In another rain-interrupted encounter that went down to the wire, Ireland and Zimbabwe tied the 2nd ODI at the Harare Sports Club in Harare with the DLS Method coming to play and dictating the final result in the match.
Zimbabwe batting first posted a competitive 227 on the board courtesy of important knocks from skipper Mary-Anne Musonda, Chiedza Dhururu and Ashley Ndriaya with Arlene Kelly of Ireland once again impressing. In the run-chase that ensued, Ireland had a positive start with Lea Paul and Gaby Lewis setting the platform, however, the loss of wickets meant pressure on the batters coming in later. With rain playing spoilsport, Ireland tied the match with Zimbabwe based on the DLS Method.
Ireland won the toss and elected to field first. Zimbabwe had a memorable start with skipper Mary-Anne Musonda and Chiedza Dhururu setting the base with a critical partnership of 92. They were not just able to rotate the strike and get runs under their belt but could apply pressure on Ireland who seemed to take time to get their first breakthrough.
![Zimbabwe team in action. [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/zimbabwe-women.jpg "ZIM vs IRE: Zimbabwe And Ireland Tie The 2nd ODI In A Thrilling Encounter 1")
Arelene Kelly was back in the attack and was impressive right from the get-go as she struck dismissing Mujaji for 25. Kellies Ndlovu then joined Ndiraya and the duo began the resurrection effort and stitched a partnership that came in handy for Zimbabwe. Before they could settle in, the 44th over saw the duo perish. Ndiraya was run out by Orla Prendergast and Ndlovu was out for 34.
Eventually, it was Precious Marange’s 19 that was a much-needed impetus to the batting and Zimbabwe ended up with 227. Ireland had Arelene Kelly scalp four wickets with one wicket coming in from Freya Sargent, Cara Murray and Laura Delany.
Freya Sargent takes a wicket on her 18th birthday 🙌
SCORECARD: https://t.co/jplhfyNyfi
WATCH: https://t.co/DaYoMhMxwe #BackingGreen ☘️📷 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/WjrVK4A9Ie— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 21, 2024
Ireland had an optimistic start to the proceedings with Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis slowly and steadily laying the bricks for a successful runchase. While the duo looked all set it was Kelis Ndhlovu who stepped up and got Paul out for 34. Gaby Lewis’ 42 was the shining light in the run-chase and her dismissal momentarily halted the proceedings in the run-chase.
The perfect start.
A boundary for Leah 👏#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/Lr9GvS9B3O
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 21, 2024
With knocks of 25 and 15 coming from the middle-order batters Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast, their consecutive dismissals ensured a momentum shift to Zimbabwe who capitalised with skipper Delany’s wicket as well. With late knocks of 30 and 18 thanks to Rebecca Stokell and Arlene Kelly, Ireland looked primed to seal the run-chase till the heavens opened up and rain interfered in the match.
UPDATE!
It's currently raining heavily in Harare 😢#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/l5JyQfaGzk
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 21, 2024
Even as the duo was dismissed followed by Ava Canning and Jane Maguire falling, Ireland seemed well on target to chase down the total requiring one off the final ball but a stumping meant the match was tied. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe had a memorable performance with Ndlovu taking three wickets and Loreen Thsuma with two wickets.
It's ended in a tie.
Needing one off the final ball Jane Maguire unfortunately gets stumped and the match ends in a tie.
All to play for in the series decider on Tuesday.
SCORECARD: https://t.co/jplhfyNyfi#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/xtF0pPuEz6
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 21, 2024
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe And Ireland 2nd ODI
ZIM: 227/9 in 50 overs (Chiedza Dhururu 46, Ashley Ndiraya 41, Mary-Anne Musonda 41; Arlene Kelly 4/35, Laura Delany 1/24) tied with IRE- 202/9 (Gaby Lewis 42, Leah Paul 34, Rebecca Stokell 30; Kellies Ndlovu 3/36, Loreen Tshuma 2/48) according to DLS Method.
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