Ireland defeated Zimbabwe for 197 runs on the third day of the one-off Test at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, making them the favourites to win at home. Experienced Sean Williams scored 40 runs and Dion Myers, who had a respectable performance in the white-ball series against India, made 57 runs to keep Zimbabwe in the game. Andy McBrine took four wickets for Ireland, while Craig Young and Mark Adair each claimed two wickets.
Ireland was sure they would win because they were chasing 158 runs in the last innings, but Zimbabwe’s pacers were outstanding in the day’s last session, setting up an exciting match for Day 4.
Ireland was reduced to 21/5 thanks to four wickets taken by star pacer Richard Ngarava and one by Blessing Muzarabani. They were 33/5 at the end of the day, and they now need 125 runs to win the game.
It’s interesting that the hosts decided without sending a night watchman, who could have halted the pacers from Zimbabwe. As things stand, it won’t be simple to chase 125 runs on Day 4, particularly with Zimbabwe riding high. Since they don’t have any other recognised batters or all-rounders, Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine must finish things off.
Tucker was solid in the second inning but was unable to add to his total in the first. Conversely, Brine scored 28 runs in the opening half before being dismissed by Tendai Chatara. Youngster Matthew Humphreys, who batted at number 11, made a notable 27 runs in the first innings and could be crucial for Ireland on Day 4.
Also Read: IRE vs ZIM Only Test: Clive Madande breaks undesired 147-year cricket record on Test debut by conceding most byes in innings
Ireland can return home with a strong alliance from now on, but Zimbabwe won’t make things simple for them. Day 4’s overcast weather will benefit the bowlers, making Zimbabwe the favourites. However, Ireland would like to surprise everyone by winning on their home pitch.
Here’s how X reacted:
Ngarava is on Fire 🐍🐍🔥. Amazing Test match #IrevZim #Zimvire
— ashish peswani (@ashishpeswani) July 27, 2024
Ngarva doing things for Zimbabwe.
India pull Sri Lanka from a winning position.
England take the lead of 94 runs. #ENGvWI #INDvsSL #IREvZIM— Sports Geeez (@Sportsgeeez) July 27, 2024
Magnificent Spell. Career Best Test Bowling figures for @RichardRbidza 4/12.@ZimCricketv #IREvZIM
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) July 27, 2024
Ireland’s hopes of winning consecutive Tests in jeopardy. Beat Afg earlier this year but currently 33-5 chasing 158 v Zim. Rain in Belfast might have come at a good time for hosts#IREvZIM#Cricket
— MediumPaceDobbler (@MediumPaceDobb1) July 27, 2024
Another two test matches across the card doing their very best to promote four day test cricket whatever the surface #ENGvWI #IREvZIM
— John Wright (@johnwright15) July 27, 2024
Richard Ngarava shines as Zimbabwe roar back into the Test match 💥#IREvZIM 📝: https://t.co/gTvNgAlYQA | 📸: @ZimCricket pic.twitter.com/595sdV7sQE
— ICC (@ICC) July 27, 2024
Good day in Belfast for @ZimCricketv #IrevZim … focus & finish the job tomorrow boys 👍
— Alan Butcher (@abutch58) July 27, 2024
Like every single Ireland v Zimbabwe contest since the dawn of time, impossible to predict and gripping beyond belief and laced with such drama.
Always so closely matched and we could still be in for a grandstand finish tomorrow here… #IREvZIM
— Andrew Leonard (@CricketBadge) July 27, 2024
Crazy game, Ireland keep letting Zimbabwe back into the test. Impossible to predict what will happen tomorrow. https://t.co/8yCcx9MkCm
— CricketZimbo (@CricketZimbo) July 27, 2024
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