IRE vs ZIM: Adair, McBrine Fight Back as Muzarabani Shines

IRE vs ZIM: Adair, McBrine Lead Fightback, Muzarabani Stars with Seven-for

SUMMARY

Ireland v Zimbabwe, Only Test match in Zimbabwe, 6 February 2025

DAY ONE (Close of play)

Ireland 260 (56.4 overs; A McBrine 90*; B Muzarabani 7-58)
Zimbabwe 72-1 (21 overs; N Welch 33*; BJ McCarthy 1-25)

Zimbabwe trail by 188 runs

The Only Test between IRE and ZIM at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo witnessed a dramatic opening day as IRE fought back from 31/5 to post 260, thanks to a brilliant 90 from Andy McBrine and a counterattacking 78 from Mark Adair*. However, ZIM’s Blessing Muzarabani stole the show with a stunning seven-wicket haul, ensuring his side remained in control. At stumps, ZIM was 72/1, trailing by 188 runs.

Muzarabani’s Fireworks Leave IRE Reeling at 31/5

Winning the toss and opting to bat, IRE endured a nightmare start as ZIM’s pacers ran riot early on. Muzarabani set the tone with the early dismissal of Peter Moor (4), caught at slip, before Richard Ngarava got Campher to drag one onto his stumps.

Muzarabani continued his dominance, removing captain Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector in quick succession, before delivering a fiery short ball to Paul Stirling, whose leading edge was caught in the slips. With IRE struggling at 31/5, the visitors seemed destined for a sub-100 total.

Adair and McBrine Stage a Stunning Recovery

Just when IRE looked completely out of the contest, Adair and McBrine counterattacked, building a 127-run seventh-wicket stand that changed the momentum. Adair played an aggressive knock of 78 off 91 balls, smashing nine boundaries, while McBrine anchored the innings superbly.

Adair took special liking to debutant New Nyamhuri, cracking four boundaries in two overs after lunch. He was eventually dismissed for 78, caught behind off Muzarabani after being dropped earlier by the same bowler.

McBrine, however, continued his resistance, skillfully guiding the tail and remaining unbeaten on 90, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century as IRE was bowled out for 260 in 56.4 overs.

Muzarabani’s Magical Spell: 7/58

Muzarabani was the standout performer, claiming 7/58 in just 16.4 overs. His ability to extract bounce and movement made him virtually unplayable, tearing through the IRE batting lineup with a mix of pace and precision.

His final two wickets Craig Young and Matthew Humphreys—wrapped up the innings, ensuring ZIM had the upper hand despite IRE’s recovery.

ZIM’s Solid Start in Response

Coming out to bat under fading light, ZIM lost opener Ben Curran early for 12, caught behind off Barry McCarthy’s well-directed short ball. However, Nicholas Welch (33) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (26) steadied the innings, ensuring no further damage before stumps at 72/1, trailing by 188 runs.

Day 2: Can IRE Strike Back or Will ZIM Dominate?

With ZIM in a strong position, the focus now shifts to Day 2, where IRE’s bowlers, led by McCarthy, will look to make early inroads. On the other hand, ZIM will aim to capitalize on their solid start and build a first-innings lead.

With Muzarabani’s heroics and McBrine’s resilience setting the stage, Day 2 promises another thrilling battle in this intense Test match.