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In a gripping encounter at Queens Sports Club, Ireland triumphed by 63 runs against Zimbabwe in a one-off Test match, sealing their third consecutive Test victory and cementing their growing reputation in the longest format.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys emerged as the hero, claiming a decisive seven-wicket match haul, including critical breakthroughs on a tense fifth day that saw Zimbabwe crumble from 105-4 to 228 all out while chasing 292.
Dramatic final day unfolds in Bulawayo
Resuming day five at 183-7, Zimbabwe needed 109 more runs, with hopes pinned on Wesley Madhevere and nightwatchman Newman Nyamhuri. However, Humphreys struck early, trapping Nyamhuri lbw in the third over. The dismissal ignited Irish momentum, but Madhevere’s resistance kept Zimbabwe in contention. The hosts’ aspirations nosedived when Humphreys bowled Madhevere with a sharp-turning delivery, ending his 195-ball vigil. The collapse accelerated as Zimbabwe lost their last wicket for just 10 runs, with Andy McBrine sealing the win by cleaning up Richard Ngarava, sparking jubilation among the Irish camp.
Matthew Humphreys shines in his debut series
The 22-year-old Humphreys, playing only his second Test, finished with figures of 6/57 in the second innings and 7/95 overall, exploiting a wearing pitch with precision.
A historic spell from Irishman Matthew Humphreys! 👏
His 6/57, the best ever bowling figures for an Irishman in Tests, led Ireland to a famous victory over Zimbabwe! 💪#ZIMvIREonFanCode pic.twitter.com/IvXHiLSKQR
— FanCode (@FanCode) February 10, 2025
Ireland’s remarkable recovery
The victory seemed improbable after Ireland’s disastrous start on day one, collapsing to 31-5. A stunning 127-run seventh-wicket partnership between McBrine (90*) and Mark Adair (78) revived the innings, steering Ireland to 260. Their efforts, coupled with Ireland’s second-innings total of 298, set up a competitive target. McBrine, later named Player of the Match, underscored his all-round value by contributing 3/59 with his off-spin in Zimbabwe’s first innings (267), complementing Barry McCarthy’s 4/75.
Player of the match: Andy McBrine 🥇 #Cricket #ZIMvIRE #AndyMcBrine pic.twitter.com/Cl11P7d6qO
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 10, 2025
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza predicts the four-semifinalists
Zimbabwe’s chase falls short
Zimbabwe’s chase began terribly, with half their side returning back to the pavilion for just 105. Madhevere’s gritty 84, featuring 8 boundaries, kept the hosts in the hunt until Humphreys’ intervention on the final day.
Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 63 runs in the one-off Test at Queens Sports Club.#ZIMvIRE #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/X29g0BJkSb pic.twitter.com/ZUBH6ptU5J
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) February 10, 2025
Ireland’s rising Test pedigree
This victory extends Ireland’s Test-winning streak, following their maiden win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in March 2023 and a 2023 home victory against Zimbabwe in Belfast. Since gaining Test status in 2017, Ireland has shown rapid growth, blending resilience with tactical acumen.
The win in Bulawayo underscores Ireland’s adaptability to subcontinental-like conditions, having previously succeeded in Abu Dhabi. For Zimbabwe, ranked higher in Tests, the loss highlights persistent batting frailties.
Now, the focus of both teams will shift to the upcoming three one-day internationals, starting in Harare on Friday (February 14), before playing as many T20Is.
