ninth wicket now.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, 1 run, Back of a length and around off, this is dabbed away in front of covers for a single.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, no run, Nice change up! Takes pace off the ball and bowls it on a length over middle and leg. Gareth Delany misses the slog by a long way and the ball just goes over the stumps.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, 2 runs, Excellent running again and these are crucial runs here for Ireland. Short and wide again, Gareth Delany mistimes the lofted drive through cover-point and hurries back for the second.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, FOUR, FOUR! Slapped away and the 100 is up for Ireland! This is banged in short and wide, Gareth Delany holds his shape and lofts it over wide mid off for a boundary.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, 2 runs, Two more! Shorter and around leg stump, Delany works it off his hips and past the diving fielder at backward square leg for a brace.

Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, 2 runs, Back of a length around middle and angling in. Gareth Delany hops and looks to work it leg side but gets a leading edge through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, 1 run, On middle and leg, flicked away to deep mid-wicket for one.

Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, 2 runs, Excellent running! This is shorter and on leg stump, Gareth Delany works it to the left of square leg and races back for the second with ease.

Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, no run, Flights it up nicely outside off, Delany defends it out.

Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, FOUR, FOUR! Well struck! This is a half-volley outside off, Gareth Delany lofts it inside-out over extra cover and finds the fence.

Sean Williams to Fionn Hand, 1 run, This is fuller and down the leg side, Hand flicks it behind square and picks up a single.

Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, 1 run, On the shorter side and angling into the pads, Delany works it on the leg side for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Fionn Hand, FOUR, FOUR! This is quicker and flatter around off, Fionn Hand chops it past short third man and the ball tirckles away into the fence. 

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, 1 run, Flighted delivery, a tad outside off. Gareth Delany drills it down to long on and sneaks a run.

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, no run, This is shorter and sliding into middle, Gareth Delany keeps it out.

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, no run, Flatter around off, this is nudged away toward backward point.

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, 2 runs, Just in! Fionn Hand survives! This is on middle and leg, Gareth Delany flicks it well in front of mid-wicket and looks for two straight away. Sean Williams in the deep picks it up and fires in a throw at the non-striker's end. The throw is a bit wide and Wellington Masakadza has to reach to collect the ball and whip off the bails. The replays show that this delay allowed Hand to drag his bat in.

Is that a run-out? Fionn Hand seems to be struggling here and Zimbabwe are confident. The third umpire is called in. He checks it from a lot of different angles and finds that Hand is just in. Not Out!

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, no run, Nagging length on off stump, pushed back to the bowler.

Ryan Burl to Fionn Hand, FOUR, EDGED AND FOUR! This is fuller and around off, turning away. Fionn Hand goes for the booming cover drive but gets a thick outside edge that flies past the man at first slip and runs away into the third man fence.

Fionn Hand walks in.

Ryan Burl to Mark Adair, out, OUT! CAUGHT! Ireland are going down in a hurry here. Ryan Burl bowls it on a shorter length and turns it away from outside off. It is there to be cut and Mark Adair opts to do so off the back foot. The ball just sticks on the surface a bit and Adair ends up slicing it in front of short third man. Craig Ervine takes an easy catch diving forward and Zimbabwe are now two wickets away from bundling out the opposition.

Ryan Burl to Mark Adair, no run, Beaten! This is quicker and shorter around off. Adair looks for the cut but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Ryan Burl to Mark Adair, no run, Flatter delivery on off, Mark Adair punches it off the back foot past point.

Ryan Burl to Mark Adair, 2 runs, This is the googly, turning into the pads, Mark Adair picks it up and works it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Ryan Burl to Gareth Delany, 1 run, This is full and on off, driven through mid off for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Mark Adair, no run, DROPPED! Oh, the bowler has made a mess of it! This is a tad shorter and drifted onto middle. The ball sticks in the surface and turns away. Mark Adair looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge. The ball pops up over the bowler's head who is slow to get to it and the stumps also come in between. In the end, Wellington only gets a fingertip on it.

Mark Adair is the new man in.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, out, OUT! TAKEN! Straight to the man and Wellington Masakadza gets his second wicket of the over. This is simply poor batting from the Iriosh batters. This is bowled on a length around off and turning away. Tyrone Kane slogs it against the turn and takes on the longer part of the ground. This is hit flat and towards deep mid-wicket where Wesley Madhevere takes a simple catch around his face. Kane departs and Ireland are seven down inside the 14th over.

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, 1 run, Tossed up full and around middle, Delany pushes it to mid on for a quick single.

Wellington Masakadza to Gareth Delany, no run, Flatter one again around off, Gareth Delany tentatively blocks it out.

Gareth Delany is the new man in.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, out, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A ripper of a take from Clive Madande behind the sticks and Curtis Campher has to depart. Campher backs away past the leg stump and Wellington Masakadza follows hi with a quicker delivery. This is bowled flatter and angled in. Campher looks to cut close from the body but gets an inside edge. Clive pouches it sharply and that too low and the finger is eventually raised.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, no run, This is shorter and outside off, Curtis Campher rocks back and cuts it straight to point.

Sean Williams to Tyrone Kane, no run, Short and wide, cut away into front of cover-point.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, 1 run, Shorter and around middle, tucked away through mid-wicket for a single.

Sean Williams to Tyrone Kane, 1 run, And again but just for a single this time. Fuller and outside off, broomed away towards deep backward square leg for one.

Sean Williams to Tyrone Kane, FOUR, FOUR! This is floated up outside off, Tyrone Kane fetches the ball and sweeps it behind square leg for a boundary.

Sean Williams to Tyrone Kane, 2 runs, Nicely played! This is floated up around off stump, Kane lofts it over wide mid off and picks up a couple of runs.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, 1 run, This is bowled around middle, Campher pushes it down to long on for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, no run, Flatter one on off stump, this is blocked back to the bowler.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, no run, Quicker one, bowled fuller and outside off, Tyrone Kane doesn't play at it.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, no run, Beaten! This is tossed up a bit, full and outside off, turning further away. Tyrone Kane has a swipe across the line but misses.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, 1 run, This is shorter and around off, Curtis Campher sweeps it past square leg for a run.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, 1 run, This is fired in around off, Tyrone Kane shimmies down the track and strokes it through covers for a single.

Wellington Masakadza to Tyrone Kane, no run, Flatter delivery around off, this is cut away to point.

Ryan Burl to Tyrone Kane, 1 run, Another googly, on a length and turning in from outside off, this is pushed away square on the off side for one.

Tyrone Kane is the new man in.

Ryan Burl to George Dockrell, out, OUT! TIMBER! Ryan Burl has the last laugh here and sends George Dockrell packing! Burl drags the length back and bowls it quicker around middle. Dockrell looks for the pull but it is the googly and this one keeps a bit low as well. Dockrell gets beaten all ends up and the ball crashes into the stumps. An unecessary shot this one and Ireland have lost half their side now.

Ryan Burl to George Dockrell, SIX, SIX! BANG! This is tossed up right in the slot around middle. George Dockrell clears the front leg and whacks it right back over the bowler's head for the first maximum of the game.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, 1 run, Is that a dropped catch? According to the umpire, yes it is! This is quicker and flatter around off, Curtis Campher looks to sweep but might have got a glove on it. Clive Madande fumbles the catch and they scamper through for one.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, 2 runs, Cheeky again! This is on a length around middle, Campher gets inside the line and scoops it toward short fine leg for a couple of runs.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, FOUR, FOUR! Skillful from Curtis Campher. This is full and outside off, Campher attempts the reverse sweep and nails it wide of the man at short third man for a boundary.

Wellington Masakadza to George Dockrell, no run, On off, defended out.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, leg byes, 1 run, Bowls it down leg, Curtis Campher looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls towards short fine leg for one.

Wellington Masakadza to George Dockrell, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, George Dockrell looks to punch it but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, 1 run, Outside off, this is played towards point for one.

Wellington Masakadza to Curtis Campher, no run, This one lands down leg, Curtis Campher misses his flick and gets a rap on his pads.

Wellington Masakadza to George Dockrell, 1 run, Bowls it on middle, George Dockrell tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Wellington Masakadza comes into the attack now.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, 2 runs, A juicy full toss on off, Curtis Campher slaps it to sweeper cover for a brace.

Ryan Burl to George Dockrell, 1 run, Fuller ball on the off, Dockrell drives it to covers for a single.

Ryan Burl to George Dockrell, no run, This one lands outside off, George Dockrell looks to play at it but misses.

Ryan Burl to George Dockrell, no run, Fuller and on off, George Dockrell blocks it back.

George Dockrell walks in with Ireland in a spot of bother.

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, out, OUT! BOWLED! Here comes the wrong 'un and Tector gets completely deceived by it. This one lands on off, it turns in a bit, Harry Tector looks to loft it but misses it completely and the ball rattles over the leg pole. Harry Tector makes his way back into the pavilion.

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it on off, Harry Tector eases it to short covers.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, no run, Fuller and on off, Curtis Campher drives it but finds the man at covers. The Zimbabwe players are asking for a catch and the umpires come together for a chat. The third umpire is called in and he checks it from a few different angles. This one seems to be really close but the benefit of the doubt might be given to the batter. The third umpire concludes that it is indeed a bump-ball.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, 2 runs, Bowls it on off, Curtis Campher slaps it towards deep point for a brace.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, no run, Bowls it on off, this is defended towards point.

Sean Williams to Harry Tector, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Harry Tector eases it to covers for one again.

Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, 1 run, This is floated up outside off, and Curtis Campher drives it behind square on the off side for a single.

Sean Williams to Harry Tector, 1 run, Length ball on the off, Harry Tector cuts it to the point region for a single.

Sean Williams to roll his arm over.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, no run, Outside off this time, Curtis Campher eases it to the man at point.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, no run, Fuller and on off, this is defended out solidly.

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, FOUR, FOUR! Similar to the last delivery, Curtis Campher looks to play at it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away to the third man fence for a boundary!

Ryan Burl to Curtis Campher, no run, Bowls it outside off, turning away, Curtis Campher looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Harry Tector flicks it towards square leg for one.

Ryan Burl to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it on leg, this is blocked back towards the bowler.

Curtis Campher is the new man in. Also, Ryan Burl has now been brought into the attack.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, out, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A bit of swing and another one bites the dust. This one lands shorter and outside off, Stephen Doheny moves forward to slap it away through covers but misses it completely, gets the slightest of the edge and Clive Madande behind the sticks makes no mistake. Stephen Doheny makes his way back to the hut!

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, 2 runs, On a length and on off, Stephen Doheny flicks it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Brad Evans to Harry Tector, leg byes, 1 run, This one lands down leg, Harry Tector looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls towards short fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Brad Evans to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it outside off, Harry Tector looks to play at it but misses.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, 1 run, On a length and on off, Stephen Doheny flicks it towards square leg for one.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, FOUR, FOUR! Slightly shorter and on off, Stephen Doheny moves forward and slices it over point for a boundary!

Richard Ngarava to Stephen Doheny, 1 run, On a length and on off, Stephen Doheny eases it to mid on for one.

Richard Ngarava to Stephen Doheny, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Shorter and on off, Stephen Doheny moves forward and carves it over backward point for a boundary!

Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, 1 run, Similar to the last delivery, Harry Tector steers it to covers for one.

Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, no run, Good-length delivery, angling in, Harry Tector eases it to covers.

Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, no run, This one lands outside off, Harry Tector looks to thrash it through covers but misses.

Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it on off, Harry Tector blocks it towards point.

Richard Ngarava (1-0-6-1) to bowl from the opposite end now.

Brad Evans to Harry Tector, 1 run, This one lands down leg, Harry Tector tickles it towards short fine leg for one.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, 1 run, Fuller one this time, Stephen Doheny eases it to covers for one.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, no run, Bowls it on off, this is blocked towards covers.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, no run, Dropped! Back of a length and outside off, shaping away a touch, Stephen Doheny looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball carries towards the first slip. The fielder there, Craig Ervine makes a good attempt forward but drops it. Close!

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, no run, Play and a miss. This one lands outside off, Stephen Doheny looks to slap it but misses.

Brad Evans to Stephen Doheny, no run, Bowls it outside off, Stephen Doheny defends it to point.

Brad Evans comes into the attack now.

Tendai Chatara to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it on off, Harry Tector eases it to the man at point.

Tendai Chatara to Harry Tector, no run, Fuller and on middle, Harry Tector defends it back towards the bowler.

Tendai Chatara to Harry Tector, no run, Bowls it outside off, Harry Tector leaves it alone.

Harry Tector is the new man in.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, out, OUT! TAKEN! The skipper departs. Shorter and wide outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to slap it but mistimes it completely, finds Ryan Burl at backward point who reacts well and takes a fine catch around his chest. Andy Balbirnie departs for just five runs!

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, no run, Bowls it outside off, Andy Balbirnie looks to play at it but misses.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Fuller and on off, Andy Balbirnie moves forward and drives it through extra covers for a boundary!

Richard Ngarava to Stephen Doheny, no run, Around off, blocked out.

Richard Ngarava to Stephen Doheny, 2 runs, Length ball outside off, Stephen Doheny shuffles across and clips it to square leg to get off the mark with a couple of runs.

Stephen Doheny, the other debutant comes in at number 3.

Richard Ngarava to Ross Adair, out, OUT! TIMBER! Richard Ngarava draws the first blood. Pulls his length back a bit, and bowls it on off and middle, Ross Adair shimmies down the wicket to slap it but misses it completely. The ball clips the top of the bails and Ross Adair makes his way back into the hut cheaply on debut. Zimbabwe have an early breakthrough in the game.

Richard Ngarava to Ross Adair, no run, Angling in from outside off, Ross Adair blocks it back.

Richard Ngarava to Ross Adair, FOUR, FOUR! Pitched up, on middle and leg, Ross Adair uses the pace of the ball and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary!

Richard Ngarava to Ross Adair, no run, Fuller and on off, Ross Adair guides it to the man at covers.

Richard Ngarava to operate from the other end.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, no run, A dot ball to end the first over. Good-length ball on the off stump, Andy Balbirnie covers the line of the ball and defends it solidly.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, no run, Bowls it on off, Andy Balbirnie eases it to the man at covers.

Tendai Chatara to Ross Adair, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Ross Adair knocks it to long on for one and gets his first runs in international cricket.

Tendai Chatara to Ross Adair, no run, Some extra bounce, on off, Ross Adair taps it to the man at point.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, 1 run, Outside off, Andy Balbirnie guides it to backward point for one.

Tendai Chatara to Andy Balbirnie, no run, On a length, some extra bounce, angling in, Andy Balbirnie looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball bounces off the deck. 

Right then, we are done with the pre-match proceedings. Zimbabwe players are seen in a huddle, near the ropes. Ross Adair and Andy Balbirnie are the opening pair for Ireland. Tendai Chatara comes to bowl. Here we go...

We are all set for the game to begin. Both teams are lined up for the National anthem, It will be Ireland's first, followed by the National anthem of Zimbabwe.

Andy Balbirnie, the Irish skipper says that they were looking to bat first as they weren't sure and it is usually a good wicket here. Adds that they achieved their goal in the T20 World Cup but just like Zimbabwe, they too left a bit of something there and could have achieved more. Adds that Stephen and Ross Adair are all set to make their senior debuts. Ends by saying that in T20 cricket it doesn't matter much whether you bat first or second, you just have to do well.

Craig Ervine the skipper of Zimbabwe says that they will bowl first. Adds that it has a bit of moisture and they will look to restrict their opponents to a low total. Ends by saying that they will look forward to win this game. Confirms that Gary Ballance will make his debut for Zimbabwe in this game.

PITCH REPORT - The pitch should have a bit of swing and it has a bit of grass as well. The pitch is nice and hard and has some moisture in the air as well. The pitch supports the bowling side.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Andy Balbirnie (C), Harry Tector, Ross Adair (On debut), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny (On debut) (WK), Fionn Hand, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy and Mark Adair.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine (C), Gary Ballance (On debut), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande (WK), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava and Tendai Chatara.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

Right then, that is it from this game and it is Zimbabwe who lead the three-game T20I series 1-0. Ireland need to win the next game in order to make the final game interesting. The next game will be played on Saturday, the 14th of January, and will begin at 4.30 pm IST (11 am GMT) but you can join us a lot earlier for the build-up. Cheers!

Ryan Burl (4-0-29-3) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fantastic bowling. He says that it is good to get a chance and there are not many all-rounders on their team. Adds that the pitch was hard to bat on and it had assistance for the bowlers. Ends by saying that winning at the end matters and he would have loved it if they would have lost fewer wickets.

Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe says that their bowling performance was right up there and they were happy to chase a low score. Reckons that they could have been more clinical with the bat. Adds that they knew it was going to be a tricky wicket to chase and boundaries would be hard to come by but it was the dot balls that they would want to improve upon. On Ryan Burl, he says that he is a brilliant bowler and was able to get wickets here. Ends by joking about a catch that he dropped and says that he thought it wouldn't carry.

Ireland skipper, Andy Balbirnie says that it was a bit difficult as the score was not enough. Adds that 140 would have been a decent total and they could have done better. Says that they didn't bat well and that is what cost them the game. Ends by saying they need to look back on their mistakes and improve on them.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Craig Ervine opted to field first and his decision was well repaid by the bowlers as Zimbabwe picked up three wickets inside the Powerplay. They also continued to get the breakthrough whenever a partnership was forming and every bowler bowled well. Ryan Burl though was the pick of the bowlers as he ended up with three wickets. Ireland's batting was well below par and thanks to a late cameo by Gareth Delany, they were able to reach 114 runs. Coming to the chase, Zimbabwe didn't have a good start but were to keep the scoreboard ticking and ended up winning the game pretty comfortably.

A spirited bowling performance from Ireland but they just didn't have enough runs on the board. Harry Tector was surprisingly tossed the new ball and he got a wicket in the first over before Mark Adair followed it up with a wicket of his own in the next one. They were able to keep the scoring rate in check but the opposition batters were able to pick up boundaries at crucial times. Tector and Adair were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each but weren't able to garner much support from the others.

A relatively easy victory in the end for Zimbabwe and the hosts have taken the early lead in the three-game series. Needing just 115 runs for the win, Zimbabwe lost both their openers in the first couple of overs. It was then a stand of 35 runs between Gary Ballance and Wesley Madhevere that brought them back into the contest. The latter though never really looked in control and got out. Ballance too got to 30 and got out but the experienced head of Sean Williams held everything together and he received ample support from the keeper Clive Madande that ensured that they got over the line with balls to spare.

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! That's it, Zimbabwe have won and Clive Madande has finished things off in style. Fuller and on off, Clive Madande hangs back and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary and seems all pumped up. Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 5 wickets!

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, no run, This one lands on middle, Clive Madande defends it to mid on.

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! Scores level now! A full toss and on off, Clive Madande slaps it through covers for a boundary. 

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Flatter and on off, Sean Williams forces it wide of mid off for one.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! Zimbabwe are almost there now. Fuller and on off, Sean Williams moves forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. 6 runs are needed now!

Gareth Delany to Clive Madande, 1 run, A low full toss, on off, Clive Madande looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect one.

Gareth Delany (3-0-20-0) comes back in to finish his spell.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, 1 run, Bowls it on off, Clive Madande sweeps it towards backward square leg for one. Zimbabwe now needs 11 runs in 18 balls.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, no run, Fuller and on middle, Clive Madande pushes it to the man at mid off.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, FOUR, FOUR! This one lands on leg, Clive Madande pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary! Excellent timing on this.

George Dockrell to Sean Williams, 3 runs, Bowls it on leg, Sean Williams looks to slog it but gets a top edge. It goes towards fine leg. The fielder does well to chase it as the batters collect three.

George Dockrell to Clive Madande, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Clive Madande slaps it towards covers for one.

George Dockrell to Sean Williams, 1 run, Bowls it down leg, Sean Williams slogs it towards deep backward point for one.

George Dockrell (1-0-7-0) is brought back into the attack.

Barry McCarthy to Clive Madande, no run, A yorker and outside off, Clive Madande digs it to covers. Ends with a dot.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller again, on middle, Williams flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller and outside off, Sean Williams looks to loft it but misses.

Barry McCarthy to Clive Madande, 3 runs, Bowls it full and on off, Clive Madande flicks it in front of mid-wicket. The fielder does well at the fence. The batters collect three runs.

Clive Madande is the new batter in.

Barry McCarthy to Ryan Burl, out, OUT! TAKEN! Fuller and on middle, Ryan Burl looks to heave it but gets the toe end of his bat, it carries towards short mid-wicket and George Dockrell takes a fine catch around his face. Half of the Zimbabwe side is back into the hut now and Zimbabwe now need 25 runs in 28 balls.

Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on middle, Sean Williams flicks it towards square leg for one.

Barry McCarthy (1-0-9-0) is back into the attack.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Shorter and on middle, Ryan Burl shuffles across and lofts it over extra covers for a boundary!

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and down leg, Ryan Burl looks to slog it but misses.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams reverse sweeps it towards point for one.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, 1 run, Slightly shorter one, Ryan Burl punches it towards covers for one.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller one this time, this is defended back towards the bowler.

Gareth Delany to Ryan Burl, no run, Outside off, this is defended to the man at covers.

Gareth Delany (2-0-14-0) is back on.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. Slightly shorter and on off, Sean Williams stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Ryan Burl, 3 runs, Fuller ball on the pads, Burl flicks it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder misfields it but the other one does well to stop it before the fence. They collect three on this occasion.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, This one lands on middle, Sean Williams flicks it to square leg for one.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, FOUR, FOUR! On a length and outside off, Sean Williams hangs back and punches it uppishly through covers for a boundary!

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Slightly shorter and on off, Sean Williams fends it back towards the bowler.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams flicks it but finds the man at mid-wicket.

Curtis Campher (1-0-6-0) comes back in to replace Gareth Delany.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Beauty! On a length, some extra bounce, and shaping away, Ryan Burl looks to block it but misses.

Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, no run, Fuller and outside off, Ryan Burl looks to play at it but misses.

Ryan Burl is the new man in.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, out, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! This one lands slightly shorter and outside off, Gary Ballance rocks back and looks to cut it but misses it completely, and gets a nick on it as it carries behind the sticks. Stephen Doheny pouches it comfortably and Zimbabwe are four down now!

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Fine shot. This one lands down leg, Gary Ballance pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary!

Mark Adair to Sean Williams, 1 run, On a length and on off, Sean Williams punches it to covers and runs for one. The fielder makes a diving stop and throws to the bowlers end who fails to grab it. Williams was a goner if that would have been collected by Mark Adair.

Mark Adair to Sean Williams, no run, On a length and on off, Sean Williams looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge towards short covers.

Mark Adair (2-0-7-1) is back on.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Lands it outside off, Gary Ballance looks to cut it but misses. Ends with a dot.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 2 runs, Bowls it on off, Gary Ballance drives it through covers for a brace.

Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, 1 run, Fuller and on off, Sean Williams plays it towards covers. The misfield allows the batters to take one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slightly shorter and on off, Gary Ballance cuts it to point for one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 2 runs, This one lands on leg, Gary Ballance pulls it towards deep square leg for a brace.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, wide, 1 run, Wide! Another one wide outside off, Gary Ballance lets it go.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Angles it wide outside off, Gary Ballance moves to his left to play at it bit misses.

Gareth Delany (1-0-7-0) is back into the attack.

Fionn Hand to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Back of a length, on middle, Gary Ballance gently pulls it to square leg for one more.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 1 run, Lands it on leg, Sean Williams flicks it towards square leg for one.

Fionn Hand to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Bowls it outside off again, Gary Ballance cuts it to point for a single again.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 1 run, Outside off this time, Sean Williams guides it to covers for one.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, 2 runs, Bowls it down leg, Sean Williams clips it towards fine leg for a brace.

Fionn Hand to Sean Williams, no run, Fuller one, on off, Sean Williams drives it but finds the man at mid off.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, Short and wide, cut away to deep point for one. Harry Tector finishes with excellent figures of, 4-0-17-2!

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Missed opportunity! This is dragged down on leg stump, Gary Ballance pulls it along the ground and to the right of the man at deep backward square leg for only a single.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, On a length and drifted onto the pads, this is worked away 'round the corner for a run.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, Flatter one outside off, Sean Williams looks to guide it past backward point but fails to do so.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, This is on off stump, Sean Williams pushes it out on the off side.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, no run, This is drifted into the pads, Sean Williams goes on the back foot to flick but gets a leading edge towards backward point.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, This is full and wide, Sean Williams slices this one over the vacant backward point region and picks up a single. The 50 is now up for Zimbabwe. 65 needed now off 66 balls.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 2 runs, Slower one, bowled into the pitch and outside off, Sean Williams pulls it off the inner half of the bat and behind square leg for a couple of runs.

Curtis Campher to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Full and outside off, Gary Ballance drives it off the outer half of the bat and uppishly down to third man for a single.

Curtis Campher to Gary Ballance, no run, This is bowled from around the wicket and angled in from outside off. Gary Ballance taps it toward backward point.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, 1 run, Good running! Length, around the top of off, Sean Williams plays it with soft hands in front of cover-point and sets off for the quick single.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, wide, 1 run, WIDE! This is banged in way too short and balloons over the batter's head. A wide is called.

Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, no run, Starts with a good-length delivery around off, Sean Williams punches it without much timing and toward mid off.

Curtis Campher comes into the attack.

Harry Tector to Sean Williams, 1 run, Flatter one around off, this is eased away through cover-point for a single.

Sean Williams is the new batter.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, out, OUT! TIMBER! Wesley Madhevere never looked settled out in the middle and Harry Tector cleans him up. Tector knows Madhevere is itching to step out and cleverly tosses it up on a shorter length and around off stump. Madhevere does step out and moves past the leg stump as well as he looks for the slog. The ball beats him in the flight and spins in to castle into the stumps. Tector is delighted and Ireland do have their third.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Half an appeal for a stumping and it is sent upstairs. This is very full and around leg stump. Wesley Madhevere attempts the cheeky reverse paddle but misses and Stephen Doheny fails to collect the ball cleanly as well. Madhevere falls over a bit but manages to plant a piece of his back leg inside the crease before the bails are taken off. Not Out!

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Beautifully bowled but Gary Ballance survives. Harry Tector bowls it slower and shorter around off, the ball sticks on the pitch and turns away leaving Ballance surprised. The ball takes the leading edge but lobs up well to the left of backward point. They get a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Tector sees Madhevere coming down the track and drags the length back. Madhevere forces it through mid on for a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is quicker and flatter around leg stump, Madhevere looks for the reverse sweep but misses and gets struck on the pads.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is shorter and around off, Madhevere punches it through the point region for a single.

George Dockrell to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Just keeping the scoreboard ticking here. This is fuller and around leg stump, Gary Ballance knocks it down to long on and turns the strike over.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is angled into the pads, Madhevere steps out and heaves it off the inner half of the bat toward deep mid-wicket for one more.

George Dockrell to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Slower and shorter outside off, this is eased away through cover-point for a single.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Drops it short now around the body, Madhevere works it off the back foot in front of square leg for one.

George Dockrell to Wesley Madhevere, 2 runs, This is tossed up on leg stump, Madhevere charges down the track and heaves it against the turn over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

George Dockrell comes into the attack now.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, no run, This is a good bumper over middle, Gary Ballance looks to pull but misses and takes a blow on the helmet. Hope he is fine though. At the end of the Powerplay, Zimbabwe are 34/2!

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, no run, Good length around off and angling away, Ballance covers the line well and blocks it out.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, SIX, SIX! Easily done! On the hips and Gary Ballance just flicks it aerially and all the way over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Madhevere is living on a knife's edge here! This is banged in short and over middle, Madhevere looks to pull but gets a top edge that lands well short of the man at mid off. They scamper through for one.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Swing and a miss! This is pitched up around off, Madhevere steps down the track and throws the kitchen sink at it but misses the ball completely.

Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, wide, 1 run, WIDE! Shorter and angling down the leg side, wide called.

Barry McCarthy to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Excellent work in the field! This is full and outside off, Gary Ballance absolutely smashes it uppishly to the right of extra cover. The man over there flies to his right and manages to get a hand on it. That is not a dropped chance but rather three runs saved.

Barry McCarthy comes into the attack now.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Shorter on middle and leg, this is pulled away through mid-wicket for one.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, FOUR, FOUR! Lucky boundary! Flatter one outside off, Gary Ballance looks to cut off the back foot but gets an under edge through the keeper's leg and the ball runs away into the fence.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, Fuller and on the pads, this is nudged away leg side with soft hands.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, no run, A tad shorter and wider, Gary Ballance looks to cut but fails to beat the diving man at point.

Gareth Delany to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, On a length and angling into leg stump, Madhevere tucks it away in front of square leg and rotates the strike.

Gareth Delany to Gary Ballance, 1 run, This is on the shorter side on middle, Gary Ballance flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Gareth Delany comes into the attack.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Another dot to end the over and just the wide of it! Back of a length around middle, Madhevere looks to pull but misses and takes a blow in the mid-riff.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Pitched up outside off, Madhevere looks to drive through covers but gets it off the inner half toward short mid-wicket. Curtis Campher over there makes a sharp stop to his left.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, On a shortish length and on the body, Madhevere looks to use his feet and work it on the leg side but fails to get it away.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, wide, 1 run, WIDE! An attempted short ball over leg stump, balloons over the head of Madhevere and a wide is called.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Good length around middle, this is tucked away toward mid-wicket.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is bowled back of a length and around off, Madhevere walks toward the ball and looks to punch but is beaten yet again.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, no run, Beaten! This is bowled on a length around off and the ball seams back in off the deck. Madhevere looks to play at it but is beaten on the inside edge.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, This is pushed through quicker and on a nagging length outside off. Gary Ballance looks to rock back and cut but misses.

Harry Tector to Gary Ballance, no run, This is speared into middle, Gary Ballance keeps it out on the off side.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, This is bowled on middle, Madhevere backs away and lofts it down to long on for a single.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, 2 runs, Tector comes from around the wicket and tosses it up outside off, Wesley Madhevere steps out but gets beaten in the flight. Madhevere manages to squeeze it over the cover-point region and picks up a couple of runs.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, no run, This is dug into the pitch and around middle, Wesley Madhevere manages to defend it out.

Harry Tector to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR, FOUR! Putting the pressure back on the bowling side. This is fuller and angles across the off stump. Wesley Madhevere dances down the track and drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, no run, Mark Adair comes from around the wicket and angles in a length ball from outside off. This one shapes away and as Gary Ballance has a little dab at it, he gets beaten past the outside edge.

Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, 1 run, Full and wide, Wesley Madhevere reaches out and squeezes it through backward point for one.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, 1 run, Gary Ballance is off the mark in T20Is! This is full and on the pads, Ballance flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mark Adair to Gary Ballance, no run, Beaten! Good length, in that channel around off and angling across. Gary Ballance looks to block but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Gary Ballance is the new batter.

Mark Adair to Tadiwanashe Marumani, out, OUT! LBW! Zimbabwe have now lost both openers inside the first two overs. On a good length around leg stump and just shaping back in a touch. Tadiwanashe Marumani gets caught on the crease and as he looks to hop and tuck, he misses. The ball hits him high on the pads and there is a aloud appeal. It is given and the replays show that it is pitching in line. Mark Adair is all pumped up.

Mark Adair to Tadiwanashe Marumani, FOUR, FOUR! Classy shot first up from Tadiwanashe Marumani. This is on a good length around middle, Marumani punches it straight back with brilliant timing and the ball races away into the long off fence.

Wesley Madhevere is the new batter. Also, Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, out, OUT! CAUGHT! Harry Tector does get his man and the Zimbabwean skipper departs early. Just holds it back a touch and bowls it on middle and leg. Craig Ervine takes the aerial route and lofts it high over mid on. Barry McCarthy over there runs back and keeps his eyes on the ball before taking a good catch. Just the start Ireland needed.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, FOUR, FOUR! Craig Ervine and Zimbabwe are up and running! This is fuller and around off, Ervine drives it past mid off and finds the fence.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Quicker one, around off, Ervine chops it onto the off side.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Flatter again and around off, this is hit firmly but straight to mid off.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, Flatter one angled into middle and leg, Craig Ervine looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Harry Tector to Craig Ervine, no run, DROPPED! Harry Tector could have had a wicket off his very first delivery in T20I cricket. Starts off with a tossed-up delivery outside off. Craig Ervine looks to drive and does so uppishly and straight to Gareth Delany at covers. Delany makes a complete mess of it and spills it down. What a let-off this is!