HARARE – The third T20I between Zimbabwe and Ireland was abandoned due to persistent rain, sealing a 1-0 series win for the hosts after their victory in the first match.
The match began after a delayed start, with Ireland opting to bowl first under overcast conditions and with 18 overs per side.
Notable changes included Tim Tector picked on T20I debut along with the additions of Matthew Humphreys and Fionn Hand.
A lively Zimbabwean crowd, complemented by a handful of traveling Irish supporters, watched as Craig Young struck early removing Tadiwanashe Marumani (7) in the second over.
Humphreys followed soon after, bowling Wessly Madhevere (0) with a remarkable late-swinging arm-ball to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 18/2.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, led the recovery with an aggressive 34 off 27 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before falling to Gareth Delany who claimed two wickets in an over.
Contributions from Tony Munyonga (26) and Tashinga Musekiwa (26*) helped Zimbabwe post 142/6 in 18 overs before rain intervened.
Ireland’s bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Delany (2-5) and Josh Little (1-25) among the pick of the attack, while Craig Young (2-38) claimed key wickets despite conceding runs.
With the rain refusing to ease, the umpires called off the game at 9:37 PM (local time), handing Zimbabwe their second T20I series win over Ireland.
The success completed a white-ball double for Zimbabwe, who won a one-day international series 2-1 in Harare. Ireland began the all-format tour with a 63-run win in a one-off Test in Bulawayo.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland v Zimbabwe, T20I series in Zimbabwe, Harare Sports Club, 25 February 2025
Zimbabwe 142-6 (18 overs; S Raza 34; G Delany 2-5, C Young 2-38)
Match Abandoned due to rain
