Zimbabwe vs Ireland First ODI Match Review: Bennett's Brilliant 169 Powers Zimbabwe to Victory

At the Harare Sports Club, Ireland Men lost by 49 runs on a day when Curtis Campher reached 1,000 ODI runs for his country. Prior to the match, Ireland had won three of their previous five games against the hosts, but two of those games were washed out. The threat of suffering a similar fate to the latter lingered in the air, as rain was predicted.

Craig Ervine, the 39-year-old captain and the 21-year-old opener, both contributed significantly to the home team's 299 for five in 50 overs. George Dockrell (32) and Andy McBrine (34) gave the tourists hope with a 73-run partnership in the middle of the innings, but both fell inside four balls, and Ireland was out for 250 in 46 overs.

Zimbabwe vs Ireland First ODI Match Highlights:

• 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

Brian Bennett and the rest of Zimbabwe's top order took control after Ireland won the toss and decided to field first. In just his seventh ODI, the tall right-hander displayed a masterful batting display, hitting 169 off 163 balls, including three sixes and 20 fours. Ben Curran was dismissed for 28 by Andy McBrine, who ended the opening stand at 95. Craig Ervine, however, strengthened the foundation by giving Bennett strong support with 66 runs off 61 balls.

Together, they scored 136 runs for the third wicket, helping Zimbabwe reach 299-5 in the 50 overs they were given. The best Irish bowlers were Mark Adair (2-55) and Graham Hume (1-57), but it was hard to find steady breakthroughs. Andrew Balbirnie was caught behind off Richard Ngarava after falling off the opening delivery of the session, giving the Irish innings a difficult start.

With Richard Ngarava (3-56) and Blessing Muzarabani (4-51) spearheading Zimbabwe's bowling attack, Ireland was ultimately bowled out for 250 in 46 overs. The focus swiftly shifts to Sunday's second ODI and the potential for series parity.

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