Ireland sealed their third consecutive Test victory and also maintained a perfect record against Zimbabwe with a 68-run triumph on the final day of their Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo this morning.
Matthew Humphreys powered the victory, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul and finishing with remarkable figures of 6/57 from 28 overs, the best ever for Ireland in Test cricket.
Play commenced on schedule, with Zimbabwe resuming at 183 for 7, still 109 runs adrift of the target.
Ireland’s hopes for an early breakthrough were quickly realized when Humphreys struck in the second over of the day. Nyamhuri, attempting a sweep, was trapped plumb in front for 8. The ball pitched in line with leg stump, straightened to beat the bat, and thudded into his front pad. The umpire had no hesitation in raising the finger, much to Humphreys’ jubilation.
Despite valiant efforts from Madhevere, Zimbabwe struggled to mount significant resistance.
Ireland’s fielding, however, showed moments of frailty as victory drew closer. Richard Ngarava was dropped twice in consecutive deliveries. Lorcan Tucker missed a catching opportunity after an edge, while Andy McBrine fumbled a caught-and-bowled chance, conceding a boundary on the very next ball.
Humphreys struck again with the new ball, darting a delivery in sharply that stayed low and dislodged Madhevere’s off-stump. The Zimbabwean batter departed for a well-fought 84, ending the hosts’ faint hopes of a comeback.
Andy McBrine provided the finishing touch, delivering a beautifully flighted delivery that held back just enough to castle Richard Ngarava. The ecstatic Irish team celebrated as Zimbabwe were bowled out, securing a 68-run victory.
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