Zimbabwe falls at the last hurdle in Belfast as Tucker and McBrine lead Ireland to victory

ASHLEY DUBE

Ireland 158-6 (36.1 overs)

Zimbabwe 197-10 (71 overs)

Ireland 250-10 (58.3 overs)

Zimbabwe 210-10 (71.3 overs)

Ireland win by four wickets

BELFAST – Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine orchestrated a stunning comeback as Ireland secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday in the one-off Test match at Stormont Cricket Ground.

Ireland win Test match against Zimbabwe by four wickets

Image: Cricket Ireland

After a demoralizing collapse on day three, leaving them 33-5, Ireland looked down and out. But a spirited fightback, spearheaded by Tucker's 56 runs and McBrine's unbeaten 55, turned the tide completely.

Tucker, with 10 boundaries, notched his second Test half-century, forming a crucial partnership with McBrine that completely swung pendulum into the host's favour .

Their 67-run stand, crafted in the first hour of play, breathed life back into Ireland's campaign.

Despite Tucker's dismissal by Blessing Muzarabani, who ended with figures of 2-52, Mark Adair joined McBrine at the crease, hitting a crucial 24 not out to propel Ireland towards their target.

Adair, with a boundary, struck the winning runs, bringing an end to a thrilling contest.

The hero of the match was undoubtedly McBrine, who was crowned player of the match for his all-round performance. In addition to his crucial unbeaten knock, he also took 4-38 in 23 overs in Zimbabwe's second innings, demonstrating his immense talent across both batting and bowling.

Ireland have made it back to back victories in the Test circuit adding to their recent success against Afghanistan earlier this year.

The Chevrons unable to capitalise on their dominance with the ball on day three, will be disappointed to have missed a chance to register a Test victory since 2021.