Twitter Reactions: Ireland reign supreme as Zimbabwe capitulate losing the series 2-0
The victory marks Ireland's first-ever ODI series win in Zimbabwe.
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In a thrilling encounter at the Harare Sports Club, in Zimbabwe, Ireland clashed with the hosts in the 3rd ODI. Opting to bowl after winning the toss, Ireland set the stage for an intense showdown. Despite Joylord Gumbie's solid start for Zimbabwe, his efforts lacked the needed support until Sikandar Raza joined him. Their partnership of 69 runs for the fourth wicket provided the much-needed impetus.
However, rain played spoilsport, causing a delay that shortened the game to a 40-overs-a-side contest. Curtis Campher and Graham Hume of Ireland capitalised on this disruption, consistently breaking through Zimbabwe's lineup before and after the rain break. The hosts struggled to regain momentum, although Wellington Masakadza's late surge pushed them closer to the 200-run mark.
Chasing a target of 201, Ireland faced an early setback with the loss of Paul Stirling. Yet, Andy Balbirnie and Curtis Campher steadied the ship, followed by a spirited display from Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. Balbirnie, after reaching his fifty, accelerated his innings, taking calculated risks. Zimbabwe's bowling unit tried hard but fell short on a pitch with unpredictable behaviour.
Zimbabwe couldn’t defend their proud home record
Zimbabwe's fielding woes, highlighted by dropped catches of Tector and Tucker, further dented their hopes in the third game of the 50-over format series. Balbirnie, who had faced some inconsistency recently, anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten at 82 and guiding his team to victory. Zimbabwe's absence of key players - Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Ryan Burl - was felt keenly, exposing their batting inexperience. This loss at home marks a dent in their proud record.
The absence of experienced players took a toll on Zimbabwe's performance, revealing vulnerabilities in their lineup. Balbirnie's resilience and the collective effort from Ireland sealed their triumph, highlighting the importance of depth and experience in high-stakes cricket clashes.
Here's how 'X' users reacted to Ireland versus Zimbabwe's third ODI:
Ireland comfortably chased down 198 runs with 7 wickets in hand against Zimbabwe in the 3rd ODI match!#ZIMvIRE #IREvZIM #Zimbabwe #Ireland #ODI #CricketBook pic.twitter.com/yjgw2yziJA
— Cricket Book (@cricketbook_) December 17, 2023
@ZimCricketv let's take a break. Let's call that Sri Lanka tour off. Let's introspect about what the hell is going on here.
— Kamran Aziz (@iKamranAziz) December 17, 2023
Let's stop putting the blame on Coach (Dave Hougton) and Wellington Masakadza!
Enough is enough! #ZIMvIRE #CricketTwitter#IREvZIM #ZimbabweCricket
And it continues for Chivanga, he has been hit for 2 boundaries again in the 6th over of the innings!#ZIMvIRE #CricketTwitter #IREvZIM
— Kamran Aziz (@iKamranAziz) December 17, 2023
First Over in which Chivanga was not hit for 1 or more boundaries this series.
— Kamran Aziz (@iKamranAziz) December 17, 2023
1 run conceded in the 4th Over of the innings.#ZIMvIRE #CricketTwitter #IREvZIM
Andrew Balbirnie plays a match-winning role for his team as Ireland triumphs by 7 wickets using the DLS method. #Ireland #Zimbabwe #IREvsZIM #SkyExch #Scorecard #AndrewBalbirnie pic.twitter.com/YEgZEAEYdk
— SkyExch (@officialskyexch) December 17, 2023
Zimbabwe fails to put up a fight as Ireland cruised to a 7-wicket win in the 3rd ODI.#Ireland #Zimbabwe #IREvsZIM #ODI #BetBarter #JoylordGumbie pic.twitter.com/opEiCFJCtI
— BetBarter (@BetBarteronline) December 17, 2023
Wicket 2 over 54.#IREvsZim
— Kolaaru Kumaaru (@Cheemzu) December 17, 2023
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