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Ireland induce a tie as Zimbabwe falter
One of the most enthralling matches in the history of Cricket World Cup was played between minnows Zimbabwe and Ireland at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday. The third-ever tied match in World Cups will be remembered for its pulsating moments and resilience of the Irish team.
Banking on a brilliant unbeaten 115 by their batsman Jeremy Bray, Irish bowlers managed to take the game to the last ball, as Zimbabwe threw away an almost certain win to experience the first upset of the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup. At the end of the game, the Zimbabweans were left in bewilderment, cursing their luck.
Zimbabwe, chasing 222, started off in good fashion with opener Vusi Sibanda scoring a diligent 67. However, things took an ugly turn when the team lost quick wickets and came down to 133-5 in the 30th over. The Zimbabwean ship was rescued by Stuart Matsikenyeri (73 not out) and Brendan Taylor (24).
Ireland has almost lost the game as Matsikenyeri smoothly cruised to the target. It was here that Irish bowlers and fielders played smart to keep him off the strike as much as possible. He could do nothing but watch wickets tumble at the other end.
The last 15 balls of this match will be unforgettable for the lucky ones to have witnessed this encounter. Zimbabwe lost four wickets for nine runs in the last two overs to end up in a tie at the last ball of the innings. The last ball was a comedy of errors, with both Matsikenyeri and the Irish wicketkeeper unsuccessfully trying to score a run and induce a stumping respectively.
Earlier in the day, Ireland scored 221 runs in their 50 overs, with opener Bray’s 115 not out being the only worthwhile contribution. He played like a man possessed, hitting ten fours and two sixes to ravage Zimbabwean bowling attack.
Ireland will always remember this match for their audaciousness in rising to the level of a team considered to be much better than them. The Zimbabwe-Ireland match should serve as a reminder to the other teams of Cricket World Cup that cricket is truly an unpredictable game.
Brief Score: Zimbabwe 221 (Matsikenyeri 73*, Sibanda 67) vs. Ireland 221/9 (Bray 115*)
Result: Match tied
Man of the Match: Jeremy Bray
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