Zimbabwe v Ireland ODI: Balbirnie steers tourists to series win in Harare
- Published
Curtis Campher and Andrew Balbirnie in the middle during Ireland's victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday
Third one-day international, Harare |
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Zimbabwe 197 (40.0 overs): Gumbie 72, Raza 37; Hume 4-34, Campher 4-37 |
Ireland 204-3 (37.5 overs): Balbirnie 82*, Campher 40; Mavuta 1-19 |
Ireland won by seven wickets (DLS method) |
Andrew Balbirnie passed 3,000 ODI runs as his unbeaten 82 helped Ireland beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets to secure a 2-0 series victory in Harare.
The hosts were 78-3 on Sunday before a rain delay saw the game reduced to 40 overs a side.
Joylord Gumbie made 72 while Curtis Campher and Graham Hume both took four wickets as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197.
Ireland eased to victory with Balbirnie starring as they made 204-3.
The Irish won the second ODI after the opener was washed out and they elected to field on Sunday after winning the toss.
It was a day to remember for Balbirnie as he became the fourth Irish batter to make 3,000 ODI runs.
Tinashe Kamunhukamwe fell early to Hume but a 69-run partnership between opener Gumbie and captain Sikandar Raza (33) took Zimbabwe to 123-3.
However, the wickets soon tumbled with Hume (4-34) and Campher (4-47) on top form and the remaining seven wickets falling for just 74 runs.
Irish skipper Paul Stirling (eight) was dismissed with just 12 runs on the board but fellow opener Balbirnie ensured a smooth passage to the victory target.
Balbirnie and Campher (40) put on 70 runs and a 63-run partnership with Harry Tector (33) brought Ireland within sight of the win.
Lorcan Tucker (29) was alongside Balbirnie when the series victory was secured with 13 balls to spare.
"As a top-order batter you're always looking for that consistency but you're always one knock away from finding form," said Balbirnie, who was short of runs before Sunday's impressive knock.
"So it was nice to be there for the duration and get the boys over the line and win a series decider. Credit to our bowlers, who came in after the rain break and took key wickets and kept them to 20-30 runs short of a good score."
It was a successful tour for Ireland after the also won the T20 series - their first series victory in the African country.