Opener Lorcan Tucker top-scored for Ireland as they stuttered to 137 for eight in 20 overs. In response, Zimbabwe kept losing wickets at regular intervals before Tony Munyonga shepherded them past the target
A quickfire unbeaten 43 (off 30 deliveries) from Tony Munyonga guided Zimbabwe to a tense three-wicket win over Ireland in the second T20 international of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club, Harare on Sunday (February 23, 2024). (More Cricket News)
Craig Young's four-wicket haul seemed to have put Ireland in command, but Munyonga stood tall to rescue the hosts and hand them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Earlier, opener Lorcan Tucker top-scored for Ireland as they stuttered to 137 for eight in 20 overs. In response, the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals before Munyonga shepherded them past the target along with Richard Ngarava (12 not out off 7).
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first against Ireland. Both teams named unchanged playing XIs from the first game.
Explaining his decision to bowl first, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza said: "Normally, the wicket is pretty good, but yesterday, I found that it was a bit tacky because of all the moisture. And it was still raining this morning as well, so we want to make sure that we put them under pressure early on."
His opposite number Paul Stirling said he would have bowled first too but hoped the toss would not matter much. "I thought we started really well yesterday and we ticked a lot of things," he added.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Joshua Little, Benjamin White
The first match was washed out due to rain, as only nine overs of action was possible on Saturday.
The T20 international series between Zimbabwe and Ireland is being live streamed on the FanCode app and website in India. It is not being telecast on any TV channel in India.