The dramatic first Twenty20 international between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Dublin on Friday ended in the former’s stunning win. Richard Ngarava made the last over nerve-wracking as Zimbabwe beat Ireland by just three runs. The Chevrons who managed a 117/7, had Ireland chase with 18 runs required off the last three overs, 12 off the last two, and six off the last one, bowled by Ngarava.
Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva with his 47 off 28 balls bagged the player of the match title, with Singh’s innings (28 not out off 22 balls) the next best individual score on the opposite side who finished agonizingly short on 114-9. Now leading 1-0 lead in a five-match series, the victory was a great start for Zimbabwe to October’s T20 World Cup. The second match is to take place on Sunday and the series has three games remaining for next week’s schedule.