IRE Takes Control as McCarthy's 4-Wicket Haul Shines | IRE vs ZIM Only Test 2025

McCarthy’s Four-Wicket Burst Puts IRE in Command Against ZIM

Match Summary

IRE vs ZIM – Only Test, Day 2
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
IRE 260 (McBrine 90, Muzarabani 7-58) & 83/1 (Balbirnie 32, Moor 30, Ngarava 1-25)**
ZIM 267 (Welch 90, McCarthy 4-75, McBrine 3-40)
IRE leads by 76 runs

Ireland’s bowlers delivered a relentless performance on Day 2 of the Only Test against Zimbabwe, with Barry McCarthy and Andy McBrine leading the charge in Bulawayo.

With McCarthy’s career-best 4-75 and McBrine’s clever bowling, IRE bowled out ZIM for 267, securing a narrow seven-run lead before their batters strengthened their position by stumps. With Andrew Balbirnie (32) and Curtis Campher (14)** steadying the innings, IRE ended the day 83/1, leading ZIM by 76 runs a position they will be confident in heading into Day 3.

IRE Bowlers Dominate as ZIM Struggles for Momentum

Starting Day 2 at 72/1, ZIM hoped to capitalize on their solid start. However, McCarthy struck early, trapping Takudzwanashe Kaitano leg before for 26 with a delivery that seamed in sharply. He soon clean-bowled Brian Bennett with an angled delivery that sent the bails flying.

McBrine joined the attack, claiming two wickets in a single over removing Wessly Madhevere (26) and Johnathan Campbell (0) as IRE tightened their grip on the match.

The hosts lost four wickets before lunch, leaving them in deep trouble.

ZIM’s Middle-Order Resists but IRE Remains in Control

After the break, ZIM attempted to stabilize their innings, but IRE’s bowlers kept chipping away at their resistance.

McBrine trapped Nyasha Mayavo (18) lbw, while McCarthy delivered another beauty to dismiss Newman Nyamhuri for a golden duck.

Mark Adair then struck twice, removing Richard Ngarava and Nick Welch, the latter falling after a brilliant 90, caught by Harry Tector at deep square leg.

Despite being nine wickets down, ZIM’s tail wagged, with Blessing Muzarabani (47 off 68) and Trevor Gwandu (18)* adding a crucial 67-run stand before Matthew Humphreys cleaned up Muzarabani with a full-length delivery.

ZIM was eventually bowled out for 267, securing a slender seven-run lead over IRE.

IRE Off to a Strong Start in Second Innings

IRE’s response was aggressive from the outset, as PJ Moor punished Muzarabani with a series of elegant boundaries.

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie also looked in fine touch, keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, Moor (30) fell to Ngarava, edging a delivery that moved away, caught behind by Mayavo.

By stumps, IRE was 83/1, leading by 76 runs, with Balbirnie (32) and Campher (14)** ensuring no further damage.

What’s Next?

With a healthy lead and plenty of batting to come, IRE will aim to extend their advantage on Day 3. ZIM, on the other hand, needs early wickets to keep the match alive.

As the Test hangs in the balance, both teams will be eager to seize control in the coming sessions.