NEW DELHI: Andy McBrine showcased his all-round skills, leading Ireland to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in a one-off Test match in Belfast on Sunday. The win came despite a remarkable collapse of Ireland’s top order.
Chasing a modest target of 158 runs with the picturesque Stormont Castle in the background, Ireland found themselves in a precarious position at 33-5 by the end of the third day’s play on Saturday, AFP reported.
The damage was primarily inflicted by Zimbabwe’s left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who claimed an impressive 4-12 in a mere four overs.
However, on Sunday, in this historic Test match – the first-ever played in Northern Ireland – the Irish team displayed resilience, losing only one additional wicket as they successfully chased down the target.
Lorcan Tucker, who scored 56 runs, and McBrine, who remained unbeaten at 55, formed a crucial partnership that changed the course of the match after Ireland had suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 21 runs.
The duo’s sixth-wicket stand yielded 96 runs, bringing Ireland closer to their target. However, Tucker’s innings came to an end when he chopped a delivery from Blessing Muzarabani back onto his stumps, with Ireland still requiring 41 runs to secure the victory.
Mark Adair, born in nearby Holywood, quickly settled in, making 24 not out and hitting the winning boundary as Ireland reached 158-6, securing victory with more than a day to spare.
Off-spinner McBrine, 31, was named player of the match after taking a combined 7-75 across Zimbabwe’s two innings.
“McBrine is the guy you want to put in your cricket bag and take everywhere. Exceptionally skilful and deserved the award today,” said Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie.
The victory gave Ireland their first home win in the format, following their first seven Test defeats. This marked back-to-back successes, coming after their first Test win against Afghanistan in March.
“We did believe last night,” said Balbirnie.
“We had our two best batters out (there). That partnership was special. It was fitting for Mark, hometown boy, to get us over the line.”
Stormont became the second Test venue in Ireland after Malahide and the 123rd in the history of Test cricket.
“Probably didn’t think growing up that there’d be a Test here,” said McBrine, who comes from the Northern Ireland village of Donemana.
“We tried to be as positive as we can.”
McBrine said he had been “working hard behind the scenes” on his bowling before paying tribute to Ireland’s quicks.
“It was not an easy wicket to bowl on but the way they rotated allowed me to take wickets as well.”
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine was left thinking of what might have been had they been able to continue on Saturday night when Ireland were on the ropes at 33-5.
“We’d have liked five, six more overs last night,” he said. “Our games against have Ireland have always been competitive.”
Chasing a modest target of 158 runs with the picturesque Stormont Castle in the background, Ireland found themselves in a precarious position at 33-5 by the end of the third day’s play on Saturday, AFP reported.
The damage was primarily inflicted by Zimbabwe’s left-arm fast bowler Richard Ngarava, who claimed an impressive 4-12 in a mere four overs.
However, on Sunday, in this historic Test match – the first-ever played in Northern Ireland – the Irish team displayed resilience, losing only one additional wicket as they successfully chased down the target.
Lorcan Tucker, who scored 56 runs, and McBrine, who remained unbeaten at 55, formed a crucial partnership that changed the course of the match after Ireland had suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets for just 21 runs.
The duo’s sixth-wicket stand yielded 96 runs, bringing Ireland closer to their target. However, Tucker’s innings came to an end when he chopped a delivery from Blessing Muzarabani back onto his stumps, with Ireland still requiring 41 runs to secure the victory.
Mark Adair, born in nearby Holywood, quickly settled in, making 24 not out and hitting the winning boundary as Ireland reached 158-6, securing victory with more than a day to spare.
Off-spinner McBrine, 31, was named player of the match after taking a combined 7-75 across Zimbabwe’s two innings.
“McBrine is the guy you want to put in your cricket bag and take everywhere. Exceptionally skilful and deserved the award today,” said Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie.
The victory gave Ireland their first home win in the format, following their first seven Test defeats. This marked back-to-back successes, coming after their first Test win against Afghanistan in March.
“We did believe last night,” said Balbirnie.
“We had our two best batters out (there). That partnership was special. It was fitting for Mark, hometown boy, to get us over the line.”
Stormont became the second Test venue in Ireland after Malahide and the 123rd in the history of Test cricket.
“Probably didn’t think growing up that there’d be a Test here,” said McBrine, who comes from the Northern Ireland village of Donemana.
“We tried to be as positive as we can.”
McBrine said he had been “working hard behind the scenes” on his bowling before paying tribute to Ireland’s quicks.
“It was not an easy wicket to bowl on but the way they rotated allowed me to take wickets as well.”
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine was left thinking of what might have been had they been able to continue on Saturday night when Ireland were on the ropes at 33-5.
“We’d have liked five, six more overs last night,” he said. “Our games against have Ireland have always been competitive.”
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