IRE VS ZIM ODI

Right then, that is it from this game and Ireland have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The next and final match of the series will be played on Sunday, the 17th of December at the very same venue. That game will begin at 12.45 pm IST (7.15 am GMT) but our build-up, as usual, will begin much sooner. Do join us then. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Joshua Little is the Player of the Match for his sensational six-wicket haul. Little expresses that It's nice to contribute to the team and secure a win, and today was a special day for him. He further adds that against right-handers, he considers it a good option to come from around the wicket, given the observed up-and-down nature of the surface's bounce. He mentions feeling pretty sore and needing an ice bath. Despite this, he says that he's determined to come back on Sunday and aims to secure a victory to win the series and concludes.

The captain of Ireland, Paul Stirling says they are getting better as a team in every game they are playing and were slightly disappointed about the previous washed-out game because they were in a similar situation. Adds that Joshua Little was exceptional and the other bowlers around him did great to keep down the scoring rate which helped Josh get those crucial wickets at the top of the order. He concludes that this surface was a 200-run wicket and Josh's spell was the difference between both the teams and that he looks forward to winning the series from here.

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean skipper says that it didn't quite go well for them today. He mentions that when you lose half of your side inside 100 runs, it feels like a rescue operation. He then credits Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl for a resilient partnership that helped them to reach 166 runs. He goes on to appreciate Joshua Little for his brilliant spell in bowling. He further updates Ryan Burl's injury and says that the doctors will look at him, but there's a 50-50 chance of him playing the next game as he is in a pretty average state.

The Presentation ceremony...

Zimbabwe's batting performance was not as impressive, as they posted a total of 166 runs before being bowled out by the Irish team. However, their bowlers showcased exceptional skill, causing consistent trouble for the Irish batters. The fast bowlers, particularly Blessing Muzarabani, and the spinners, notably Brandon Mavuta, were instrumental in keeping Zimbabwe in the game. Both Muzarabani and Mavuta claimed two wickets each, applying pressure throughout the innings. With just an additional 50 runs on the board, the match outcome could have taken a different turn. Despite the early setback, Ireland's victory in the second ODI gives them a 1-0 lead in the series, bringing confidence and momentum as they head into the third ODI.

Ireland faced an early setback, losing a wicket on the very first ball of their innings. The captain, Paul Stirling, and Curtis Campher steadied the ship, but Stirling's departure after scoring just 14 runs added pressure. A crucial partnership of 52 runs between Campher and Harry Tector provided Ireland with a much-needed breather. Although Tector and Lorcan Tucker fell after scoring in their 20s, Campher played a pivotal role, crafting a brilliant innings of 66 runs off 71 balls, adorned with 10 boundaries. His resilience and determination laid the foundation for Ireland's successful chase, ensuring a slow but comfortable progression towards the target. Despite the pressure of wickets falling, Mark Adair managed to keep his cool and played a lovely cameo, securing the win, while Zimbabwe's bowlers kept the contest tense till the end.

In a comfortable finish to the second ODI between Zimbabwe and Ireland, it was the Irish team that emerged victorious, successfully chasing down the target of 167 with four wickets in hand and just over 40 overs played. The game was nothing short of a roller coaster ride, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the final run was scored but Ireland always seemed to have their noses in front. Despite the relatively modest target in comparison to other ODIs, Zimbabwe's bowlers displayed exceptional skill, making every run hard-earned for the Irish batters.

FOUR! There it is, the winning runs and it is Mark Adair who finishes the proceedings here. This is a short ball banged in around off, Adair bends his back, lets the ball come on and ramps it down to third man for a boundary. Ireland win by four wickets!

Full and outside off, there to be driven but Andy McBrine opts to leave it alone and we will go beyond the 40-over mark.

No run.

Nicely drifted into middle and leg, Mark Adair flicks it onto the on side.

Flatter this time around off, nudged away in front of point and Mark Adair wants the single but again George Dockrell sends him back, rightly so too.

Quicker one, fired in on middle, Mark Adair defends it out again.

Floated up on middle and leg, Mark Adair works it away toward mid-wicket.

FOUR! There's the boundary Ireland needed to release all the pressure. This is short and wide outside off, Mark Adair cuts it to the left of the diving man at point and picks up a handy boundary.