Ireland Women clinch 2-0 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe Women

ASHLEY DUBE

HARARE – Cara Murray produced Ireland Women’s best one-day international figures of 6-31 as they secured a 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe Women in Harare. Ireland Women won the third ODI by 81 runs at a match played at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. 

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

Ireland Women managed to post 180 in 48.1 overs, with Orla Prendergast’s 41 being crucial, despite the hosts looking in a decent position.

Murray’s devastating spell led to Zimbabwe Women collapsing from 59-2 to 99 all out within 10 overs, securing Ireland Women’s 81-run victory and clinching the series after winning the opener and tying game two on Sunday.

This victory marked a historic moment for Ireland Women’s cricket, as no player had previously taken six wickets in a one-day international prior to this game.

The Lady Chevrons, after winning the toss, elected to field and reduced Ireland to 17-2 early on. 

However, Leah Paul and Prendergast’s partnership of 47 provided a solid foundation before Murray’s unbeaten 12 propelled Ireland Women to reach 180 runs.

In response, Zimbabwe Women struggled to score, with Murray’s devastating performance leading to their collapse. 

Ashley Ndiraya was Zimbabwe Women’s top scorer with 25 before she was dismissed by Ireland Women skipper Laura Delany.

The teams now shift their focus to the five-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on Friday in Harare. 

Ireland Women bask in the glory of their ODI series victory, with attention now turning to the T20I series starting on Friday in Harare. [Image: Zimbabwe Cricket]