Cricket: Ireland Fights Back Against Zimbabwe in Test Match
In a challenging start to their one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Ireland managed to recover thanks to strong performances from Andy McBrine and Mark Adair.
McBrine scored an impressive unbeaten 90, while Adair contributed 78, helping Ireland finish the first day with a total of 260 runs. By the end of the day, Zimbabwe was at 72-1.
This was Ireland’s first Test since their victory over Zimbabwe in Belfast last July. They faced a tough challenge early on, falling to 31-5 as Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani dominated the Irish top order.
He took the wickets of Peter Moor, captain Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector, and Paul Stirling in just nine overs, with Richard Ngarava also dismissing Curtis Campher.
However, McBrine and Lorcan Tucker (who scored 33) formed a crucial partnership of 51 runs to stabilize the innings. Unfortunately, Tucker was dismissed when he accidentally hit the ball onto his own stumps off a delivery from Trevor Gwandu.
Adair then stepped up, hitting 13 fours in his innings of 78 off 91 balls, and he and McBrine added 127 runs together, pushing Ireland past the 200-run mark. Adair was eventually caught by wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo off Muzarabani’s bowling, who finished with impressive figures of 7-58, a personal best.
McBrine continued to build on his innings, reaching a new Test high of 90, surpassing his previous best of 86 against England at Lord’s in 2023. He displayed great determination, hitting 12 fours during his 132-ball knock.
In Zimbabwe’s response, Barry McCarthy dismissed Ben Curran early, leaving the hosts at 26-1. However, Nick Welch (33) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (26) helped Zimbabwe reach 72-1 by the close of play.
As day two approaches, Zimbabwe holds the upper hand, but Ireland remains hopeful after overcoming their early struggles.
-BBC
