Zimbabwean cricket team in Ireland in 2021#1st ODI

{{short description|International cricket tour}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}

{{Infobox cricket tour

| series_name = Zimbabwean cricket team in Ireland in 2021

| team1_image = Cricket Ireland flag.svg

| team1_name = Ireland

| team2_image = Flag of Zimbabwe.svg

| team2_name = Zimbabwe

| from_date = 27 August

| to_date = 13 September 2021

| team1_captain = Andrew Balbirnie

| team2_captain = Craig Ervine

| no_of_ODIs = 3

| team1_ODIs_won = 1

| team2_ODIs_won = 1

| team1_ODIs_most_runs = William Porterfield (158)

| team2_ODIs_most_runs = Craig Ervine (121)

| team1_ODIs_most_wickets = Andy McBrine (4)
Josh Little (4)

| team2_ODIs_most_wickets = Blessing Muzarabani (6)

| player_of_ODI_series = William Porterfield (Ire)

| no_of_twenty20s = 5

| team1_twenty20s_won = 3

| team2_twenty20s_won = 2

| team1_twenty20s_most_runs = Paul Stirling (234)

| team2_twenty20s_most_runs = Craig Ervine (160)

| team1_twenty20s_most_wickets = Mark Adair (10)

| team2_twenty20s_most_wickets = Luke Jongwe (7)

| player_of_twenty20_series = Paul Stirling (Ire)

}}

The Zimbabwe cricket team toured Ireland in August and September 2021 to play three One Day International (ODI) and five Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/ireland-must-enter-bubble-to-start-busy-year-in-uae-39876259.html |title=Ireland must enter bubble to start busy year in UAE |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=18 December 2020 |access-date=5 January 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ireland-could-host-pakistan-t20is-in-england-but-test-opportunities-remain-limited-1246421 |title=Ireland could host Pakistan T20Is in England but Test opportunities remain limited |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=5 January 2021}} The ODI series formed part of the inaugural 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/742337 |title=Schedule for inaugural World Test Championship announced |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=11 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://icc-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/ICC/document/2018/06/20/6dc2c8d4-e1a5-4dec-94b4-7121fab3cd7f/ICC_Tours.pdf |title=Men's Future Tours Programme |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=International Cricket Council}} Cricket Ireland confirmed the fixtures in February 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/home-international-fixtures-announced-for-ireland-mens-cricket-team |title=Home international fixtures announced for Ireland Men's cricket team |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=15 February 2021 |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215133100/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/home-international-fixtures-announced-for-ireland-mens-cricket-team |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/56073349 |title=Ireland cricket: Home summer series against South Africa and Zimbabwe confirmed |work=BBC Sport |access-date=15 February 2021}} Originally, three T20I matches were scheduled to be played,{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000005/000532.shtml |title=Ireland schedule extra matches against Zimbabwe |work=Cricket Europe |access-date=29 April 2021 |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429125852/https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000005/000532.shtml |url-status=dead }} but two more T20I matches were added in April 2021, after planned matches against Pakistan were cancelled.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/graham-ford-speaks-on-eve-of-inter-pros-as-two-new-mens-t20is-and-wolves-se |title=Graham Ford speaks on eve of Inter-Pros, as two new men's T20Is and Wolves series venue confirmed |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=29 April 2021 |archive-date=29 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429112813/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/graham-ford-speaks-on-eve-of-inter-pros-as-two-new-mens-t20is-and-wolves-se |url-status=dead }}

However, on 22 July 2021, Cricket Ireland announced that the series would need to be rescheduled due to quarantine requirements needed for the visiting team.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/statement-on-zimbabwe-mens-tour |title=Statement on Zimbabwe Men's tour |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=22 July 2021 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722164657/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/statement-on-zimbabwe-mens-tour |url-status=dead }} The aim was to reschedule the matches for August-September 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57932125 |title=Ireland v Zimbabwe: Series to be rescheduled over Covid-19 quarantine requirements |work=BBC Sport |access-date=22 July 2021}} Zimbabwe Cricket requested government clearance to travel to Ireland, with 19 August 2021 proposed as the date to depart for the tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/zimbabwe-s-tour-of-ireland-postponed-zc-seeks-government-clearance-for-travel-1272040 |title=Zimbabwe's tour of Ireland postponed; ZC seeks government clearance for travel |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=4 August 2021}} On 5 August 2021, Cricket Ireland confirmed the new itinerary for the tour,{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/graham-ford-zimbabwe-series-new-dates |title=Graham Ford about Ireland Men's prospects, as new dates released for rescheduled Zimbabwe series |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=5 August 2021 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805160902/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/graham-ford-zimbabwe-series-new-dates |url-status=dead }} with the series starting on 27 August 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/zimbabwe-s-rescheduled-tour-of-ireland-to-begin-on-august-27-1272288 |title=Zimbabwe's rescheduled tour of Ireland to begin on August 27 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=5 August 2021}}

Zimbabwe won the first T20I match by three runs.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58359860 |title=Ireland lose to Zimbabwe by three runs in Twenty20 opener at Clontarf |work=BBC Sport |access-date=2 September 2021}} However, Ireland went on to win the next three matches,{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/zimbabwe-in-ireland-and-scotland-2021-1251944/ireland-vs-zimbabwe-4th-t20i-1272376/match-report |title=Kevin O'Brien, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair secure series victory for Ireland |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=2 September 2021}} winning the series with a match to spare.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58428237 |title=Ireland v Zimbabwe: Hosts claim T20 series victory |work=BBC Sport |access-date=2 September 2021}} Zimbabwe won the fifth T20I match by five runs, with Ireland winning the series 3–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/zimbabwe-in-ireland-and-scotland-2021-1251944/ireland-vs-zimbabwe-5th-t20i-1272377/match-report |title=Luke Jongwe and Donald Tiripano three-fors seal Zimbabwe win in low-scoring final match |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=4 September 2021}}

Zimbabwe won the first ODI by 38 runs.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/zimbabwe-make-light-work-of-irish-bowlers-to-win-first-odi-1.4668655 |title=Zimbabwe make light work of Irish bowlers to win first ODI |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=13 September 2021}} In the second ODI, Ireland scored 282/8 before the match was washed out, ending in a no result.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2248031 |title=Rain forces abandonment of second Ireland-Zimbabwe ODI |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=13 September 2021}} The day before the third ODI of the series, Zimbabwe's Brendan Taylor announced that he would retire from international cricket following the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/zimbabwe-news-brendan-taylor-to-retire-from-international-cricket-1277709 |title=Brendan Taylor to retire from international cricket |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 September 2021}} Ireland went on to win the match by seven wickets,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58548328 |title=Ireland v Zimbabwe: Hosts win final ODI to draw series as Brendan Taylor bows out |work=BBC Sport |access-date=14 September 2021}} with the series drawn 1–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/zimbabwe-in-ireland-and-scotland-2021-1251944/ireland-vs-zimbabwe-3rd-odi-1272381/match-report |title=Josh Little, spinners help Ireland level series as Brendan Taylor has forgettable farewell |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=13 September 2021}}

Squads

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin:auto"
colspan=2|{{cr|IRE}}

!{{cr|ZIM}}

ODIs{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/squads-announced-for-the-mens-series-against-zimbabwe |title=Squads announced for the men's series against Zimbabwe |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=19 August 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819161238/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/squads-announced-for-the-mens-series-against-zimbabwe |url-status=dead }}

! T20Is{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/118660/zimbabwe-tour-of-ireland-2021-curtis-campher-called-up-for-zimbabwe-t20is |title=Curtis Campher called up for Zimbabwe T20Is |work=CricBuzz |date=19 August 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021}}

! ODIs and T20Is{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/craig-ervine-named-zimbabwe-captain-for-ireland-scotland-tours-1274549 |title=Craig Ervine named Zimbabwe captain for Ireland, Scotland tours |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=24 August 2021}}

style="vertical-align:top"

|

|

|

Zimbabwe did not name individual squads for the ODI and T20I matches, opting instead to name a combined squad of 18 players for the tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/118662/brendan-taylor-craig-ervine-sean-williams-return-for-ireland-scotland-tour |title=Taylor, Ervine, Williams return for Ireland, Scotland tour |work=CricBuzz |date=19 August 2021 |access-date=19 August 2021}} Curtis Campher was ruled out of Ireland's ODI squad after suffering an injury in the first T20I match.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000012/001219.shtml |title=Campher blow for Ireland |work=Cricket Europe |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907044927/https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000012/001219.shtml |url-status=dead }} Shane Getkate was named as Campher's replacement for Ireland's ODI matches.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/shane-getkate-to-replace-curtis-campher-in-irelands-world-cup-super-league |title=Shane Getkate to replace Curtis Campher in Ireland's World Cup Super League squad |work=Cricket Ireland |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=6 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906165312/https://www.cricketireland.ie/news/article/shane-getkate-to-replace-curtis-campher-in-irelands-world-cup-super-league |url-status=dead }}

Tour match

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 6 September 2021

| time = 10:30

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{flagicon image|Cricket Ireland flag.svg}} Ireland Wolves

| score1 = 171/9 (40 overs)

| runs1 = Sean Williams 39 (48)

| wickets1 = Matt Ford 2/28 (8 overs)

| score2 = 166/7 (40 overs)

| runs2 = Murray Commins 56 (88)

| wickets2 = Sikandar Raza 3/36 (8 overs)

| result = Zimbabwe won by 5 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272378.html Scorecard]

| venue = Circular Road, Belmont

| umpires = Roland Black (Ire) and Paul Reynolds (Ire)

| motm = Sikandar Raza (Zim)

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat.

| rain = The match was reduced to 40 overs per side due to a wet outfield.

| notes =

}}

T20I series

=1st T20I=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 27 August 2021

| time = 12:00

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{cr|IRE}}

| score1 = 117/7 (20 overs)

| runs1 = Regis Chakabva 47 (28)

| wickets1 = Craig Young 2/15 (4 overs)

| score2 = 114/9 (20 overs)

| runs2 = Simi Singh 28* (22)

| wickets2 = Ryan Burl 3/22 (4 overs)

| result = Zimbabwe won by 3 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272373.html Scorecard]

| venue = Castle Avenue, Dublin

| umpires = Roland Black (Ire) and Paul Reynolds (Ire)

| motm = Regis Chakabva (Zim)

| toss = Ireland won the toss and elected to field.

| rain =

| notes = Curtis Campher and Neil Rock (Ire) both made their T20I debuts.

  • Craig Ervine captained Zimbabwe for the first time in T20Is.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ire-vs-zim-2021-ireland-host-zimbabwe-with-t20-world-cup-preparation-in-mind-1274832 |title=Ireland host Zimbabwe with T20 World Cup preparation in mind |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 August 2021}}
  • Paul Stirling played in his 300th match for Ireland.{{cite web |url=https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000001/000133.shtml |title=Stirling reaches 300 caps |work=Cricket Europe |access-date=27 August 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171628/https://www.cricketeurope.com/DATABASE/ARTICLES2021/articles/000001/000133.shtml |url-status=dead }}

}}

=2nd T20I=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 29 August 2021

| time = 12:00

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{cr|IRE}}

| score1 = 152/5 (20 overs)

| runs1 = Milton Shumba 46* (27)

| wickets1 = Shane Getkate 3/20 (4 overs)

| score2 = 153/3 (18.3 overs)

| runs2 = Kevin O'Brien 60 (41)

| wickets2 = Ryan Burl 2/24 (4 overs)

| result = Ireland won by 7 wickets

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272374.html Scorecard]

| venue = Castle Avenue, Dublin

| umpires = Mark Hawthorne (Ire) and Alan Neill (Ire)

| motm = Kevin O'Brien (Ire)

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat.

| rain =

| notes =

}}

=3rd T20I=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 1 September 2021

| time = 15:00

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|IRE}}

| team2 = {{cr|ZIM}}

| score1 = 178/2 (20 overs)

| runs1 = Paul Stirling 115* (75)

| wickets1 = Ryan Burl 1/30 (4 overs)

| score2 = 138 (18.2 overs)

| runs2 = Craig Ervine 33 (18)

| wickets2 = Mark Adair 3/11 (3 overs)

| result = Ireland won by 40 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272375.html Scorecard]

| venue = Bready Cricket Club Ground, Magheramason

| umpires = Roland Black (Ire) and Alan Neill (Ire)

| motm = Paul Stirling (Ire)

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.

| rain =

| notes = William McClintock (Ire) made his T20I debut.

  • Paul Stirling (Ire) scored his first century in T20Is.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/zimbabwe-in-ireland-and-scotland-2021-1251944/ireland-vs-zimbabwe-3rd-t20i-1272375/match-report |title=Paul Stirling's maiden T20I hundred lifts Ireland to thumping win |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=1 September 2021}}

}}

=4th T20I=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 2 September 2021

| time = 15:00

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|IRE}}

| team2 = {{cr|ZIM}}

| score1 = 174/4 (20 overs)

| runs1 = Kevin O'Brien 47 (39)

| wickets1 = Wellington Masakadza 2/22 (4 overs)

| score2 = 110/9 (20 overs)

| runs2 = Craig Ervine 28 (30)

| wickets2 = Mark Adair 4/23 (4 overs)

| result = Ireland won by 64 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272376.html Scorecard]

| venue = Bready Cricket Club Ground, Magheramason

| umpires = Mark Hawthorne (Ire) and Paul Reynolds (Ire)

| motm = Mark Adair (Ire)

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.

| rain =

| notes =

}}

=5th T20I=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 4 September 2021

| time = 15:00

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{cr|IRE}}

| score1 = 124/4 (20 overs)

| runs1 = Craig Ervine 67* (57)

| wickets1 = Mark Adair 3/23 (4 overs)

| score2 = 119 (20 overs)

| runs2 = Neil Rock 22 (21)

| wickets2 = Luke Jongwe 3/29 (4 overs)

| result = Zimbabwe won by 5 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272377.html Scorecard]

| venue = Bready Cricket Club Ground, Magheramason

| umpires = Roland Black (Ire) and Alan Neill (Ire)

| motm = Craig Ervine (Zim)

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat.

| rain =

| notes =

}}

ODI series

=1st ODI=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 8 September 2021

| time = 10:30

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{cr|IRE}}

| score1 = 266/7 (50 overs)

| runs1 = Craig Ervine 64 (96)

| wickets1 = Simi Singh 1/22 (10 overs)

| score2 = 228 (48.4 overs)

| runs2 = William Porterfield 75 (110)

| wickets2 = Blessing Muzarabani 4/29 (9.4 overs)

| result = Zimbabwe won by 38 runs

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272379.html Scorecard]

| venue = Stormont, Belfast

| umpires = Mark Hawthorne (Ire) and Paul Reynolds (Ire)

| motm = Sikandar Raza (Zim)

| toss = Ireland won the toss and elected to field.

| rain =

| notes = World Cup Super League points: Zimbabwe 10, Ireland 0.

}}

=2nd ODI=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 10 September 2021

| time = 10:30

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|IRE}}

| team2 = {{cr|ZIM}}

| score1 = 282/8 (50 overs)

| runs1 = William Porterfield 67 (100)

| wickets1 = Richard Ngarava 3/52 (9 overs)

| score2 =

| runs2 =

| wickets2 =

| result = No result

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272380.html Scorecard]

| venue = Stormont, Belfast

| umpires = Roland Black (Ire) and Mark Hawthorne (Ire)

| motm =

| toss = Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.

| rain = Rain prevented any further play.

| notes = Milton Shumba (Zim) made his ODI debut.

  • World Cup Super League points: Ireland 5, Zimbabwe 5.

}}

=3rd ODI=

{{Single-innings cricket match

| date = 13 September 2021

| time = 10:30

| daynight =

| team1 = {{cr-rt|ZIM}}

| team2 = {{cr|IRE}}

| score1 = 131 (34 overs)

| runs1 = Craig Ervine 57 (65)

| wickets1 = Andy McBrine 3/26 (8 overs)

| score2 = 118/3 (22.2 overs)

| runs2 = Paul Stirling 43 (40)

| wickets2 = Wellington Masakadza 1/9 (2 overs)

| result = Ireland won by 7 wickets (DLS method)

| report = [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1272381.html Scorecard]

| venue = Stormont, Belfast

| umpires = Alan Neill (Ire) and Paul Reynolds (Ire)

| motm = Andy McBrine (Ire)

| toss = Ireland won the toss and elected to field.

| rain = Ireland were set a revised target of 118 runs from 32 overs due to rain.

| notes = World Cup Super League points: Ireland 10, Zimbabwe 0.
Brendan Taylor played his last international match. World Cup Super League points: Ireland 10, Zimbabwe 0.

}}

References

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