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An all-round brilliant bowling effort by Zimbabwe helped them to a five-wicket victory over Ireland in the first of three T20Is at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first and restricted Ireland to 114 all out in 19.2 overs.
Ryan Burl was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. Wellington Masakadza took two for 13, in as many, Tendai Chatara two for 17 and Richard Ngarava two for 20. Brad Evans took the other wicket as he returned one for nine.
In all this Zimbabwe could afford three dropped catches, one by captain Craig Ervine, who then atoned for it by hanging onto one brilliantly at mid-off to dismiss the Barry McCarthy, who was the final wicket.
Others who dropped catches were Wellington Masakadza and wicket-keeper Clive Madande.
Zimbabwe’s response was shaky at start as they were soon down to eight for two in 1.2 overs. Craig Ervine and Tadiwanashe Marumani were the ones to depart early one.
Gary Ballance entered for his T20I debut and steadied the ship, showing some expert batting. Particularly impressive was a six over fine leg, a hoik which left a beautiful lingering taste in the mouths of the fans.
Wessly Madhevere was dutiful but fell for 16 bowled by Harry Tector. Ballance would depart, next, not immediately but a substantial time later. He scored 30.
Sean Williams anchored the innings, making an unbeaten 34, while Madande also made 18 not out.
Zimbabwe got to 118 for the loss of 15 wickets, with two overs to spare.
The second match is at the same ground on Saturday.
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