Zimbabwe defeat Ireland to win ODI series

Harare (Agencies): A century from Ben Curran helped Zimbabwe beat Ireland by nine wickets and claim a 2-1 victory in the one-day international series in Harare.

Opener Curran, who is the brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, occupied the crease throughout his side’s innings and hit 14 boundaries as he racked up his huge contribution of 118 not out off 130 balls.

It is Curran’s first international century since making his debut for Zimbabwe, who he qualifies to play for via his dad, last December.

Ireland made 240-6 off their 50 overs with Andrew Balbirnie (64), Lorcan Tucker (61) and Harry Tector (51) all reaching half-centuries.

Ireland’s top-scorer Balbirnie, and Tector, built an 86-run partnership for the third wicket while Tucker and Mark Adair, who finished 26 not out, put on 67 for the sixth wicket.

Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with 2-42 and 2-44 respectively.

In response, Zimbabwe reached their target off 39.3 overs to complete a comfortable victory.

Brian Bennett smashed 48 off 48 balls before falling lbw to Graham Hume, who turned out to be Ireland’s sole wicket-taker.

That left the Zimbabweans 124-1 in the 20th over and Curran’s subsequent partnership with captain Craig Ervine (39*) saw their side canter to their decisive win.

Zimbabwe had secured a 49-run win in Friday’s opener before Ireland levelled the series with a six-wicket victory on Sunday.

The sides will now contest a three-match T20 series, beginning on Saturday, with further matches on Sunday and Tuesday to conclude Ireland’s tour. Ireland will be without opener Ross Adair for that trio of games as he was ruled out on Monday with a calf injury.

Ireland won the one-off Test between the sides in Bulawayo.