Day 2 of the only Test between Zimbabwe and Ireland saw both teams trading crucial blows, keeping the match evenly poised. Ireland recovered from a disastrous 31/5 to post 260, thanks to Andy McBrine’s unbeaten 90 and Mark Adair’s attacking 78. Blessing Muzarabani starred for Zimbabwe with 7/58, restricting Ireland from posting a bigger total.
In response, Zimbabwe gained a slender seven-run lead, led by Nick Welch’s composed 90 and Muzarabani’s late counterattacking 47. Barry McCarthy’s 4/75 kept Ireland in the contest, preventing Zimbabwe from running away with the game. Ireland’s second innings started positively, reaching 83/1 by stumps, with Andy Balbirnie unbeaten on 32. With a 76-run lead and nine wickets in hand, Ireland holds the edge, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers will aim to strike early on Day 3.
Ireland recovers from early collapse to post 260
Ireland found themselves in deep trouble early in their first innings, collapsing to 31/5 as Zimbabwe’s bowlers ran riot. Muzarabani led the attack with exceptional accuracy, removing key Irish batters to put the visitors on the back foot. However, a counterattacking partnership between McBrine and Adair rescued Ireland from a disastrous position. McBrine played a valiant unbeaten knock of 90, missing a well-deserved century but ensuring Ireland had a fighting total.
Adair contributed a crucial 78, taking on Zimbabwe’s bowlers with aggressive stroke play. Their 127-run stand for the seventh wicket frustrated Zimbabwe, shifting the momentum in Ireland’s favor. Muzarabani remained the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 7/58, preventing Ireland from reaching an even bigger score. Despite losing their last three wickets cheaply, Ireland managed to post 260, a total that looked improbable after their early struggles.
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Nick Welch’s resilience gives Zimbabwe a narrow first-innings lead
Zimbabwe made a cautious start in response but struggled to build big partnerships against Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack. Nick Welch was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a well-compiled 90, falling agonizingly short of a maiden Test century. He played with great composure, mixing solid defense with calculated aggression to keep Zimbabwe in the contest. Captain Craig Ervine chipped in with a steady 32 before falling to McCarthy, who emerged as Ireland’s most effective bowler. The lower order provided unexpected resistance, with Muzarabani smashing a quick 47 to help Zimbabwe cross Ireland’s total. Despite McCarthy’s 4/75, Zimbabwe managed to edge ahead, finishing with 267, taking a slender seven-run lead. Though not a dominant advantage, Zimbabwe’s efforts ensured they would not have to bat last with a deficit, keeping them in the contest.
Ireland builds a solid foundation in second innings
Determined to overturn the seven-run deficit, Ireland made a steady start in their second innings under fading light. Openers Curtis Campher and Peter Moor looked positive, adding 48 runs for the first wicket before Moor fell to Richard Ngarava for 30, leaving captain Balbirnie and Curtis Campher at the crease. Balbirnie, showing excellent composure, played risk-free cricket to ensure no further setbacks before stumps. Campher provided solid support, remaining unbeaten on 14, while Balbirnie looked in control at 32*. At the close of play, Ireland reached 83/1, leading by 76 runs with nine wickets in hand. With a strong platform set, Ireland will look to extend their lead on Day 3 and push Zimbabwe onto the back foot.
The Test match between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Bulawayo nicely poised. #Cricket #ZIMvIRE #Ireland #Zimbabwe #Test pic.twitter.com/2ht2ETfykQ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 7, 2025
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