Monday, December 23, 2024

Ireland v Zimbabwe: Hosts lead Test at rain-hit Stormont

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A last-wicket partnership of 47 helped Ireland to a narrow first-innings advantage against Zimbabwe on day two of the Test at Stormont.

Andy McBrine (28) and Matthew Humphreys (27 not out) plundered late runs as Ireland made 250 in reply to Zimbabwe’s 210.

Zimbabwe openers Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure saw out the final 15 minutes as the tourists reached 12-0 in their second innings at stumps.

Friday’s play was hit by two lengthy rain delays and the game is finely poised going into the weekend.

In a similar fashion to day one, the bowlers struggled in the morning session but excelled in the afternoon as Ireland lost seven wickets for 88 runs.

Tanaka Chivanga (3-39) took his first three Test wickets while Blessing Muzarabani also impressed with 3-53.

PJ Moor (79) and Andy Balbirnie (19) put on a record first-wicket stand for Ireland in Test cricket with their partnership of 71.

Moor also registered the highest Test score for an Ireland opener in Tests as he fell just four short of his best, which came when he was playing for Zimbabwe in 2018.

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