Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Harare, Zimbabwe vs Ireland, Feb 16 2025 - Ball by Ball Commentary

That concludes our action for today. There was a high risk of rain, with over 50% predicted, yet we were able to complete the game on time. Thank you for tuning in. Do join us again for the last ODI of the series, the series decider, on February 18th at the same location and time. Until then, this is Rashad signing off on behalf of Abhimanyu, Thilak, Chandan, and the whole ESPNCricinfo team. Goodbye!

Ireland Captain Paul Stirling: "I think we were better, to be honest. I think there was no lull in that middle period. I think Sikandar and Wesley batted really well in the middle, and I think that's when we were the most under pressure and to come through that, chuck the ball to Curtis, and he really turned the game on its head. I think they stuck at it really well. I think at the halfway, we were looking at about 270-280 plus, and that would have been tough out there. Especially, haven't seen what it was like for the last 20 overs, so credit to us, we came back and I think 250 was about right for us to chase and we got there. Look, he's an X Factor Bowler (Muzarabani). He's certainly got a lot of wickets against us, and we need to try and keep him as quiet as possible. And look, there's a bit of up and down there today, and sometimes there's a bit of lateral movement. But if we got past that up-and-down movement, I think we could get a win. (Unchanged XI in the final ODI?) Sure, they seem to come thick and fast these days, you don't get much of a rest, so we'll come back in a couple of days and chat about it tomorrow."

Zimbabwe Captain Craig Ervine: "(How many runs short) Certainly, I thought, 280, odd, would have been a pretty good score. Would have been nice to win the toss, but anyway (laughter). We were going one at one stage I think around that 30 over mark. And then losing, three wickets in quick succession. I think really picked us back. But credit to Ireland, I thought they stuck to their guns. Curtis, obviously bowled extremely well in that middle period, which obviously picked us back quite a bit. (Picking up wickets early) Yeah, certainly, I think on a wicket that was providing enough for the bowlers. Those early wickets really do get you on top and give you that momentum. Sterling and Curtis again, batted really well. It wasn't really a great wicket to bat on. But I thought they stuck at it and played really well. We probably gave maybe a few too many extras to that little period. (Spinners) They've always done extremely well for us. And again, we believe consistent draws consistent. We just need to back it up as a whole bowling group together. You always want to give it your best shot right to the end. Obviously, it was a little bit too late today. Had we got those wickets earlier on in the piece, maybe things could have been different, but I thought that partnership between Curtis and Sterling really set it up for them.

Player of the Match Curtis Campher: "(Bowling) Sterling is a great captain. He just says, do what you do and hit your straps. And yeah, thankfully, today it came off. (Secret of swinging the ball) No secret at all. Just trying to get the ball down as best I can. I've been working in the winter, so it's been nice. It's paid off. The big lad (Muzarabani) bowled beautifully. We just tried to nullify the first few overs as long as we could, and bat. While chasing a score of 250 gets a bit tricky, so it's all about occupying the crease as much as you can."

5:25 pm Ireland's amazing comeback brought the series level at 1-1. Ireland's batting department delivered an excellent effort, cruising to victory with ease. The visitors began the innings strongly with the bat, but lost opener Balbirnie in the sixth over. Extras were piling up from Zimbabwe bowlers, allowing the visitors to glide to a run rate of nearly 6, with 21 extras conceded in the opening 12 overs! Stirling scored his 31st ODI fifty and led the batting order from the front. Campher also performed well at the crease, scoring 63 runs. With a combined 144 runs, both the batters laid the groundwork for the innings. Gwandu dismissed Campher with a bouncer ball that was held too low on the ground, thudding the pad in front of the middle-leg stump. Gwandu subsequently picked up Tector's wicket as well, attempting to slice it over backward point but only getting a thick edge of the bat, which Marumani caught diving to his right side. Sterling missed out on a well-deserved century and, after fighting with cramps for some time, hit the pull shot high in the air with one hand to extra cover. Tucker then batted well, absorbing all of the pressure, hitting a couple boundaries and remaining unbeaten till the end of the innings. Zimbabwe fielded poorly throughout the innings, allowing easy singles within the circle and missing a few run-out opportunities. Gwandu took two wickets, while Muzarabani and Ngarava got the remaining two wickets. The post-match presentation will take place shortly.

Ireland won by 6 wickets

Attacking field setup by Raza, only square leg outside the circle

Scores level

Muzarabani in

Dockrell removed his gloves and showed it to the umpire, explaining that he had a bug inside them. That's why he felt uncomfortable wearing that glove; time to acquire a fresh one from the dressing room.

The supporters have begun to depart the stands; 7 runs are required from 24 balls.

Free hit