So, after staring down the barrel at the start of play today Ireland pulled off a remarkable 4 wicket victory to clinch the one-off Test Match against Zimbabwe. They started the day on 33-5 still requiring 125 for what would be a famous victory. They made a very positive start to the day with 36 runs coming in the first half hour’s play. The effects of the heavy roller negating the threat of Zimbabwe’s bowlers perhaps or just very good batting!
The fifty partnership between Tucker and McBrine was passed soon afterwards which included an all run 5! Target was reduced to double figures with 66 runs coming in the first hour and at the drinks break Ireland had moved to 101-5 still needing 57 for that famous victory. Tucker soon passed 50, his second in Test Matches, as he mixed watchful defence with some excellent attacking strokes, well supported by the very competitive McBrine. Their partnership, the highest 6th wicket for Ireland in Tests, was ended when Tucker was bowled by Muzarabani for 56. Still 41 runs away from victory.
Mark Adair, dislocated finger et al, joined McBrine and together they took the sting out of the Zimbabwe attack as they moved the score along towards the target. In what would have been the last over before lunch Andy McBrine reached a superb half century, a great fighting innings by the Donemana man. The Umpires extended the morning session by 15 minutes with Ireland on the brink of victory and it wasn’t long in coming as Adair and McBrine knocked off the runs.
A famous 4 wicket victory then and Ireland become only the second Test playing nation to have won two Tests in their first nine Tests.
Player of the Match was none other than Andy McBrine for his 83 runs and 7 wickets, a worthy winner.
Congratulations to Ireland Men and also to Cricket Ireland for the organisation of the match. And a big shout out to Philip McCormock and his team for preparing a pitch that had something in it for both the batsmen and bowlers.
