Following Ireland ‘s triumph in the 1st One-Day International (ODI) of the 3-match series, the second ODI ended in a tie and presented hosts Zimbabwe with a chance to vie for series victory in the decisive third match at Harare Sports Club on January 23, 2024.
In the decider, Zimbabwe opted to bowl after winning the toss. Ireland’s batting innings began on a shaky note, losing two early wickets with only 17 runs on the board – Gaby Lewis departing for 8(5) and Amy Hunter for 1(9). The opening pair of Leah Paul and Orla Prendergast then steadied the innings, crafting a pivotal 43-run partnership before Kelis Ndhlovu claimed the prized wicket of Paul for 27(46).
As Orla Prendergast anchored one end, Ireland faced a setback with wickets falling rapidly. Captain Laura Delany fell for 12 and was followed by Rebecca Stokell (5) shortly after, leaving Ireland at 5 down for 103 in the must-win. To compound the challenge, in the subsequent over and without adding to the score, Orla departed after a resilient innings of 41 off 67 balls.
Zimbabwe consistently took wickets, preventing Ireland from establishing substantial partnerships; nevertheless, they couldn’t rein in the lower-order batters. Contributions from Arlene Kelly (11), Georgina Dempsey (16), Ava Lanning (15), Cara Murray (12*), and Jane Maguire (10) proved crucial as Ireland, recovering from a below par 6 for 103, posted a respectful 180.
The Zimbabwean trio of Loreen Tshuma (2/27), Lindokuhle Mabhero (2/31), and Precious Marange (2/35) each claimed a couple of wickets. At the same time, Nomvelo Sibanda, Michelle Mavunga, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Ashley Ndiraya contributed with a wicket each in their commendable effort to bowl Ireland out for 180 runs.
Zimbabwe had the worst possible start in their reply, losing the early wicket of Pellagia Mujaji for 5(9). Despite the setback, skipper Mary-Anne Musonda and Chiedza Dhururu built a 22-run partnership before the latter departed for 11(43). The skipper and Ashley Ndiraya initiated a fightback, but their partnership was short-lived, ending at 31 runs, as Cara Murray claimed her first wicket of the day by dismissing Mary-Anne for 23(52).
Zimbabwe found themselves at 3 for 59 in the 20th over after the skipper’s dismissal, and their innings concluded at 99 in the 30th over, marking their 5th lowest ODI total. Cara delivered a stellar performance, securing the best-ever figures for Ireland in an ODI with a historic 6/31 (6.5), recording the first-ever 6-fa. Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, and Ava Canning also chipped in, each picking up a wicket with figures of 1/21 (7), 1/13 (4), and 1/8 (5), respectively to help Ireland register a comprehensive 81-run win.
Attention now shifts to the upcoming 5-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series as Ireland looks to maintain their winning momentum, while Zimbabwe has a bigger task to stage a turnaround.