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ZIMBABWE Under-19 cricket team got their youth One Day International series against Ireland off to a flying start following a four-wicket victory at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Zimbabwe won the toss and sent in Ireland to bat first.
The Junior Chevrons had an early break, claiming the first wicket in the eighth over, when James West was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kupakwashe Muradzi off a Panashe Mazai delivery.
Despite an early set-back Ireland regained control of their innings and added more runs to the scoreboard before losing the second wicket in the 28th over.
The second wicket was a combined effort of the Blignaut siblings, Michael and Kian.
Freddie Ogilby was caught out by Kian Blignaut off a Michael Blignaut delivery.
After breaking the second wicket partnership, Zimbabwe regained control of the game as they went on to claim their third wicket five overs later.
Adam Leckey was bowled out by Shelton Mazvitorera in the 33rd over.
Zimbabwe were to dismantle the visitors, bowling them out for 236 runs inside 48 overs.
Mazai and Tatenda Chimugoro led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets each while Mazvitorera had two.
Michael Blignaut weighed in with a single wicket.
The hosts then managed to chase down the target in 45 overs for the loss of six wickets.
Brandon Ndiweni led the chase with an unbeaten 48 runs off 44 balls.
Zimbabwe experienced an early scare to their innings with the dismissal of Dhruv Patel for a duck in the fourth ball of the innings, with only five runs on board.
The Junior Chevrons went two lose to consecutive wickets in the 13th and 14th overs to tilt the match in favour of the visitors.
Despite the drawback, Zimbabwe managed to turn around their fortunes as Tatenda Banda chipped in with 45 runs off 85 balls.
Ndiweni was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 48 runs.
Banda was the second-highest scorer for Zimbabwe while Brendon Senzere was the third scorer with 43 off 41.
Online Reporter