Ireland sealed the T20I series with a game to spare after a comprehensive all-round performance in the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe at Dublin. The Gaby Lewis-led side made it two wins in two, following up their 6-wicket victory in the first game with a thumping 65-run win in the second. Skipper Gaby Lewis was once again the architect of Ireland’s success with the bat, while Orla Prendergast and Cara Murray starred in both departments.
Twin Fifties from Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast Power Ireland to 176
Zimbabwe captain Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano won the toss and opted to bowl first in the 2nd T20I. The visitors struck early as Tendai Makusha removed Ireland’s wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter in just the second over. But what followed was a masterclass in T20 batting.
Gaby Lewis, having survived an early chance, punished Zimbabwe with an outstanding knock of 87 off 50 balls — her 15th T20I half-century and fourth consecutive fifty in international cricket. She combined with Orla Prendergast for a mammoth 131-run stand for the second wicket — one of the most dominant partnerships in Ireland Women’s T20I history.
Prendergast brought up her 7th T20I half-century, anchoring the innings beautifully with a composed 52 off 44 balls. A late cameo from Leah Paul (20 off 14) added the finishing touches as Ireland posted a formidable total of 176/4 in their 20 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Tendai Makusha (4-0-30-2) and Kelis Ndhlovu (4-0-25-1) were the pick of the bowlers.
Cara Murray and Orla Prendergast Run Through Zimbabwe to Seal the Series
Chasing 177, Zimbabwe never got going under the mounting scoreboard pressure and managed only 111/9 in their full quota of overs. Kelis Ndhlovu offered resistance with a gritty 46 off 40 balls, but lacked support from the other end. A 34-run second-wicket stand between her and skipper Mugeri-Tiripano (11 off 15) was the only notable partnership.
Tendai Makusha (12) and Lindokuhle Mabhero (11*) were the only other Zimbabwe batters to reach double digits as Ireland’s bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Cara Murray was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 3/17 in her four overs. She was ably supported by Orla Prendergast (2/17), Leah Paul (2/9), and Lara McBride (1/26), all contributing to a dominant bowling performance that handed Ireland a 65-run win.
Awards and Series Standouts
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🏅 Player of the Match: Gaby Lewis (87 off 50 balls, 14x4s, 1×6)
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🔥 Back-to-back Player of the Match awards for Gaby Lewis
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🏆 Series: Ireland lead the 3-match T20I series 2–0 with one match remaining
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.