Home Test drought continues as Zimbabwe fall short against Ireland

ASHLEY DUBE 

BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe suffered a 68-run defeat against Ireland at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, continuing their woeful run in Test cricket. The Chevrons have not won in their last ten matches, their last victory coming in 2021 in Abu Dhabi. Their last home Test win was in 2013 against Pakistan.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket 

Hopes were high on the first morning, spurred by an unbelievable opening spell from Blessing Muzarabani, who ripped through the Irish top order with his pace and bounce. Ireland were in dire straits at 31-5, with Muzarabani claiming four scalps and Ngarava taking the other. 

However, the Irish middle and lower order recovered strongly, led by Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, and Andy McBrine. McBrine finished unbeaten on 90, while Adair scored 74. Aside from this period, there was a lack of significant support for Muzarabani's devastating spell. Trevor Gwandu proved expensive, conceding over eight runs per over, and Nyamhuri struggled to find consistent rhythm. Ireland were eventually bowled out for 260, with Muzarabani achieving career-best figures of 7-58.

While the score was modest, it proved a daunting task for the Chevrons' batters. The absence of captain Craig Ervine, who was away due to family reasons, and Sean Williams, who was ruled out with an injury the day before the match, further weakened the batting lineup. 

The top seven had a combined experience of only ten Test matches, with three debutants, including Johnathan Campbell, who was also named captain on debut. Nick Welch top-scored with 90, but aside from Muzarabani's fighting 47, no other significant contributions came from the batting unit, with only three players managing to score over twenty runs. 

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 267 in their first innings, securing a slender lead of 7 runs. The Irish bowlers displayed great discipline, with Barry McCarthy standing out with 4-75.

Ireland fared better in their second innings, although Zimbabwe clawed back some control, particularly when spin was introduced. Wessly Madhevere and Johnathan Campbell applied pressure, leading to wickets. 

Richard Ngarava finished with 4-55 as Ireland were bowled out for 298, leaving Zimbabwe needing 292 to win with two days of play remaining. 

The visitors quickly dismantled Zimbabwe's top order, dismissing Kaitano, Welch, and Ben Curran to leave the Chevrons struggling at 38-3. Trevor Gwandu, brought in as a nightwatchman, did not last long on Day 4. 

Consecutive fifty partnerships between Madhevere and Bennett, and then Campbell, saw the Chevrons attempt to wrest control from the Irish. However, Bennett (45) and Campbell (33) failed to convert their starts, a failure that proved costly as Zimbabwe eventually fell short by 68 runs. 

When Mayavo departed for 8 off the bowling of Humphreys, who impressed in the second innings with his left-arm off-spin, Madhevere was left with the daunting task of scoring the remaining 109 runs with the tailenders Nyamhuri, Ngarava, and Muzarabani.

Ireland took the new ball early on Day 5, and it proved to be a game-changer, bringing an end to Madhevere's vigil on 84. He was trapped lbw off the bowling of Humphreys, who finished with six wickets.

Andy McBrine took the final wicket as Ireland secured their third consecutive Test victory, following wins against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi and Zimbabwe in Belfast. 

Attention now shifts to the One Day International series, with the first match on February 14th at Harare Sports Club.