Ireland vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I at Dublin, SCOT v ZIM, Aug 27 2021 - Ball by Ball Commentary

So that's all from us from T20I number one. The visitors take the lead, in a game that they should not have won after making just 117. But their bowlers did the job, sending Ireland down by three runs. We'll be back on Sunday for match number two. However, the cricket never stops on ESPNcricinfo: Test cricket between England and India over here and match number 3 from the CPL right here. Hop on over as I Sreshth Shah say goodbye on behalf of Deiva Muthu and Vairavan.

Presentation.

Regis Chakabva is the Player of the Match: "It was two-paced so it was all about taking it ball by ball. Some balls stayed low and skiddy. I just figured it's best to take it deep. Was fortunate to get a few boundaries. Credit to the bowlers. We thought we were 5-10 runs short, but the bowlers stuck to their guns.

Winning captain Ervine: "After the first half, only 117, and we knew we were under par. But the guys came out fired up, bowled well right from the start. The wicket was tricky. Stayed low, some. So difficult to find your timing. That was part of the reason why we felt we may have had the runs on the board. Chakabva held the innings well, a contribution like that got us across the line. We have a young bunch of guys and the energy comes with that. Guys did well with the gaps there to take the twos. The spinners all bowled well together. Helps having a legspinner, who can go for runs on another day but Ryan took three."

Losing captain Balbirnie: "very disappointed. Not good enough with the bat. But we back ourselves to chase a total like that down. If it wasn't for Simi, it could've been much worse. We have to reassess. Bowling and fielding good. Bowlers were economical, took wickets regularly. We were happy at the halfway stage and should be chasing down 118 whatever the surface. The pitch was skiddy, stayed low, we'll learn and it's a long series."

3.12pm What a low-scoring thriller! Ngarava concedes just two off the final over to defend five and give Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in this five-game series. Ireland had the momentum at the break, but Zimbabwe did not let their shoulders droop in the second innings. Regular wickets, Burl's skills, and then Ngarava's excellent bowling takes them across. Ireland will be disappointed with some of their shot options that they took in the middle and lower order. At no time was the required run-rate exceedingly high and the hosts will be very disappointed how this game has turned out.

Shah Safeer: "Shame they're not in T20 World Cup! "

Musa: "Chevrons have done it, both gents and ladies! Ngarava you beauty! "

Had Young completed the run, Ireland would've needed 4 to win. Now they need 5. Which means six gives them a win. Four is a Super Over.

Conceded just 1 in 4 balls. And Singh is at the non-striker's end.

Simple equation. 6 off six. Ngarava with an economy of 5 will bowl. Another 5 and it's a super over.

Musa: "Lady chevrons pulled it off, can the boys do it?"

Shah Safeer: "Zimbabwe have been brilliant in defending totals for a few games now. They have defended 100 odd against Pakistan earlier, let's see if they do it here again! "

The extra ball, for the wide earlier in the over. What does Singh do? Take the single to keep strike? Or go for the glory shot

Back to run a ball.

Saoirse: "Good man yourself Simi!"

Moiz: "Ireland have so much talented players such as H Tector, G Delany, J McCollum, etc. Just give them consistent chances and they will prove there worth in the team."

Eighteen off 18. Singh/McCarthy now need to calculate how much should they leave for the final over. Here's the left-arm seamer