Online ReporterCHEVRONS captain Craig Ervine said they are “ecstatic” after banishing their demons to beat Ireland for the first time in a bilateral series with a comprehensive nine-wicket win to take the ODI series 2-1 at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Opener Ben Curran was the hero with his maiden century and he was helped by the brilliant Brian Bennett as the Chevrons chased Ireland’s score of 240 with 63 balls to spare.
Curran ended unbeaten on 118 from 130 balls in which he hit 14 fours.
It was the fourth fastest ODI century for Zimbabwe.
His opening partner, Bennett, who was named player of the series in 247 runs, scored 48 before he was trapped after the pair put on a century partnership.
They started strongly and aggressively, hitting boundaries and comfortably rotating the strike and scored 77 runs on the Power Play en-route to a 124-run opening partnership.
Skipper Ervine, who finally won the toss and elected to field, came in and scored 69 not out, confirming the win with a six.
“Everybody’s ecstatic, I think a lot of credit to all the guys for the month of hard work they have put in over not only the last week or so but I think the last few months.
“I thought, obviously, winning the toss was key today. And again, those early morning conditions you still have to utilise you still got a bowl well and I thought Bless (Muzarabani) and Richie (Ngarava) did exceptionally well there and then Trev (Gwandu) to follow that opening spot up.
“I thought he was key. I think it just shows you know when you do get that initial platform up at the top, it allows other guys to come in and play nice and fully like myself Raza and Wes (Madhevere), and the guys through the middle order.
“So, it’s exciting to see the consistency, especially over this series. I mean, a lot of credit to Benny and Ben. I think they’ve worked extremely hard and begun to obviously stick to the processes.
“Knowing that in the past, we’ve obviously won the first one and then lost the next two. So, I think the composure and calmness throughout today was outstanding for my boys.”
Player of the match Ben Curran said:
“Unbelievable feeling and also to get the series win is a big thing for us. Just happy to contribute. To be honest, I wouldn’t say there’s too much of a difference.
“I think in the first two games, I didn’t face many balls in the Power Play, and hit a couple fielders so it didn’t quite necessarily go my way, today I hit the gaps a couple over for twos then yeah, all good.”
Zimbabwe defeated Ireland in a bilateral series after ten years.
The home team controlled the match with the bat and secured the series, 2-1, with a dominating victory. − Sports Reporter/Cricinfo
