Zimbabwe Cricket Results - Zimbabwe Men Win 1st T20 and Lose the 2nd vs Ireland; Zim Women lose 2nd T20 vs Thailand Women

By Ashley Dube and Takudzwa Hillary Chiwanza

Richard Ngaravara’s last over heroics ensured the first blood went to the Chevrons in the ongoing T20 series against Ireland. The tall left arm pacer managed to defend 6 runs in the last over as the Irish were restricted to 114-9, losing the match by 3 runs. Zimbabwe had posted 117 for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 0vers. Ireland had won the toss and elected to field first. 

Pic by Zimbabwe Cricket on Twitter

Zimbabwe were in all sorts of bother at 5-2 with young openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere both falling to the magnificent bowling of Craig Young. Batsman Regis Chakabva offered some respite for Zimbabwe scoring a quick-fire 47 off 28 balls as he played a brilliant counter attacking innings which featured 5 boundaries (four 4s and one maximum). 

Unfortunately for Chakabva, he lacked support in his quest with no other batsman managing to cross the 20 run mark with Craig Ervine coming close with 17 as well as lower order batsman Wellington Masakadza who scored 19. 

In response the spinner put a spanner in the works during their chase, with Ryan Burl finishing with impressive figures of 3-22, Wellington Masakadza was extremely economical finishing with figures of 2-18. The bowling unit was disciplined which was pleasing to watch as strike bowler Blessing Muzarabani was ruled out due to illness.

Zimbabwe then lost the second T20 international match by 7 wickets, with Zimbabwe winning the toss and electing to bat first. Zimbabwe posted 152 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Milton Shumba scored 46 runs* (his career-best) and Ryan Burl posted 37 runs* - the two batsmen being the highest scorers for Zimbabwe Men. Wessly Madhevere showed an improved performance as he posted 21 runs. 

Ireland's bowlers Shane Getkate (3-20) and Ben White (1-33) led the host nation's bowling attack. In their batting response, Ireland found little difficulty in chasing the target. Zimbabwe's bowling lacked spirited intentions to defend their score, with Ireland posting 153-3 in 18.3 overs, thus winning by 7 wickets. Kevin O'Brien was dropped twice and went on to make 60 runs, making Ireland's chase easy.

Meanwhile the Lady Chevrons lost their second T20 international against Thailand by 53 runs. Thailand batted first and managed 154 runs with NAttthakna Chantham top scoring for the visitors with an unbeaten 88 (10 fours and 2 sixes). In response the Chevrons were bundled out for 101 runs with Precious Marange top scoring for the hosts with 30. Nattaya Boochtham finished with figures of 4-16. 

With this result Thailand managed to level the series as Zimbabwe managed to hold their nerve in the first T20I with a one-wicket victory in a nail biting encounter also played at Harare Sports Club.