Day Four of Test match, Stormont
Zimbabwe 210 & 197 (71 overs): Myers 57, Williams 40; McBrine 4-38
Ireland 250 & 158-6 (33.4 overs): Tucker 56, McBrine 55; Ngarava 4-53*
Ireland won by four wickets
Ireland achieved a memorable four-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at Stormont, thanks to a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership between Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine. Chasing 158, the hosts began day four precariously placed at 33-5 but were buoyed by Tucker (56) and McBrine (55*), who delivered an exceptional stand of 84 runs.
Zimbabwe, who appeared on track for their first Test win since 2021, couldn’t replicate their earlier bowling success, which had seen Ireland’s top-order collapse. Instead, Tucker and McBrine dominated, amassing 67 runs in the first hour and shifting the momentum firmly in Ireland’s favor. Tucker, registering his second Test half-century with ten boundaries, was eventually dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani, leaving Ireland at 117-6.
Mark Adair then joined McBrine, and together they calmly guided Ireland to the target, with Adair hitting the winning runs to spark jubilant celebrations. This victory marked Ireland’s second consecutive Test win, following their maiden success against Afghanistan earlier this year, and was particularly significant as the first Test match played in Northern Ireland.
The match saw fluctuating fortunes over the first three days, characterized by favorable morning batting conditions and afternoon bowling resurgence. Sunday’s play mirrored this pattern, but Ireland’s resilience ultimately prevailed. McBrine, who also took 4-38 in Zimbabwe’s second innings, was deservedly named player-of-the-match.
Scoreboard Summary:
Zimbabwe 210 & 197
Top Scorers: Myers 57, Williams 40
Ireland Bowling: McBrine 4-38
Ireland 250 & 158-6
Top Scorers: Tucker 56, McBrine 55 not out*
Zimbabwe Bowling: Ngarava 4-53, Muzarabani 1-25
Ireland’s historic win at Stormont underscores their growing confidence and ability in the Test arena.