Hosts Secure 2-1 Series Win in Deciding Match

Ireland faced a T20 series defeat as Zimbabwe triumphed with a six-wicket victory in the series decider held in Harare. With the match finishing with six balls to spare, Zimbabwe successfully chased down Ireland’s total of 141 for nine.

The Irish innings began poorly, collapsing to 19 for three in the fourth over. However, Harry Tector and Curtis Campher steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership of 70 runs off 57 balls. Campher contributed 27 runs before being caught behind, while Tector top-scored with 47 runs, falling victim to Wesley Madhevere, who claimed two wickets in the match. George Dockrell (23) and Mark Adair (14) added valuable runs to help Ireland reach a more respectable total.

Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by Craig Ervine, who scored an impressive 54 runs off 43 balls, including six boundaries. Alongside Innocent Kaia, who contributed 23 runs, they forged a solid second-wicket partnership of 42 runs, setting the stage for victory.

Notably, Zimbabwe played without former England batter Gary Ballance, who was sidelined due to concussion symptoms after being struck on the head in the previous match. Ireland’s bowling unit saw Barry McCarthy and Ben White each take two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Zimbabwe from securing the series win.