ASHLEY DUBE
Zimbabwe is on the cusp of a historic victory in Belfast after dismantling Ireland's top order on day three of the one-off Test match. Fast bowler Richard Ngarava, with a blistering spell of 4-17, ripped through the Irish top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 33-5 and staring down the barrel of defeat.
Image: Cricket Ireland
With just five wickets remaining and 125 runs still needed to win, the task ahead for Ireland seems insurmountable.
Zimbabwe were defending a below par 158-run target having been bowled out for 197 after starting the day on 12-0.
Ireland's bowlers, led by Andy McBrine (4-46), had taken control, but Zimbabwe's batsmen were able to weather the storm, with Sean Williams and Dion Myers putting on a crucial partnership. The pair had put on a 68-runs for the 4th wicket.
Williams then fell to Craig Young, and a quick succession of wickets fell with Brian Bennett (10) and Clive Madande (10) also getting out soon after. Zimbabwe were struggling at 174-6.
Myers, top-scoring with 57 runs, showed resilience but was eventually dismissed by Mark Adair, leaving Zimbabwe at 182-8 at tea. Andy McBrine cleaned up the tail after the break, setting Ireland a 158-run target for victory.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the afternoon session.
Richard Ngarava unleashed a ferocious spell to leave Ireland teetering on the brink of defeat.
He struck twice in two balls, removing Peter Moor and Curtis Campher with just six runs on the board. In the very next over, Blessing Muzarabani sent skipper Andy Balbirnie back to the pavilion, leaving Ireland reeling at 6-3.
Ngarava's momentum continued, as Harry Tector edged a delivery behind for a duck, followed by Paul Stirling, who fell in similar fashion for just 10 runs.
With Ireland struggling at 33-5, rain came to provide a premature end to the day.
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