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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022 » commentary

Zimbabwe vs Ireland Live Commentary, Match 4, ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Australia, 2022, October 17, 2022

ZIM 174/7 (20)
Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 31 runs
IRE 143/9 (20)
Match over
Zimbabwe Inning Ireland Inning
0.0 : TOSS - Ireland won the toss and they will BOWL first.
Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland says it is a good wicket. Adds they saw the first game and they have an idea of how the pitch will play and admits about the bigger boundaries. Ends by informing his team.
Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe says he is happy to bat first. Adds the boundaries are big and it is not easy to chase down. Shares that they have to play good cricket and show everyone that they belong here. Admits Raza is in superb form and Blessing Muzarabani is coming back after the injury. 
Ireland (Playing XI) - Andy Balbirnie (C), Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Regis Chakabva (WK), Craig Ervine (C), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
The players are out in the middle. It is pretty chilly out there. First, the national anthems. It will be Ireland's first followed by Zimbabwe's.
We are all set for the action. The Irish players have taken their position. Josh Little to start with the ball. Regis Chakabva and Craig Ervine to open for Zimbabwe. The players take a knee as they support the BLM movement. Let's play...
0.1 : Josh Little to Regis Chakabva, Little starts with a bouncer, outside off. Regis Chakabva leaves it alone for the keeper.
0.2 : Josh Little to Regis Chakabva, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Just the start Ireland wanted! What a delivery from Little! This is short and on middle, it nips in and there is extra bounce as well. Regis Chakabva tries to fend it away as he brings his bat up but it probably brushed the gloves before going into the mitts of the keeper, Lorcan Tucker. Looks like it went off the shoulder of the bat.
0.3 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Length and on middle. Wesley Madhevere blocks it out.
0.2 : Wesley Madhevere is the new man in.
0.4 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Four leg byes! Zimbabwe are underway! Too straight from Little. On the pads, Wesley Madhevere misses his flick and it goes off the pads to the fine leg fence.
0.5 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR! EDGY RUNS! Short again on middle. Wesley Madhevere mistimes his pull, it goes off the top edge behind the keeper for a boundary.
0.6 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Length and on middle, played back to the bowler. 
Mark Adair to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, Length ball, outside off. Ervine drops it in front of point for a quick single.
1.2 : Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, Length ball, outside off. Wesley Madhevere guides it past point off the splice for one.
1.3 : Mark Adair to Craig Ervine, Leg bye! On the hips, Ervine misses his clip and it goes off the pads to point. 
1.4 : Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, Short in length and on middle, from wide of the crease. Wesley Madhevere looks to work on the leg side but misses.
1.5 : Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR! Dropped! Short ball on middle. Wesley Madhevere pulls it flat. Curtis Campher is standing a few yards out at deep square leg. He mistimes his jump and lets it through his hands for a boundary.
1.6 : Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, Wide! Too short and on off. Wesley Madhevere leaves.
Mark Adair to Wesley Madhevere, Outside off, worked to deep point for a single.
2.1 : Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, Full and outside off, driven straight to covers.
2.2 : Barry McCarthy to Wesley Madhevere, Full again, Wesley Madhevere mistimes his drive to mid on and takes off for a quick single.
2.3 : Barry McCarthy to Craig Ervine, Length and on middle. Defended.
2.4 : Barry McCarthy to Craig Ervine, On a length and outside off. Ervine knocks it to cover.
2.5 : Barry McCarthy to Craig Ervine, In the air and safe! Zimbabwe batters are troubled by the extra bounce. Short again on middle. Ervine looks to pull but top edges it high and just far away from Simi Singh who runs back from short fine leg to collect. Two runs. 
2.6 : Barry McCarthy to Craig Ervine, Length ball, outside off. Ervine looks to push but misses.
3.1 : Curtis Campher to Wesley Madhevere, Length ball, angling down. Wesley Madhevere mistimes his pull and it goes to the keeper on a bounce.
3.2 : Curtis Campher to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR! Connected well! Short of a length and on middle, this is pulled hard behind square leg for four runs.
3.3 : Curtis Campher to Wesley Madhevere, Around off, pushed through covers for one.
3.4 : Curtis Campher to Craig Ervine, Drop and run! Outside off, this is hit to backward point for one.
3.5 : Curtis Campher to Wesley Madhevere, Length ball, outside off. Wesley Madhevere punches it to cover for a single.
3.6 : Curtis Campher to Craig Ervine, FOUR! A boundary to end the over! A good one for Zimbabwe as 11 comes off it. On middle, Ervine shuffles across and flicks it to deep square leg for four.
4.1 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Length ball, outside off. Wesley Madhevere looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
4.2 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Length and on off. Wesley Madhevere nudges it to square leg for one.
4.3 : Josh Little to Craig Ervine, Outside off, guided to third man for a single.
4.4 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, FOUR! Touch short and on middle. Wesley Madhevere pulls and hits it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
4.5 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, Length ball on middle. Wesley Madhevere bunts it to square leg.
4.6 : Josh Little to Wesley Madhevere, OUT! TAKEN! The short ball works again and Josh Little has his second wicket! This is on middle. Wesley Madhevere pulls but doesn't connect it well. Gareth Delany at deep square leg judges the flight well and takes it. Wesley Madhevere doesn't make most of the lifeline given.
Sean Williams comes  in.
5.1 : Simi Singh to Craig Ervine, Tossed up on off. Kept out.
5.2 : Simi Singh to Craig Ervine, On middle. Ervine skips down and eases it to mid off.
5.3 : Simi Singh to Craig Ervine, OUT! STUMPED! The skipper goes now! This is just excellent from Ireland! Singh gets his first one. Craig Ervine comes down the track again. Simi Singh anticipates that and serves it quicker and around leg. Ervine is cramped as he looks to heave but misses and the keeper makes no mistake. Three down now, Zimbabwe.
Sikandar Raza is the new man in.
5.4 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, Flatter and outside off, slapped to deep cover for a single.
5.5 : Simi Singh to Sean Williams, Wide! This one is sliding down. Williams misses his flick. Good work from the keeper again there.
Simi Singh to Sean Williams, Tossed up on middle, swept to deep square leg for one.
5.6 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, Full ball, outside off. Raza punches it through covers for one. Powerplay done! Zimbabwe are on 41/3.
6.1 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, Length ball, around off. Raza works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
6.2 : Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, Length ball, just wide of off. Williams blocks it out.
6.3 : Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, A length ball, outside off. Williams fails to connect his bat.
6.4 : Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, Scrambled seam! Length and outside off. Williams misses his push.
6.5 : Barry McCarthy to Sean Williams, On middle, it's pulled to deep square leg for one.
6.6 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, A bouncer, outside off. Raza leaves it alone. 
7.1 : Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, Floated ball, around off. Sean works it to mid-wicket for one.
7.2 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Good shot! Short ball, outside off. Raza rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for four runs. 
7.3 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, On middle, this one skids on. Raza eases it to long on for a single.
7.4 : Gareth Delany to Sean Williams, Full ball, way outside off, Sean looks to drive but gets an outside edge to short third man for a single.
7.5 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, Around off, punched to cover.
7.6 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, A single to end the over as this is hit to mid-wicket.
8.1 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, Length ball, outside off. Raza knocks it through covers for one.
8.2 : Curtis Campher to Sean Williams, Outside off, cut through point for one.
8.3 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, SIX! CLOBBERED! Short and on middle. Raza hoicks it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
8.4 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, Short again, angling down. Raza thinks to pull but leaves it alone. He asks for a wide but nothing given.
8.5 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, On middle, kept out.
8.6 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Raza playing with some aggression! Short in length and on middle. Raza pulls it flat and wide of the fielder at deep sqaure leg. 
9.1 : Simi Singh to Sean Williams, This is way outside off, dragged to deep mid-wicket for one.
9.2 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, TWO RUNS! Full ball, outside off, a leggie. Raza lofts it to deep cover for a brace.
9.3 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Wonderful shot! Flatter ball, outside off. Raza thumps it past cover, no chance for the fielder in the deep. Fout more. 
9.4 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, A single as this is hit to sweeper cover.
9.5 : Simi Singh to Sean Williams, SIX! Williams hits one! Tossed up, outside off. Williams slog-sweeps it. He gets more height but enough distance to clear the mid-wicket fence. 
9.6 : Simi Singh to Sean Williams, OUT! TAKEN! Tag-team work from Ireland and they break the stand that started to trouble them. Flat and outside off. Williams again looks to clear the mid-wicket fence. Mark Adair uses his height as he stretches and takes above his head but sees his momentum taking him over the ropes. He lobs the ball for Harry Tector who takes it with ease inside the ground. 
10.1 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, Outside off. Blocked by Raza.
10.2 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, Shorter and on middle. Raza hops and fends it to mid-wicket awkwardly for one.
10.3 : Josh Little to Milton Shumba, Length ball on middle. Shumba bunts it to square leg and gets off the mark with a single.
10.4 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, Length ball on middle. Raza plays it to deep square leg for a single.
10.5 : Josh Little to Milton Shumba, On middle, Shumba drops it to mid-wicket. A bit of miscommunication between the batters for a single but they deny in the end.
10.6 : Josh Little to Milton Shumba, Short and outside off, pulled past mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
11.1 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, What a ripper from Adair! A length ball, outside off, it held its line. Raza defends inside the line and gets beaten on the outside edge. 
11.3 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, SIX! Sikandar Raza continues to go big! Short and outside off. Raza pulls it hard over deep square leg for a six.
11.4 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Powered! Short of a length and on leg. Cramps Raza for the room but he adjusts quickly to pull to deep square leg for a boundary.
11.2 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, SHARP TWO RUNS! Short ball on middle. Raza mistimes his pull over mid-wicket. The fielder from long on runs across and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit was needed.
11.5 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, On middle, this is hit to mid-wicket for a single.
11.6 : Mark Adair to Milton Shumba, Length ball, outside off. Shumba pulls off the top end of his bat and past mid on. Two runs. A huge over for Zimbabwe as the collect 15 runs off it.
12.1 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, Flatter ball, outside off. Raza looks to power it on the off side but mistimes it to point.
12.2 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, Wide! Way outside off. Left for a wide.
Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, SIX! CLEARS THE FENCE! 6th Fifty for Raza in T20I! What a knock! Tossed up, outside off. Raza slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Not giving any chance to the fielder in deep.
12.3 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, Short and outside off, cut hard to deep cover for a couple of runs.
12.4 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! AND AGAIN! Floated outside off. Raza smashes it hard and beats the fielder at long off for a boundary.
12.5 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, On off, kept out.
12.6 : Gareth Delany to Sikandar Raza, Flatter and outside off, Raza punches it straight to point. 13 runs off this over now. 
13.1 : Simi Singh to Milton Shumba, Around off, pushed to cover.
13.2 : Simi Singh to Milton Shumba, FOUR! Tad short and outside off. Shumba pulls it past mid on for a boundary. 
13.3 : Simi Singh to Milton Shumba, A single as this is hit to deep cover.
13.4 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, Too short and outside off. Sikandar Raza cuts it to deep cover for a single.
13.5 : Simi Singh to Milton Shumba, Outside off, drilled to long off for a single.
13.6 : Simi Singh to Sikandar Raza, Another six for Raza! Drops it short and on off. Raza rocks back and pulls it high over mid-wicket for a biggie. Sikandar Raza is playing a gem of an innings her.
14.1 : Curtis Campher to Milton Shumba, Bye! This is down the leg side. Shumba fails to pull. The keeper fumbles to collect and a wide is given.
14.2 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, Fuller ball, outside off, Raza drives it to deep point for one.
14.3 : Curtis Campher to Milton Shumba, The short balls are not working for Ireland now! This is around off, it is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a couple.
14.4 : Curtis Campher to Milton Shumba, Dropped Length ball, outside of. Shumba pulls it straight back to Curtis Campher and it burst through his hands for a single. That was hit hard.
14.5 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, Length ball, outside off, Raza punches but finds cover.
14.6 : Curtis Campher to Sikandar Raza, Drops a short ball on middle. Raza looks to pull but misses.
15.1 : Mark Adair to Milton Shumba, On a length and outside off. Shumba plays it to cover for a single.
15.2 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, Short of a length, outside off, cut hard to sweeper cover for a single.
15.3 : Mark Adair to Milton Shumba, This is on a length and outside off. Shumba steps across and mistimes his pull to mid-wicket. One.
15.4 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, This is full and on middle. Raza makes room to loft over long off but slices it over backward point. The fielder gives a chase, slides in the deep and saves a single. 
15.5 : Mark Adair to Milton Shumba, Wide! This is way outside off. Shumba swings and misses.
Mark Adair to Milton Shumba, OUT! TAKEN! Ireland get the breakthrough! Nice idea but not the execution from Shumba! This is full and on middle. Shumba gets inside the line to paddle it but mistimes and it goes in the hands of Josh Little who takes a simple catch at short fine leg.
Ryan Burl comes in.
15.6 : Mark Adair to Ryan Burl, Serves a short one to Burl who sits under it.
16.2 : Barry McCarthy to Ryan Burl, This one is angled against Burl. Length and outside off. Burl pokes and misses.
16.3 : Barry McCarthy to Ryan Burl, A slower short ball on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.1 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, Length ball, outside off. Raza works it to point for a single.
16.4 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, A widish yorker, outside off. Raza fails to squeeze it out.
16.5 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, A slower length ball, outside off. Raza slaps it through point for a brace.
16.6 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, A bouncer to end the over, this is outside off. Raza swings and misses.
17.1 : Josh Little to Ryan Burl, OUT! This is full and outside off. Burl tries to break the shackles as n boundary was scored in the last three overs. He swings across but only to hit it high and to long on where Mark Adair takes the skier. 
0.0 : Luke Jongwe walks in next.
17.2 : Josh Little to Luke Jongwe, On the hips, nudged to square leg for a single.
17.3 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! A welcome boundary and it comes from Raza's blade! This is short and on leg. Raza whacks it over square leg for a boundary. 
17.4 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, On a length and on middle. Raza makes room to go over mid off. He hits from the upper half of the bat and the man at mid off was excited for a second but the ball goes above him. Two runs.
17.5 : Josh Little to Sikandar Raza, On the pads, whipped behind square leg for one.
17.6 : Josh Little to Luke Jongwe, Leg bye! Little follows on the leg side. Jongwe misses his clip and it goes to the left of the keeper for a leg bye. 150 up!
18.1 : Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, FOUR! Too much width, outside off. Jongwe slaps it through point late for a boundary.
18.2 : Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, Full and outside off. Jongwe goes inside-out over covers for a brace.
18.3 : Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, A single as this is hit to cover.
18.4 : Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, Wide! This is way over the tramline. Wided.
Barry McCarthy to Sikandar Raza, This is slow, length and way outside off. Raza tries to drag it to deep mid-wicket but does not hit well. Luckily for him, the ball falls in the vacant region. A single.
18.5 : Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, Wide! Tries the slower ball but bowls way outside off. Jongwe slashes and misses.
Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, FOUR! Another boundary! Short in length and outside off. Jongwe slashes it to deep point. There is a fielder patrolling but he is 5-6 yards away from the ropes. 
18.6 : Barry McCarthy to Luke Jongwe, Outside off, cut to deep point for a single. 15 runs off the penultimte over.
19.1 : Mark Adair to Luke Jongwe, Short in length, outside off. Jongwe pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.2 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, A low full toss on middle. Raza whacks it to long on. Excellent running as they get two runs.
19.3 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, Full and outside off, driven through covers for a single.
19.4 : Mark Adair to Luke Jongwe, FOUR! through the gap! Fuller ball, outside off. Jongwe puts his bat on it, the ball goes off the outside edge and through the gap between backward point and short third man. 
19.5 : Mark Adair to Luke Jongwe, Outside off, this is hit to long off for a single. Can Sikandar Raza finish with a boundary?
19.6 : Mark Adair to Sikandar Raza, OUT! TIMBER! No, he can't! This is full and on middle. Raza clears his front leg and tries to smash it away on the leg side but misses and the ball hits the stumps. ZIMBABWE END WITH 174.
What a knock from Sikandar Raza! He is in the form of his life! The last 12 months have been just brilliant for Raza and he has yet again played what could be a match-winning knock. 
Sikandar Raza was the mainstay for Zimbabwe. They lost three wickets inside the Powerplay! Then the likes of Sean Williams, Milton Shumba and Luke Jongwe played around him but Sikandar Raza anchored the innings perfectly. Despite losing partners, Raza played his game and tried to big every time. Zimbabwe have reached a very good score here. 
Ireland started brilliantly and didn't do much wrong throughout but failed to get rid of Sikandar Raza in the start. It could have been much different but not so. Josh Little was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three wickets and was economical as well. 
We have seen that chasing hasn't been easy so far. Ireland need a good start and someone have to play the anchor role. It is the same pitch as the first game! West Indies failed to chase around 160. Upto you Ireland now. Stay tuned.
...THE CHASE...
We are back for Ireland's reply. The players are out in the middle. 
0.1 : Richard Ngarava to Paul Stirling, On a length and on middle. Paul Stirling defends it out. 
0.2 : Richard Ngarava to Paul Stirling, OUT! BOWLED! What a start for Zimbabwe! This is short in length and outside off. Paul Stirling gets on his toes as he looks to punch but the inward movement takes the inside edge and the ball deflects and hits the stumps. Just what Zimbabwe wanted! The big wicket of the power-hitter.
0.3 : Richard Ngarava to Lorcan Tucker, On middle on a length, Lorcan Tucker defends it out.
0.2 : Lorcan Tucker comes in next.
0.4 : Richard Ngarava to Lorcan Tucker, A length ball, outside off. Lorcan Tucker takes the aerial route as he hits over covers but slices and it falls safely. Two runs. Ireland are underway.
0.5 : Richard Ngarava to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! THAT WAS VERY CLOSE! On a length and on middle. Lorcan Tucker leans to defend but gets an inside edge past the leg stump and to fine leg for four runs. 
0.6 : Richard Ngarava to Lorcan Tucker, DROP AND RUN! Length ball on off. Lorcan Tucker blocks on the deck. Andy Balbirnie calls for a single and makes the other end.
Tendai Chatara to start from the other end.
1.1 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, A length ball, outside off. Lorcan Tucker looks to push but misses.
1.2 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, Bit of movement in the air! This is full and on middle, swinging away. Lorcan Tucker uses his feet to keep it out. 
1.3 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! Well played! On a length and outside off. Lorcan Tucker shuffles way across and scoops it over fine leg for a boundary.
1.4 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, Tendai Chatara makes it to swing away! This is on a length, outside off. Lorcan Tucker looks to drive but misses.
1.5 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, Outside off, tapped to point.
1.6 : Tendai Chatara to Lorcan Tucker, A big outswinger, length and outside off. Lorcan Tucker skips down and looks to smash it but misses.
2.1 : Richard Ngarava to Andy Balbirnie, On off, kept out.
2.2 : Richard Ngarava to Andy Balbirnie, Richard Ngarava drops it short and on middle. Balbirnie looks to pull but gets a top edge behind the keeper for a couple of runs.
2.3 : Richard Ngarava to Andy Balbirnie, On middle, dabbed to backward point for a single.
2.4 : Harry Tector is the new man in.
Richard Ngarava to Lorcan Tucker, OUT! TIMBER! PLAYED ALL OVER IT! Lorcan Tucker shuffles way across here. This is on a length and on middle. He misses his wild swing across the line and the ball hits the stumps. Two for Richard Ngarava now.
2.5 : Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, A bouncer to Tector who evades it well.
2.6 : Richard Ngarava to Harry Tector, Outside off, dabbed to backward point for one.
3.1 : Blessing Muzarabani to Harry Tector, Four leg byes! Too straight on the pads. Harry Tector misses his clip and it goes off the pads to fine leg for four.
3.2 : Curtis Campher comes in.
Blessing Muzarabani to Harry Tector, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Blessing Muzarabani strikes in his first over! This is on a length and outside off, it nips away a touch. Harry Tector looks to push but gets an outside edge and it goes to Craig Ervine at first slip. Ireland are in real trouble. Three down now.
3.3 : Blessing Muzarabani to Curtis Campher, Full ball, outside off. Curtis Campher looks to push but it goes off the  outside edge to third man for a brace. 
3.4 : Blessing Muzarabani to Curtis Campher, A quick single as this is pushed to mid on.
3.5 : Blessing Muzarabani to Andy Balbirnie, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Second time in the over but this time it is Ireland's skipper who has to depart. Fantastic from Blessing Muzarabani! Extra bounce and pace from him. This is short in length and just outside the off pole. Andy Balbirnie has a feel for it, tries to push but gets an outside edge and Craig Ervine this time takes the catch to his left at first slip. 
3.6 : Blessing Muzarabani to George Dockrell, Leg bye! On the pads, George Dockrell fends it on the leg side for a quick leg bye.
4.1 : Tendai Chatara to George Dockrell, Length and outside off, punched to cover.
4.2 : Tendai Chatara to George Dockrell, 2 Wides! Down the leg side. Dockrell misses his pull. The keeper gets a hand on it and a single is taken.
Tendai Chatara to Curtis Campher, On middle, this is hit to mid-wicket for one.
4.3 : Tendai Chatara to George Dockrell, Wide! Down the leg side again. Wided.
5.1 : Blessing Muzarabani to George Dockrell, That took off. Short and outside off. Dockrell looks to swing but misses.
5.2 : Blessing Muzarabani to George Dockrell, Ohh! That was a ripper! Short again on middle. Dockrell did well to get his head away. That was a brilliant delivery. 
5.3 : Blessing Muzarabani to George Dockrell, On the hips, clipped to deep square leg for one.
5.4 : Blessing Muzarabani to Curtis Campher, Excellent stuff from the bowler! On a length and outside off. Curtis Campher defends inside the line and misses.
4.3 : Tendai Chatara to George Dockrell, Length ball, outside off. Dockrell punches, the fielder at cover half-stops and a single is taken.
5.5 : Blessing Muzarabani to Curtis Campher, Outside off, steered to third man for a single.
4.4 : Tendai Chatara to Curtis Campher, Around off, pushed to point.
4.5 : Tendai Chatara to Curtis Campher, Short in length and on middle. Curtis Campher skips down and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
4.6 : Tendai Chatara to George Dockrell, Outside off, dabbed to point for one.
Blessing Muzarabani to George Dockrell, Length ball on middle. Dockrell works it to square leg for one. What a Powerplay for Zimbabwe. Ireland are reeling on 33/4. They need 142 runs in 84 balls.
6.1 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, FOUR! Length ball, outside off. Dockrell looks to push but gets an outside edge past the keeper to third man for a boundary.
6.2 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, FOUR! Two in a row! On the hips, it is clipped to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
6.3 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, Fuller ball, outside off, swinging away. Dockrell pushes it to cover for one.
6.4 : Luke Jongwe to Curtis Campher, On middle, nudged to mid-wicket for one.
6.5 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, Short ball on middle. Dockrell pulls it wide of deep square leg. The fielder runs to his right and slides. Two runs.
6.6 : Luke Jongwe to Curtis Campher, Around off, blocked out.
7.1 : Sean Williams to George Dockrell, Flatter and targeting off. Dockrell slaps it to cover for one.
7.2 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, Around off, pushed back to the bowler.
7.3 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, Touch short, this is hit to point for a single.
7.4 : Sean Williams to George Dockrell, Outside off. Dockrell hits hard, it goes more off the upper half and over point for a couple.
7.5 : Sean Williams to George Dockrell, A single as this is hit to sweeper cover.
7.6 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, Tossed up, outside off. Curtis Campher sweeps it to deep square leg. Good fielding in the deep. 
8.1 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, FOUR! A slip could have helped Zimbabwe! Fuller ball on middle. Dockrell looks to heave but gets an outside edge and it flies to third man for four. 
8.2 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, Full and outside off. It goes again off the outside edge, this time over point for a single.
8.3 : Luke Jongwe to Curtis Campher, Very full and on middle, flicked behind square on the leg side for one.
8.4 : Luke Jongwe to George Dockrell, Full and on off, pushed to the right of extra cover. Good diving stop. A single. 
8.5 : Luke Jongwe to Curtis Campher, MISFIELD AND FOUR! A slower full ball, outside off. Curtis Campher steps across and paddles it to square leg. The fielder gets low and lets it through his hands for a boundary.
8.6 : Luke Jongwe to Curtis Campher, Outside off, guided through point for a couple.
9.1 : Sikandar Raza to George Dockrell, FLatter and outside off. Dockrell chops it on the off side. 
9.2 : Sikandar Raza to George Dockrell, OUT! TIMBER! Sikandar Raza with the ball now! What a day he is having. Surely, George Dockrell didn't see thins coming. A yorker from Raza, right at the base of middle. George Dockrell is late to get his bat down and it goes through and hits the stumps. Ireland now need 111 runs in 64 balls with 5 wickets in hand. 
9.3 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, This is full and outside off. Gareth Delany looks to drive but misses.
9.4 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, Outside off. Gareth Delany looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
9.5 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, A single as this is hit to long on.
9.6 : Sikandar Raza to Curtis Campher, Two runs now as Campher hits this full ball to deep mid-wicket.
10.1 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, Tossed up on middle. Gareth Delany drives it to long on for a single.
10.2 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, On middle. Campher reverse sweeps it to point. Only one.
10.3 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, Around off, pushed through covers for a single.
10.4 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, Short and outside off, cut hard to deep cover for one. 
10.5 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, Tossed up, on off. Gareth Delany slog-sweeps it. The fielder makes an excellent stop as he flicks the ball away from the ropes for a couple.
10.6 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, On off, this is driven to the left of long off for a brace.
11.1 : Sikandar Raza to Curtis Campher, THREE RUNS! Tossed up on off. Campher scoops it over short fine leg now. 
11.2 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, Length ball, outside off. Gareth Delany slaps it to long off for a single.
11.3 : Sikandar Raza to Curtis Campher, Wide! Way down the leg side. Campher misses his sweep.
Sikandar Raza to Curtis Campher, Very full and on off, this is hit to long on for a single.
11.4 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, SIX! A welcome and a much needed boundary! Flighted full and on middle. Gareth Delany launches it over long on and clears the big fence. 
11.5 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, On middle, kept out.
11.6 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, Flat and on off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.1 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, Around off, pushed through covers for one.
12.2 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, Short and outside off, Campher slaps it to sweeper cover for a brace.
12.3 : Sean Williams to Curtis Campher, OUT! TIMBER! Another partnership is broken! Zimbabwe back on top! This is very full and angling on middle. Campher goes way across the line to sweep and fails to connect the ball. The stumps are disturbed. 
12.4 : Sean Williams to Mark Adair, Flatter and outside off. Adair slaps it to deep point for one.
12.5 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, On middle, played back to the bowler.
12.6 : Sean Williams to Gareth Delany, Tossed up on off. Gareth Delany smacks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.1 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, FOUR! Much needed! Tossed up, outside off. Gareth Delany lofts it over the bowler's head for four.
13.2 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, A single as this is hit to long on.
13.3 : Sikandar Raza to Mark Adair, Flatter, slower and on middle. Adair pushes it back to Raza.
13.4 : Sikandar Raza to Mark Adair, Bye! This is outside off. Adair looks to drive but misses. The keeper fails to stop and it goes behind for a bye.
13.5 : Sikandar Raza to Gareth Delany, On middle, Gareth Delany flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 up!
13.6 : Sikandar Raza to Mark Adair, This is full and around leg. Adair makes room to drive but misses.
14.1 : Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, This is on a length and outside off, it lands and nips back in sharply. Gareth Delany looks to shack it but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but nothing given. Zimbabwe take the review but the replay shows the ball goes past the wicket. 
14.2 : Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, On middle, this is hit to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.3 : Tendai Chatara to Mark Adair, Full and on middle. Adair whips it behind square leg for one.
14.4 : Tendai Chatara to Gareth Delany, OUT! TAKEN! Zimbabwe are edging closer! Tendai Chatara rolls his finger on this length ball. This is on off. Gareth Delany hits it high and to long on where Milton Shumba takes the skier. A poor shot and Delany has to go. 
14.5 : Tendai Chatara to Simi Singh, OUT! TIMBER! Tendai Chatara gets another one! This is full and just outside off. Singh looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge and it ricochets onto the off pole. What a performance this is from Zimbabwe. Tendai Chatara is on a Hat-trick.
Barry McCarthy is the new man in.
14.6 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, A length ball on middle. McCarthy blocks it out solidly.
15.1 : Blessing Muzarabani to Mark Adair, Full ball, outside off. Adair looks to go inside-out but misses.
15.2 : Blessing Muzarabani to Mark Adair, Follows Adair on the leg side, this is hit to long on for a single.
15.3 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, No ball! On middle. McCarthy flicks it to deep square leg. Blessing Muzarabani has overstepped and a free hit will follow.
Blessing Muzarabani to Mark Adair, SIX! BIGGIE! Short and on off. Adair pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 
15.4 : Blessing Muzarabani to Mark Adair, On a length and way outside off. Adair looks to drive but misses.
15.5 : Blessing Muzarabani to Mark Adair, OUT! TAKEN! This is full and outside off. Mark Adair makes room and spoons it to backward point. Sikandar Raza dives forward and takes a low catch. A good slow ball from Blessing Muzarabani who gets his second wicket. 
Josh Little walks out.
15.6 : Blessing Muzarabani to Josh Little, On a length and on middle. Blocked out.
16.1 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, Short in length and around off. McCarthy comes down the track as he swings across but misses. It goes over the stumps. 
16.2 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, This is full and outside off, driven to mid off.
16.3 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, SIX! THAT IS CLEAN! Fuller ball, outside off, slower one. McCarthy slogs it high over mid-wicket for a biggie. 
16.4 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, Length ball, outside off. McCarthy pulls it to deep square leg for one.
16.5 : Tendai Chatara to Josh Little, Outside off, punched to covers for one.
16.6 : Tendai Chatara to Barry McCarthy, A full toss on middle. McCarthy pulls it to deep mid-wicket who collects on a bounce. One more.
17.1 : Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, Zimbabwe have to wait a bit more! Short and on middle. McCarthy looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high and to square leg. The keeper calls and dives but fails to pouch it cleanly. A single. Was just away from his reach.
17.2 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, Outside off. Little has a wild swing and misses.
17.3 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, Outside off, played to third man for a single.
17.4 : Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, Short ball on middle. McCarthy looks to pull but misses.
17.5 : Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, FOUR! This is full and on leg. McCarthy makes room and lofts it straight down for a boundary.
17.6 : Richard Ngarava to Barry McCarthy, The wait continues for Zimbabwe! Touch short and on middle. McCarthy again mistimes his pull. The ball goes to deep square leg where the fielder runs in but fails to judge the flight of the ball. 
18.1 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, FOUR LEG BYES! Zimbabwe are untidy at the backend! Short in length and on off. McCarthy looks to pull but misses. It goes off his body and past the diving keeper to third man. 
18.2 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, A slower full ball, outside off. McCarthy swings and misses.
18.3 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, Slower ball again. McCarthy looks to heave but misses.
18.4 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, Short of a length and outside off. McCarthy pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.5 : Blessing Muzarabani to Josh Little, On middle on a length. Little flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
18.6 : Blessing Muzarabani to Barry McCarthy, SIX! Ireland are not giving away still! Tad short and outside off. McCarthy pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
19.1 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, Short in length and on middle. Little looks to ramp it away but misses.
19.2 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, Short again. Little fails to connect his bat.
19.3 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, On a length and outside off. Little shuffles to paddle it but misses.
19.4 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, FOUR! A length ball, outside off. Little slaps it hard through covers for a boundary. These runs will make a difference eventually in the net run rate.
19.5 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, A slower bumper on middle. Little lets it go.
19.6 : Richard Ngarava to Josh Little, Short ball on middle. Little looks to play to third man but misses. Zimbabwe win by 31 runs. 
Ireland were off to the worst start possible as they lost four in six overs and since then it was really hard for them to get back on track. There were a couple of partnerships but none that took the required run rate down. Ireland will hope for a better performance with the bat in this tournament. It was a batting pitch but Ireland failed to play that anchor role. 
A comfortable win in the end for Zimbabwe! A good performance overall from them and it feels, that Raza's performance made a real difference. The bowlers then took four wickets inside the Powerplay and then kept a lid on the run flow. They kept on taking wickets at regular intervals and didn't give a single chance for Ireland to get back in the game. Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowler as he claimed three wickets while Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava ended with two each. Zimbab
Earlier, it was the masterclass from Sikandar Raza that proved to be the match-winning one. His innings made Zimbabwe get past 170. In reply, Zimbabwe bowlers reacted brilliantly and Ireland had no chance at all to chase the score.
...Presentation coming up...
Sikandar Raza is the Player of the Match. He says he and Sean Williams tried to take the stand till the deep. Adds he just tried to time the ball well. Shares the wicket got harder or he just got a bit tired in middle. Reckons there is no secret to success. Says try and channel all the emotions of success and failure into the right way and try to compete with the best in the world. Shares there is a bit of discomfort but he hopes that he will be ready for the next game. Tells that their goal
Andy Balbirnie says he has no regret at all. Adds he was happy at halfway with the ball but Raza took the game away. On Josh Little, he is their strike bowler. On their batting, Andy Balbirnie says Zimbabwe bowled brilliantly. They wanted to play decent cricket but they will look to turn things around now. 
Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says they are happy and feels they belong here on the big stage. Applauds the performance of Sikandar Raza, says he is their best batter from the past few months. Tells they learned from the Ireland innings and they went a bit fuller. Reckons run rate could be possibly in the end and they are disappointed for dropping a few catches in the back end. 
Right then! That is it from this one-sided affair. On the 18th of this month, Group A action see, Namibia will take on Netherlands at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT) and later, Sri Lanka will face United Arab Emirates at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). Do join us for the build up. Till then, cheers!