• Curtis Campher's all-round brilliance and Paul Stirling's composed 89 guided Ireland to a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe.

  • Ireland levelled the 3-match ODI series 1-1 in a thrilling second ODI.

Twitter reactions: Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher lead Ireland to a series-leveling win over Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI
Paul Stirling’s captain’s knock and Curtis Campher lead Ireland to a series-leveling win over Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI (Image source: X)

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In a thrilling encounter at Harare Sports Club, Ireland clinched a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling were the architects of Ireland’s successful chase, while Mark Adair‘s four-wicket haul earlier in the day set the stage for a commanding performance. Zimbabwe, despite a fighting total of 245, couldn’t contain Ireland’s batting firepower as the visitors chased down the target with eight balls to spare.

Zimbabwe’s innings: A tale of starts and stumbles

Zimbabwe’s innings was a rollercoaster, marked by promising partnerships and sudden collapses. Openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran provided a steady start, with Bennett particularly aggressive, smashing six boundaries in his 30 off 34 balls. However, his dismissal in the seventh over, caught by Stirling off Adair, triggered a mini-collapse. Craig Ervine fell cheaply to Josh Little, and Curran’s patient 18 ended when he was bowled by Andy McBrine.

Wessly Madhevere and Sikandar Raza then steadied the ship with a crucial 74-run partnership. Madhevere showcased his class, reaching a fluent 61 off 70 balls before falling lbw to Campher. Raza, the backbone of Zimbabwe’s middle order, anchored the innings with a composed 58, but his dismissal in the 43rd over, caught by Harry Tector off Adair, derailed Zimbabwe’s momentum. Wellington Masakadza‘s brisk 35 and Richard Ngarava‘s unbeaten 17 pushed the total to 245, but it felt slightly below par on a good batting surface.

Campher was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 13 runs in his five overs, while Adair’s four-wicket haul ensured Zimbabwe couldn’t accelerate in the death overs.

Also READ: Ireland announces T20I, ODI and Test squads for Zimbabwe tour; Joshua Little returns

Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher steer Ireland’s ship to victory

Ireland’s chase began cautiously, with Andy Balbirnie falling early to Blessing Muzarabani for 11. However, Stirling and Campher combined for a match-defining 144-run partnership that put Ireland firmly in control. Stirling, the experienced campaigner, played a captain’s knock, scoring 89 off 102 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking.

Campher, fresh from his bowling heroics, played the perfect supporting role, notching up a gritty 63 off 94 balls. His dismissal in the 34th over, lbw to Trevor Gwandu, gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope, but Stirling continued to anchor the innings. Tector’s brief stay ended with a soft dismissal, but Lorcan Tucker (36*) and George Dockrell (20*) ensured there were no further hiccups.

Tucker’s composed innings and Dockrell’s aggressive cameo in the final overs sealed the deal for Ireland, as they reached the target with eight balls to spare. Gwandu was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, picking up two wickets, but the lack of consistent pressure from the rest of the attack proved costly.

With the series now level at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling decider. Ireland will take confidence from their all-round performance, while Zimbabwe will look to regroup and address their middle-order inconsistencies. If the first two games are anything to go by, the final ODI promises to be a cracker, with both teams eager to clinch the series.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: Fans react as Brian Benett’s masterclass paves the way for Zimbabwe’s dominance over Ireland in the 1st ODI

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.