Late wickets on Day Three give Ireland Men chance at Test match victory

After Ireland's second innings was a tale of promise and resilience met by a determined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Beginning the day on 83-1, with Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher well-set, the visitors looked to solidify their advantage. The pair extended their partnership to 75 runs before Trevor Gwandu struck, dismissing Campher for a well-earned 39.

Balbirnie, playing a captain's knock with his fifth Test fifty, helped Ireland build a formidable lead. After the first session, Ireland stood at 149/2, and looked to be taking control of the Test match.

However, Zimbabwe came back strongly after the break. Harry Tector was trapped leg before by Johnathan Campbell for 17, giving the bowler his maiden Test wicket. Balbirnie followed soon after, falling to Wessly Madhevere's sharp turn for a crucial 66. Paul Stirling’s brisk 21, featuring two sixes, ended with a glove behind off Blessing Muzarabani. The batter seemed unconvinced by the decision. Madhevere continued his impressive spell, removing Andy McBrine for 16.

Lorcan Tucker played a fighting innings, scoring a crucial 58, but Ireland's middle and lower order faltered under the pressure of disciplined Zimbabwean bowling. Richard Ngarava's masterful use of the second new ball proved decisive as he claimed four wickets, including the key scalps of Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Lorcan Tucker.

Tucker picked up his third half-century, the last man out on 58. Ireland were bowled out for 298, setting Zimbabwe a record 292 to win — a challenging target given the history in Zimbabwe, where no side has successfully chased over 200.                    

Ireland's disciplined bowling attack executed their plans with precision, earning due rewards as McCarthy dismissed Ben Curran for the second time in the match, this time for just four runs.

The delivery almost mirrored the one from the first innings, holding its line and inducing an outside edge that was comfortably collected by Tucker behind the stumps.

Soon after, Adair got in on the act, sending down a peach that went through the gates and crashed into the off-stump, removing Takudzwanashe Kaitano for 14.          

Humphreys then got the big wicket of Nick Welch, who made 90 in the first innings. He flighted one that bamboozled Welch, striking him on the right leg. Ireland appealed, and the umpire raised his finger.

Zimbabwe finished Day Three at 38-3, still 254 runs away from victory. For Ireland, seven wickets will do it. There is a small matter of rain in the forecast for Sunday and Monday. Ireland will likely be more eager than Zimbabwe for it to stay away.

• Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only-Test in Zimbabwe, 6-10 February 2025
• DAY THREE (Close of play)
• Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
• Zimbabwe 267 (86.1 overs; N Welch 90; B McCarthy 4-75)
• Ireland 298 (93.3 overs; A Balbirnie 66; R Ngarava 4-55)
• Zimbabwe 38-3 (15 overs; B Bennett 15*; M Humphreys 1-4)
• Zimbabwe need 254 runs for victory (Ireland require 7 wickets)