ZIM vs IRE 2025: Madhevere resistance goes in vain as Ireland bag come-from-behind win in Bulawayo

Ireland beat hosts Zimbabwe in the one-off Test coming back in the match after losing the lead in the first innings. Another disappointing and inconsistent performance by the Johnathan Campbell-led side who could not get the better of the Irish at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The Zimbabweans were already in a spot of bother at the end of the fourth day while chasing down the target of 292 where the tail was exposed without much time into the innings. The only batter who was showing some resistance in the Zimbabwe innings was Wessly Madhevere, who was fighting a lone battle to save the disastrous second innings for the hosts. The batting all-rounder tried his best to get his side as close as possible in the game.

Unfortunately, the inning was halted after he was finally dismissed for 84 by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys who took his first six-wicket haul in the match ending with figures of 6/57 in the second innings. His spell with the ball was the one which played a huge role in dismissing the Zimbabwe team for 228, ultimately handing a 63-run win to the Irish side. A win marked a big comeback win in a low-scoring game for the Andrew Balbirnie-led side.

Andy McBrine all-round skills grab spotlight

There is no doubt that Humphreys's spell was important to make sure the Zimbabwe team never got away with the chase in the second innings, but it was all-rounder Andy McBrine who was the player that kept the visitors in the game. McBrine played a handy role in the first innings, forming an important partnership with Mark Adair for the seventh wicket and remaining unbeaten on 90 to get Ireland to a competitive total when they were struggling at 82/6.

Also Check: ZIM vs IRE 2025 | All Stats

Later, the player contributed with the ball as well with his off-spinners taking three wickets in the first innings which also included big scalps of skipper Campbell and Madhevere to make sure Zimbabwe did not get a big lead in the end. This was enough to be adjudged as the player of the match in the game. McBrine was also awarded as the Player of the Match.