Zimbabwe, like the 5-match T20I series, started off the 3-match ODI series with a victory in the first ODI on Wednesday (Sept 09). It was an all-round performance from the visitors' Zimbabwe as they defended 266 against Ireland in their own backyard! It does seem like the return of veterans Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams has bolstered the side!
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| Sikandar Raza celebrating his half-century against Ireland in the first ODI in Belfast (Image credits: ICC) |
Ireland - 266/7 in 50 overs
After being sent into bat first, Zimbabwe lost in-form Regis Chakabva cheaply for just 2 runs. However, Brendan Taylor (49 runs) and Craig Ervine (64) got them off to a good start with a 71-run stand for the 2nd wicket. Though Taylor missed the milestone, Ervine got to his half-century. Sean Williams, who made himself unavailable from the T20I series, scored 33 runs and was involved in a 49-run stand for the 4th wicket.
Sikandar Raza who was struggling to get some runs under his belt in the T20I series, scored an unbeaten half-century (59* off 44) as he took Zimbabwe to 266/7 in 50 overs. Ireland have used 7 bowlers in this innings with each of them picking up a wicket each!
Ireland - 228 all out in 48.4 overs
William Porterfield (75 off 110) and Harry Tector (50 off 55) both scored half-centuries but the rest of the batting line-up failed to contribute! They were at 161/2 after 34.2 overs and were looking pretty comfortable to chase this total down. However, the departure of Porterfield in the 35th over changed the equation completely. Ireland were eventually bowled out for 228 runs conceding a 38-run victory in this first ODI of the 3-match series.
Blessing Muzarabani has been once again their premium bowler with 4 wickets from his 9.4 overs. He was economical too conceding just 29 runs besides bowling two maiden overs. Wellington Masakadza, Sean Williams with 2 wickets each and Luke Jongwe, Wesley Madhevere with a wicket each were the other wicket-takers for Zimbabwe in this innings.
Player of the Match:
Zimbabwe middle-order batsman Sikandar Raza has been adjudged as the Player of the Match for his unbeaten half-century (59* off 44; 5 fours, 2 sixes) and helping Zimbabwe to score the quick runs in the death overs.
What's next?
Zimbabwe are leading the 3-match series by 1-0 with this 38-run victory. The second ODI will be played in Belfast on Friday (Sept 10).
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe - 266/7 in 50 overs (Craig Ervine - 64, George Dockrell - 1/23) defeated Ireland - 228 all out in 48.4 overs (William Porterfield - 75, Blessing Muzarabani - 4/29) by a margin of 38 runs
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