Zimbabwe vs Ireland Only Test, Day 2 Review: Top-order end day on high after McCarthy, McBrine share seven wickets

Barry McCarthy was quick to make a mark on Day 2 as he trapped Takudzwanashe Kaitano in front in just the third over of the day. Brian Bennett replaced Kaitano at the crease, getting off the mark on just his second delivery with a slap through the point region for a boundary. 

A pull for a single to deep fine leg brought up Test debutant Nick Welch's maiden half-century. It was a heartwarming sight to behold with his dad absolutely chuffed while watching his 27-year-old son get to the milestone. A full-ish length delivery angled in from wide of the crease got rid of Benett, with McCarthy's third being Zimbabwe's third wicket to fall.

The 42nd over was when Andy McBrine jumped into action by first scalping Wessly Madhevere and then making Johnathan Campbell perish in what were two big blows for Zimbabwe. Nyasha Mayavo partnered up with Welch, with there being no further damage to the wickets' column up until Lunch.

McBrine scalped his third with Mayavo returning to the dugout after being out LBW on the final delivery of the third over of the second session. Newman Nyamhuri was McCarthy's fourth victim, as he departed for a first-baller in the subsequent over. To Richard Ngarava's credit, he offered stubborn resistance to hang around. However, with him getting dismissed, Welch had no other option but to play a more attacking brand of cricket. 

A stunning catch at deep mid-wicket brought an end to a truly special innings by Welch. Ironically, Zimbabwe's highest partnership came for the 10th wicket. Just a day after claiming his best Test figures, Blessing Muzarabani was at it with the bat this time. Unfortunately, for him, he fell three short of a fifty. However, his highest score in the red-ball format had Zimbabwe earn a seven-run lead regardless.  

Ireland started off quite positively, with the visitors scoring 38 in their first five overs of their second innings. Peter Moor, who was looking quite settled at the crease, was dismissed by Ngarava in the eighth over. Curtis Campher ended the day with a boundary to the vacant third man region. Ireland ended the day at 83/1 after 21 overs. Andy Balbirnie was the other batter to remain not-out, having accounted 32 under his belt.