Zimbabwe Clinches Series Against Ireland with 9-Wicket Win in Deciding Third ODI

Zimbabwe defeated Ireland by 9 wickets in the series-deciding third ODI held in Harare, securing their first ODI series victory since March 2023. This win also marked Zimbabwe's first series win against a full-member nation since August 2022, and their first series win over Ireland in nearly a decade.

Ireland, batting first, scored 240 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Key contributions came from Andy Balbirnie (64), Lorcan Tucker (61), and Harry Tector (51). For Zimbabwe, bowlers Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu each took two wickets.

In reply, Zimbabwe made a strong start. Opening batsman Ben Curran scored his maiden ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 118. He put Ireland's bowlers under pressure from the start, reaching his half-century in just 38 balls.

Curran was supported by captain Craig Ervine, who remained unbeaten on 69, and Brian Bennett, who played a valuable knock of 48. Curran and Ervine formed an unbroken 122-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding Zimbabwe to victory with 63 balls to spare.

Ben Curran was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant century, and in doing so, became the third Curran brother to score an international century, following in the footsteps of his brothers Sam and Tom. Brian Bennett, who accumulated 247 runs in the series, was awarded the Player of the Series.