ZIM vs IRE | Bennett’s 169 Powers ZIM to 49-Run Win Over IRE in 1st ODI

Bennett’s Stunning 169 Leads ZIM to Victory Over IRE

Match Summary

ZIM – 299/5 in 50 overs

• Brian Bennett – 169 (163) 
• Craig Ervine – 66 (74)
• Mark Adair – 2/55

IRE – 250 all out in 46 overs

• Curtis Campher – 44 (56)
• Paul Stirling – 39 (35)
• Blessing Muzarabani – 4/51 
• Richard Ngarava – 3/56

ZIM won by 49 runs

ZIM Start ODI Series with a Dominant 49-Run Win

The Ireland tour of Zimbabwe 2025 kicked off with a thrilling 1st ODI in Harare, where ZIM secured a 49-run victory over IRE, thanks to a magnificent 169-run knock from Brian Bennett. The young batter’s career-best innings powered ZIM to a formidable total of 299/5, setting the tone for an action-packed series.

Bennett’s Brilliance at the Top

Asked to bat first, ZIM got off to a solid start with Bennett leading the charge.

Key Highlights of Bennett’s Knock:

• Scored 169 off 163 balls, the 5th-highest individual ODI score by a ZIM batter.
• Struck 20 boundaries and three sixes, showing his dominance.
• Built two crucial partnerships:
  • 95-run stand with Ben Curran.
  • 136-run stand with Craig Ervine (66 off 74 balls).

Despite their strong position at 231/2 after 41 overs, ZIM failed to accelerate in the death overs. IRE’s bowlers fought back, restricting the hosts from crossing the 300-run mark, but the damage was already done.

Ireland’s Chase Falters Despite Promising Start

Chasing 300 for victory, IRE’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Andrew Balbirnie was dismissed on the first ball of the chase. However, a quickfire 55-run stand between Paul Stirling and Curtis Campher (44) kept the visitors in the game.

Despite six batters crossing 30, none could convert into a big score, causing the chase to lose momentum. IRE crumbled in the final 10 overs, losing their last four wickets for just eight runs, handing ZIM a comfortable victory.

Bowling Excellence from ZIM

ZIM’s pacers delivered under pressure, ensuring their team’s first win of the series.

Top Bowling Performers:

• Blessing Muzarabani: 4/51, dismantling IRE’s middle order.
• Richard Ngarava: 3/56, striking key blows early in the innings.

Despite IRE’s aggressive approach, ZIM’s disciplined bowling attack ensured a convincing win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.