Matthew Humphreys Claims Six Wickets as Ireland Defeats Zimbabwe by 63 Runs in One-Off Test
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Synopsis
In a thrilling one-off Test, Matthew Humphreys took 6-57 to guide Ireland to a 63-run victory over Zimbabwe. The match concluded on February 10 at Queens Sports Club, with Ireland achieving a remarkable win despite early struggles. Both teams will now prepare for upcoming ODIs and T20Is.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Humphreys achieved his first five-wicket haul.
- Ireland secured their first hat-trick of Test wins.
- Zimbabwe's Wessly Madhevere scored 84 runs.
- McBrine was named Player of the Match.
- Both teams will compete in ODIs and T20Is soon.
Bulawayo, Feb 10 (NationPress) Spinner Matthew Humphreys achieved a career-best performance with figures of 6-57, steering Ireland to a 63-run victory over Zimbabwe on the fifth day of their one-off Test at Queens Sports Club on Monday.
Starting day five at 183/7, Zimbabwe was dismissed for 228 runs, with Ireland completing their innings in just 18.3 overs on the final day. Humphreys’ first five-wicket haul in only his third Test match also led Ireland to secure their first hat-trick of Test wins since earning international status in the longer format.
Wessly Madhevere fought valiantly for Zimbabwe, scoring 84 runs off 195 balls, while Newman Nyamhuri was dismissed lbw by Humphreys. Once Humphreys bowled him in the 84th over with the new ball on day five, Zimbabwe's chances were nearly extinguished.
Richard Ngarava lingered for 39 balls, surviving two drops, until Andy McBrine dismissed him, sealing a remarkable Test match victory for Ireland.
Although Zimbabwe was expected to chase down 292 runs with two days remaining, Ireland's disciplined bowling kept them in contention, ultimately leading to success despite their struggle at 31/5 on day one.
McBrine was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 90 in the first innings and for taking four wickets throughout the match.
The two teams will now compete in three ODIs followed by three T20Is, with the first ODI scheduled for February 14 in Harare.
Brief Scores: Ireland 260 and 298 beat Zimbabwe 267 and 228 (Wesley Madhevere 84, Brian Bennett 45; Matthew Humphreys 6-57, Barry McCarthy 2-22) by 63 runs
