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Ireland Women commenced their tour of Zimbabwe with an impressive performance, securing a commanding 10 wicket victory in the first One Day International at the Harare Sports Club. The visiting team exhibited superiority across all aspects of the game, showcasing their prowess in both batting and bowling. With a dominant display, Ireland set the tone for the series, leaving a strong impact in their pursuit of success on foreign soil.
Sloppy batting display by Zimbabwe
Invited to bat first, Zimbabwe faced an early setback as their skipper, Mary-Anne Musonda, fell in the third over. The match witnessed an interruption due to rain, resulting in a reduction to 44 overs. Unfortunately for the hosts, their recovery efforts were thwarted as they consistently lost wickets throughout the innings.
Despite the challenges, Zimbabwe managed to post a total of 170 runs in 42.4 overs. Ashley Ndiraya emerged as a standout performer for the hosts, showcasing resilience with a notable knock of 47 runs, while Precious Marange contributed 29 runs to the team’s total. However, Ireland’s bowling attack proved effective in containing the opposition and securing crucial breakthroughs during the course of the innings.
Amy Hunter-Gaby Lewis shine in run-chase
Despite a substantial rain delay disrupting proceedings during lunch, the game resumed with Ireland facing a revised DLS target of 110 runs off 21 overs. Amy Hunter assumed the anchor role in a stellar display of batting prowess, forming a formidable opening partnership with Gaby Lewis. The duo orchestrated a remarkable 110-run stand for the first wicket, steering their side to a convincing victory.
Hunter contributed a solid 36 runs to the chase, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. Meanwhile, Lewis delivered a scintillating performance, thumping 65 runs in just 41 balls, adorned with 11 boundaries and a six, securing a comprehensive win for her team.
Also READ – Zimbabwe Women vs Ireland Women 2024, ODI series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Gaby Lewis has not been dismissed for under 10 in her last 10 ODI innings. Incredible consistency. https://t.co/3O3CrtUZfL
— Irish Cricket Stats (@IreCricketStats) January 18, 2024
Gaby Lewis going great guns with Amy Hunter for company. No way to watch. 😩#ZIMvIRE
— Shajin MS (@SupertrampMS) January 18, 2024
That's great news for Ireland! Gaby Lewis seems to be playing a crucial role in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, helping them take a 1-0 lead. 👏
— Muhammad Asif Rafique (@as40551) January 18, 2024
Great to see Gaby Lewis leading the charge! Exciting start to the ODI series. Looking forward to more thrilling matches from Ireland Women's Cricket. #ZIMvIRE
— Mubashar Kayani (@kayani_mubashar) January 18, 2024
Most 50+ scores for @IrishWomensCric in women's ODIs
8 @lewis_gaby
7 Caitriona BeggsGaby Lewis tops the list now https://t.co/8yzbAep1Bf
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) January 18, 2024
A fantastic win 👏👏
A 110-run opening partnership between Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter has secured a 10-wicket DLS victory.
Well done all 🙌
Scorecard: https://t.co/jplhfyNyfi#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/BSoek3Bc8P
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 18, 2024
Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the first ODI 🏏
– 2nd innings reduced to 21 overs due to rain – Target 110 (DLS method)
Scorecard: https://t.co/TJG4kLGLYb#women #cricket #ZIMvsIRE #ZimbabweCricket #irelandcricket #odi #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/SHjFXr6Sws
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 19, 2024
The ideal start to the tour of Zimbabwe – Ireland Women dominated with bat and ball.
Here’s a summary report: https://t.co/p098jFLJZE#BackingGreen #FuelledByCerta ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/RjxktpUEZC
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) January 18, 2024
The ongoing ODI series between Ireland and Zimbabwe Women will be closely watched by the other 5 teams with ODI status (Thailand, Scotland, Netherlands, USA & PNG). Top 2 in rankings among these 6 will qualify for Women's World Cup Global Qualifier. USA/PNG yet to play any ODIs.
— Czarsportz Global – Associate Cricket World (@Emerging_96) January 18, 2024
#IstODI | DEBUTANTS
Seam bowlers Kudzai Chigora and Mitchell Mavunga, who were part of Zimbabwe Under 19 team at the 2023 ICC Women's Under 19 World Cup, made their debut today as Zimbabwe Women play Ireland Women. #ZIMWvIREW | #WeMeanCricket pic.twitter.com/NRVOe133WP
— Zimbabwe Cricket – Women (@zimbabwewomen) January 18, 2024
Also READ: South Africa name 15-member Women’s squad for the white-ball series against Australia
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.