On the second day of the only Test against Zimbabwe, Ireland is leading by 76 runs.
Making his debut, Nick Walsh dazzled with an impressive batting display, just missing out on a century. Following up his brilliant bowling performance, Blessing Muzarabani also came alive with the bat. Despite these efforts, Zimbabwe finds itself trailing at the end of the day.
In the only Test match at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s first innings ended at 267 runs, giving them a mere 7-run lead. Ireland, starting their second innings, ended the day at 83/1 with a 76-run advantage.
Andy Balbirnie is on 32 runs, and Curtis Campher is unbeaten on 14 runs. Ireland will begin the third day with a solid 76-run lead.
In his debut innings, 27-year-old Walsh scored 90 runs, including 1 six and 9 fours, while Muzarabani made 47 runs from number 10, hitting 6 fours.
Zimbabwe, starting with 72 runs from 1 wicket, lost their second wicket when they added only 5 more runs. Brian Bennett was bowled by McCarthy before the team could reach 100. Walsh and Wesley Madhevere steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership before Madhevere was dismissed for 26.
Walsh reached his fifty off 78 balls, keeping Ireland in a strong position, and got close to a century but was dismissed for 90, caught at deep midwicket off Mark Adair’s delivery.
Muzarabani then shared a crucial 67-run partnership with Trevor Guwanda, which lasted 143 balls. However, Muzarabani was dismissed by Humphreys.
Ireland’s best bowler was McCarthy with 4 wickets, while Andy McBrine took 3 wickets.
In their second innings, Ireland made a solid start but lost a wicket for 46 runs. Peter Moor, after a quick 30 runs off 5 fours, was dismissed. However, Balbirnie and Campher kept the scorecard ticking, ensuring no further setbacks for Ireland.
Score Summary:
- Ireland 1st Innings: 260
- Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 267 in 86.1 overs (previous day 72/1)
(Kaitano 26, Walsh 90, Bennett 7, Madhevere 26, Campbell 4, Mayavo 0, Ngarava 15, Muzarabani 47, Guwanda 18*; Adair 18-4-56-2, McCarthy 22-2-75-4, Young 10-1-36-0, Humphreys 15.1-1-38-1, McBrine 21-5-59-3) - Ireland 2nd Innings: 83/1 in 21 overs (Moor 30, Balbirnie 32*, Campher 14*; Muzarabani 6-0-31-0, Ngarava 6-1-25-1, Guwanda 5-0-10-0, Nyamhurwi 3-0-8-0, Bennett 1-0-3-0)
