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Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance in the third ODI against Ireland at the Harare Sports Club, securing a nine-wicket victory to claim the three-match series 2-1. After restricting Ireland to 240/6 in their 50 overs, Zimbabwe chased down the target with ease, finishing at 246/1 in just 39.3 overs. Ben Curran’s magnificent century and Craig Ervine’s fluent knock led the hosts to a dominant win.
Ireland post a competitive total
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Ireland put up a steady but somewhat underwhelming total of 240/6. Andy Balbirnie anchored the innings with a patient 64 off 99 balls, while Harry Tector (51) and Lorcan Tucker (61) provided crucial contributions in the middle order. Mark Adair’s quickfire 26 towards🌜 the end helped Ireland cross the 240-run mark.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed their plans well, with Richard Ngarava (2/42) and Trevor Gwandu (2/44) leading the attack. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza c♑hipped in with a wicket each, ensuring that Ireland never gained full momen𓆏tum.
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Ben Curran’s century propels Zimbabwe to victory
In response, Zimbabwe’s top order made light work of the chase, courtesy of a stellar unbeaten century from Curran. The left-hander crafted a brilliant 118 off 130 balls, anchoring the innings with patience and precision. He found strong support from Brian Bennett (48 off 48) and Craig Ervine (69* off 59), who ensured the chase 🐓remained effortless.
The Irish bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Graham Hume (1/39) managing to pick up a wicket. Zimbabwe’s batters capitalized on wayward bowling, punishing Ireland with fluent stroke play an🔴d calculated aggression.
With this emphatic victory, Zimbabwe clinched the series 2-1, bouncing back strongly after their defeat in the second ODI. Curranꦯ was rightfully named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Ben Curran named Player of the Ma💖tch after his unbeaten 118* propelled Zimbabwe to a nine-wicket victory against Ireland. &ExperienceZimbabwe
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv)
GOOSEBUMP🐼S!!!!! What a boy!!!!!! So amazing!!!!! 💯
— Sam Curran (@CurranSM)
Bats like Sam, resembles Tom. Wonderful story that the last of the Curran💟 family to enter international cricket, is the first of the to score an international century. Ben Curran has played a skillful and well paced knock that ushers Zimbabwe to an ODI series win over Ireland.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Ben Curran becomes the first member of his family to score an International century, achieving this milestone after playing the fewest International matches among all four Currans…
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek)
Ben’s moment! 💯🔥
The first Curran to hit an internatio♎nal ton! His unbeaten 118(130) powers Zimbabwe to⭕ a 9-wicket win! 🇿🇼👏
— FanCode (@FanCode)
BRIAN BENNETT – Player of the series.
BEN CURRAN – Player of the match.
— Udit (@Merovaeous)
🔴Sam Curran used “Hukum Reloaded” Audio in His Instagram Story for His Brother Ben Curran’s Maiden International Century for Zimbabwe ♐💛
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation)
Sigh🥂ts and 𒊎scenes for what will go down as a big moment in Zimbabwe’s cricketing history.
Ben Curran was the star of the show today. His first ODI century and the first Curran 🦂to score an ODI hundred despite being the last brother to enter the international cricket arena.…
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos)
HISTORIC DAY FOR CURRAN FAMILY ❤️
– Ben Curran becomes the first Player from Curran family to score a Hundred in International cricket.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Ben Curran has announced himself 🎶in the International arena.
First of the Currans to get an internat🎃ional 🐬century.
Kevin would've been so proud.
— Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177)
