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HARARE – Ben Curran scored an impressive 118* to steer Zimbabwe to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Ireland in the decisive third Men’s ODI at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

Despite a valiant batting effort from Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector, Ireland struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s batters, who chased down the target with ease.

Winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to field first, and their decision paid off early. Paul Stirling (9 off 16) attempted to accelerate but was caught at cover off Richard Ngarava in the seventh over, leaving Ireland at 17-1. Curtis Campher (11 off 19) also fell cheaply, his pull shot finding Jonathan Campbell at short midwicket off Trevor Gwandu.

Balbirnie, who was dropped on 42 by Wessly Madhevere, anchored the innings with a composed 64 off 99 balls before being caught attempting a slog sweep off Wellington Masakadza.

Tector, looking to build on the foundation, brought up his fifty before top-edging a short delivery from Ngarava to midwicket. His departure for 51 off 84 left Ireland at 160-4, struggling to accelerate.

Lorcan Tucker provided some late fireworks, scoring 61 off 54, but Blessing Muzarabani cleaned him up with a fuller delivery, uprooting his off stump. Ireland posted 240-6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Chasing 241, Zimbabwe’s top order made light work of the Irish bowling attack. Brian Bennett (48 off 48) was the only wicket to fall, given out lbw to Graham Hume in the 20th over. His dismissal at 124-1 offered Ireland a glimmer of hope, but Curran and Craig Ervine quickly extinguished any chance of a comeback.

Curran’s magnificent unbeaten 118 off 130 balls guided Zimbabwe’s chase, ensuring they remained in control throughout. Ervine complemented him with a blistering 69 off 59, striking five fours and three sixes to seal victory in just 39.3 overs.

For Ireland, the bowling attack struggled to find breakthroughs. Hume (1-39) was the sole wicket-taker, while the rest failed to contain Zimbabwe’s batters.

This marks Zimbabwe’s first ODI series win over Ireland since 2015.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland v Zimbabwe, ODI series in Zimbabwe, Harare Sports Club, 18 February 2025

Ireland 240-6 (50 overs; A Balbirnie 64, L Tucker 61; R Ngarava 2-42)                      
Zimbabwe 246-1 (39.3 overs; B Curran 118*; G Hume 1-39)

Zimbabwe won by 9 wickets

Scorecard here