ZIM vs IRE U19 | Edge Ireland U19 by 12 Runs in Thrilling 2nd Youth ODI

Zimbabwe U19 Edge Past Ireland U19 in Thrilling Youth ODI Contest in Harare

Summary
In a fiercely contested second Youth ODI, Zimbabwe Under-19 held their nerve to clinch a narrow 12-run win over Ireland Under-19.
Set 261 to chase at Harare Sports Club, Ireland fell just short despite a gritty 65 from Sebastian Dijkstra and late fireworks from the lower order.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings was built around Kian Blignaut’s composed 68 and Kupakwashe Muradzi’s steady 52.
A dramatic collapse in the final 10 overs saw Zimbabwe lose 7 wickets for 59 runs, yet their bowling unit stood firm.
Ryan Moyo’s three-wicket haul proved pivotal as Zimbabwe levelled the series with the win.

Scorecard
Zimbabwe U19: 260 all out in 49.3 overs (K Blignaut 68, K Muradzi 52; D Murray 3-26, A Armstrong 2-44)
Ireland U19: 248 all out in 49.5 overs (S Dijkstra 65, R O’Brien 42; R Moyo 3-42, S Mazvitorera 3-67)
Result: Zimbabwe U19 won by 12 runs

Dijkstra’s Heroics Fall Short as Zimbabwe Hold On in Nail-Biting Finish

At the Harare Sports Club, under swirling winds and overcast skies, Ireland Under-19 came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a memorable run chase. But on a surface that demanded patience and precision, they were ultimately undone by Zimbabwe’s sharper bowling at the death and some nervy running between the wickets. The final margin? Just 12 runs.

Coming into Game Two of the five-match series, Ireland had reason to be optimistic. After bowling out Zimbabwe for 260 courtesy some incisive spells from Daniel Murray (3-26) and Alex Armstrong (2-44) they had every reason to believe they could chase the total down. Especially considering how composed they looked during the middle phase of the innings.

However, as is often the case in youth ODIs, the game turned sharply in the final few overs, and Zimbabwe’s bowling unit led by the experienced Ryan Moyo (3-42) and the ever-reliable Shelton Mazvitorera (3-67) held firm when it mattered most.

Ireland’s Chase Starts Steady but Falters

Ireland’s chase began on the back foot with the early loss of Freddie Ogilby, but skipper James West and Adam Leckey stitched together a meaningful 56-run stand to bring some calm to the innings. It was West’s composed stroke play and Leckey’s balance between caution and aggression that helped Ireland recover from a tentative start.

Yet once Leckey was removed by Moyo, and West soon followed after a mistimed flick off Brendon Senzere, pressure started to mount. At 98-3, the Irish middle order was called upon to deliver, and Robert O’Brien, along with man-of-the-match contender Sebastian Dijkstra, stepped up to the challenge.

Dijkstra, already impressive with the ball and in the field earlier in the day, played a mature hand with the bat. His 65 off 80 balls, laced with seven boundaries, kept Ireland within touching distance throughout the middle overs. It was an innings built on timing rather than brute force a calm amidst the storm.

Dramatic Collapse, Late Fightback, and Zimbabwe’s Grit

What tilted the game in Zimbabwe’s favour was a combination of pressure bowling and well-planned field settings. Ireland, needing around 60 runs in the final 10 overs, began to crumble under the required rate. Regular wickets broke any momentum Dijkstra tried to build. Even though Thomas Ford and Alex Armstrong found a few late boundaries, the chase felt like it was slipping away with each dot ball.

The final pair showed heart, swinging hard and running aggressively, but with 13 needed from the last over and only one wicket remaining, Zimbabwe closed out the match with a composed display of death bowling. Ford fell going for the glory shot, and the hosts erupted with joy.

Zimbabwe’s Top Order Sets the Tone

Earlier in the day, it was Zimbabwe’s top order that provided the platform for a challenging total. After a cautious start, Kian Blignaut’s 68 off 98 balls provided the anchor. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries was critical in setting the tone, especially after the early dismissal of the aggressive opener.

Kupakwashe Muradzi (52) brought stability through the middle overs, while Tatenda Banda added flair until an excellent run-out orchestrated by James West and Dijkstra halted his progress.

But what truly hurt Zimbabwe’s innings was the collapse at the back end. From 200-3 in the 40th over, they slumped to 260 all out. Alex Armstrong’s double-wicket over in the 41st, and Daniel Murray’s finishing spell, brought Ireland roaring back into the contest. Reuben Wilson’s run-out from deep midwicket was another example of fielding lifting the bowling unit.

What Lies Ahead

With the series now levelled at 1-1, both teams have plenty to ponder. Ireland will be disappointed to have let a winnable match slip away but will be encouraged by the performances of their young core. Dijkstra, O’Brien, and Armstrong showed maturity beyond their years.

For Zimbabwe, their ability to defend under pressure will be the big takeaway. They weren’t perfect, but they found a way to win a quality every successful team aspires to.

The third Youth ODI promises even more fireworks, with both sides aware that consistency and composure may make the difference as the series progresses.