In a thrilling rain-affected fourth T20 International, Ireland Women secured a remarkable nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women at the Harare Sports Club, thanks to a six from the second-last ball of the match by Orla Prendergast (22 off 12). Prendergast and Gaby Lewis (25 off 21) forged an unbeaten second-wicket partnership of 36, propelling Ireland to a 4-0 lead in the five-game series.
Ireland’s bowling brilliance restricts Zimbabwe to 65/5
After a delay due to excessive rain, the fixture, reduced to eight overs-a-side, commenced with Ireland captain Laura Delany winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Wickets fell at regular intervals, including a run-out by Cara Murray, and Zimbabwe posted a total of 65/5 from their eight overs. Kelis Ndhlovu top scored for Zimbabwe with 17 while Chiedza Dhururu made 14.
#4thT20I | INNINGS BREAK
Zimbabwe 65-5 in 8 overs
(Kelis Ndhlovu 17, Chiyedza Dhururu 14 ; Georgia Dempsey 1-3, Laura Delany 1-10)
Live streaming 👇https://t.co/kVURj8Kvsi#ZIMWvIREW | #WeMeanCricket pic.twitter.com/YXW7fm5MR7
— Zimbabwe Cricket – Women (@zimbabwewomen) February 1, 2024
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Nail-biting run-chase ends with Orla Prendergast’s six
Chasing 66 for victory, Ireland faced a challenging run-chase against Zimbabwe’s resilient bowling attack. Although Amy Hunter provided a positive start, her dismissal on 19 heightened the pressure. Ndhlovu was entrusted with defending nine runs in the final over. Gaby and Prendergast showcased composure in managing the chase, with Prendergast sealing the win with a six over midwicket on the penultimate delivery. The series will conclude with the final match on Friday, 2 February, at the Harare Sports Club and will be played under lights.
BOSH!
6⃣ from OP 👊
What a way to win a match!
We win by 9 wickets and go 4-0 up in the series.
Well done all 👏
SCORECARD: https://t.co/jplhfyNyfi#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/tZ82A0PQoN
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) February 1, 2024
Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by 9 wickets (Match reduced to 8 overs per side due to rain) 🏏
Scorecard: https://t.co/ZalwUWJpEv#women #cricket #ZIMvsIRE #irelandcricket #ZimbabweCricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/wYI4MEMPeY
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 2, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.