After a disappointing performance in the one-off Test, Zimbabwe made their way back in the limited overs format and registered a convincing 49-run victory over Ireland in the first ODI at Harare to set the tone for the series.
The hosts posted a competitive total of 299/5 before restricting Ireland to 250 in 46 overs. The match was highlighted by a stunning performance from Brian Bennett, who was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding 169-run knock.
Batting brilliance from Brian Benett
Bennett was the star of the show for Zimbabwe as he opened the innings to carve out a magnificent knock, scoring 169 runs off 163 balls, anchoring Zimbabwe’s innings with authority. His innings included 20 boundaries and three sixes, ensuring a strong foundation for his team. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Bennett remained composed and built crucial partnerships, including a 136-run stand with Craig Ervine, who contributed 66 runs off 61 balls. Ireland’s bowlers struggled to contain Bennett, with Mark Adair and Graham Hume managing to make inroads but failing to stem the run flow. Eventually, Bennett was dismissed in the 49th over, but by then, Zimbabwe had already set an imposing target of 300 runs.
Ireland falters despite a spirited middle-order fight
Chasing 300, Ireland got off to a disastrous start, losing captain Andy Balbirnie for a golden duck. Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher tried to stabilize the innings, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers maintained control. Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker attempted to rebuild, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, dismantling Ireland’s batting lineup with his disciplined spell. Richard Ngarava also made a significant impact, ensuring that Ireland never gained momentum in their chase. Wessly Madhevere chipped in with two wickets to contribute to Zimbabwe’s triumph. With this comprehensive win, Zimbabwe now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0. Bennett’s performance stood out as one of the best ODI knocks in recent times for Zimbabwe, proving instrumental in their victory.
Also Read: Ireland announces T20I, ODI and Test squads for Zimbabwe tour; Joshua Little returns
Here’s how fans reacted on X:
🔥 And @ZimCricketv starts their ODI series against Ireland in style, clinching a commanding 49-run victory in the first of three matches! 💪🏏 #ZIMvIRE pic.twitter.com/nTdq8h80XX
— Ntate Mdluli 🇱🇸🇿🇼🇿🇦 (@NtateRanaka) February 14, 2025
You never doubt greatness when you see it 🙌😤#ZIMvIRE pic.twitter.com/aYYO4eIJ6M
— Mr Kucci 🇿🇼 (@tnash_kucci) February 14, 2025
The fans, as always, are in full swing at HSC
@CastleCornerZW
@cricketireland @ZimCricketv #ZimvIre pic.twitter.com/kM3b7EbbGc— Lovejoy L-Jay Mtongwiza (@L_JayMut) February 14, 2025
Zimbabwe beat Ireland by 49 runs in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club to take a 1 nil lead in the three match series!
Brian Bennet top scored for @ZimCricketv with 169 (163) and was named man of the match!
2nd ODI is on Sunday at the same venue@SRazaB24 #ZIMvIRE pic.twitter.com/kKJFMYACb8
— Lovejoy L-Jay Mtongwiza (@L_JayMut) February 14, 2025
Zimbabwe defeated Ireland by 49 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series 🏏#Cricket #ZIMvIRE #ZimbabweCricket pic.twitter.com/8nMf965Vbx
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2025
I have been working and minding my business. Saw an update from @ZimCricketv The boys seem to be doing well. I have split my screen and I’m now watching the game whilst working.
I hope I don’t regret this decision
Go Chevrons 🇿🇼#ZIMIRE— Mabizwa (@MusawenkosiGN) February 14, 2025
Longest innings for Ireland without a boundary
* 72 balls (and counting) – HT Tector today
* 62 balls – AR Cusack v. Pakistan @ Belfast @ 2011
* 58 balls – HT Tector v Afghanistan @ Abu Dhabi, 2021#ZIMvIRE #ZIMvsIRE @ZimCricketv @cricketireland @ACScricket— Rodney Ulyate (@rodneyulyate) February 14, 2025
Brian Bennet? I have no words yet.
It’s your first hundred and you score 169 from 163 balls? Absolute superstar. What an innings!#ZimvIre
— Dobie. M (@Dobie_M) February 14, 2025
OH NO! Brian Bennett goes 4 balls short of becoming the second Zimbabwean to carry his bat in an ODI. The first was Grant Flower, who was also the first player in ODI history to achieve the feat #ZIMvIRE #KwiriTravels
— larry kwirirayi ✍📔 (@kwirirayi) February 14, 2025
This is Zimbabwe’s first ODI total of 250+ since June 2023.#ZIMvIRE #ZIMvsIRE @ZimCricketv @cricketireland
— Rodney Ulyate (@rodneyulyate) February 14, 2025
Zimbabwe have beaten Ireland by 49 runs in Harare🇿🇼🔥
Blessing Muzarabani and Brian Bennett the stars of the show today!
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) February 14, 2025
