Zimbabwe vs Ireland First ODI, Review: Bennett's 169 leads Zimbabwe to victory over Ireland

On a day when Curtis Campher passed 1,000 ODI runs for Ireland, Ireland Men fell short by 49 runs at the Harare Sports Club. Ireland went into the match on the back of a sequence of five matches without losing to the hosts in which they won three, with two washed out. With rain forecast, the fear of a similar fate to the latter hung in the air.

After Ireland won the toss and chose to field first, Zimbabwe’s top order seized – most notably Brian Bennett. The tall right-hander playing in only his 7th ODI gave a batting masterclass, striking 169 off 163 balls, including 20 fours and three sixes. Andy McBrine ended the opening stand at 95, dismissing Ben Curran for 28. But, Craig Ervine built on the platform laid by providing solid support to Bennett with 66 runs off 61 balls.

Together, they put on 136 for the third wicket, propelling Zimbabwe to a final score of 299-5 in their allotted 50 overs. Mark Adair (2-55) and Graham Hume (1-57) were the pick of the Irish bowlers, but consistent breakthroughs proved difficult to find. The Irish innings got off to a tricky start as Andrew Balbirnie fell off the very first delivery in the innings, caught behind off Richard Ngarava.

Paul Stirling attempted to counter-attack with a brisk 32 off 28 balls, including two sixes, but he eventually was dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani. Curtis Campher (44) and Harry Tector (39) steadied the ship with a patient partnership, but Zimbabwe’s tight bowling made scoring difficult. Lorcan Tucker (31) and George Dockrell (34) then tried to keep Ireland in the hunt, but losing regular wickets continued to make things challenging for the Irish visitors.

Ireland were eventually bowled out for 250 in 46 overs, with Blessing Muzarabani (4-51) and Richard Ngarava (3-56) leading Zimbabwe’s bowling charge. Attention quickly turns to the second ODI on Sunday and the possibility of levelling the series.

Also Check: Zimbabwe vs Ireland Match Preview, 2nd ODI

What They Said

Curtis Campher:

“Normally in [Harare] Sports Club it does go around a bit, it’s actually a pretty good wicket and I think in chasing we lost wickets at key moments and key parts of the game. We’re not far away and it’s a short turn around, I’m sure we will bounce back.“

Match Summary

• Ireland v Zimbabwe, ODI series in Zimbabwe, Harare Sports Club, 14 February 2025
• Zimbabwe 299-5 (50 overs; B Bennett 169; M Adair 2-55)
• Ireland 250 (46 overs; C Campher 44; B Muzarabani 4-51)
• Zimbabwe won by 49 runs