Zimbabwe Clinch ODI Series Against Ireland
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Zimbabwe Clinch ODI Series Against Ireland

Zimbabwe clinched the TSM and Zimbabwe Cricket Cup series against Ireland with a five-wicket win at Harare Sports club on Sunday.

Craig Ervine celebrates after scoring the winning runs PIC: ZimCricket

After winning the toss again, captain Elton Chigumbura decided to put the visitors in again and it looked like a bad idea as Ireland set Zimbabwe a target of 269.

Paul Stirling(72) top-scored for the Irish with a half century. Gary Wilson (65) got his second of the series while Niall O’brien picked up a 50.

Sikandar Raza with 3-49 from his allotted 10 overs.

Zimbabwe started off aggressively with openers Richmond Mutumbami (14) and Chamu Chibhabha(30) putting on the board.

Man of the match Craig Ervine came on and never looked in trouble throughout his innings.

His partnerships with Sean Williams(43), Tino Mutombodzi(25) and Raza (33).

Ervine(101) capped his well-paced century with a four to win the tie with nine balls to speare. There were times it looked like it wasn’t happening as the other Raza and captain Elton Chigumbura kept getting strike.

There was a time both Elton and Raza asked if I wanted strike to get to my century but for me it was more important for the team to win.

Ervine was critical of the Zimbabwe bowling saying it could have been better.

Of concerns with his hamstring he said it was not enough of a concern for him to miss the next match.

Ireland coach John Bracewell stressed the importance of game time for improvement among smaller nations pointing to Zimbabwe’s composure in this win.

Williams used some colourful language when he was removed by Andy McBrine. He always gets a bit colourful when he loses his wicket

The last match of the series is on Tuesday at Harare Sports Club where Zimbabwe will be hoping win with a whitewash.

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