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HARARE, Zimbabwe – Ireland Under-19s fell just short in their historic first match on Zimbabwean soil, losing by four wickets to the hosts in the first of five Youth ODIs at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe Under-19s won the toss and chose to field in conditions that favoured the seamers early on. After losing James West (8) early, Ireland found stability through a strong second-wicket stand between Freddie Ogilby and Adam Leckey.

Ogilby top-scored with 69 off 80 balls, striking nine fours and a six, while Leckey added an aggressive 66 off 77 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Their 114-run partnership laid a solid foundation.

However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers turned the game around with a series of breakthroughs. Michael Blignaut (1-30) removed Ogilby, while Shelton Mazvitorera (2-45) bowled Leckey to shift the momentum.

Panashe Mazai (3-27) and Tatenda Chimugoro (3-43) found joy, as Ireland lost their last six wickets for just 61 runs. However lower-order contributions eventually brought the score to 236 all out in 47.4 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe got off to a steady start, reaching 52 for 1 within 10 overs. However, Ireland fought back, quickly reducing the hosts to 60 for 3 by the 15th over.

A partnership of 5 0-run stand between Tetenda Banda and Brendon Senzere kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. It was a valiant bowling effort from the Irish attack, particularly Febin Manoj, who bowled his full quota of 10 overs, conceding just 37 runs and taking two wickets.

Rueben Wilson also claimed two scalps, while Ethan Marshall and Sebastian Dijkstra picked up one each. However, with the required run rate under control, Brandon Ndiweni’s unbeaten 48 guided Zimbabwe to victory in the 45th over.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Under-19 Men v Zimbabwe Under-19 Men, 1st Youth ODI, Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe – 3 April 2025

Ireland 236 (47.4 overs; F Ogilby 69 A Leckey 66; P Mazai 3-29)

Zimbabwe 237-6 (45 over; B Ndiweni Smith 48; F Manoj 2-37)

Zimbabwe Under-19 Men won by four wickets