Balbirnie trumps Ervine as Ireland go 1-0 up

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Andy Balbirnie’s fifth ODI century led Ireland’s response to Zimbabwe’s 254/9, as they picked up a four-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Balbirnie was supported by Paul Stirling (57), with whom he put on 105 for the second wicket to help the home side chase down the target with nine balls to spare. The stand was integral to Ireland recovering from a slow start, as they lost James McCollum early and stuttered to 28/1 in the ninth over.

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Stirling’s fifty was his fifth consecutive fifty-plus score – an Irish record. His dismissal in the 29th over triggered a mini collapse as captain William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien departed in the space of two overs, but wicket-keeper batsman Lorcan Tucker played a handy knock of 23 and put on 64 runs with Balbirnie for the fifth wicket to put the chase back on track. Balbirnie was eventually dismissed with Ireland still 26 away from victory, but Shane Getkate and Mark Adair played brisk cameos to take their team home

Tendai Chatara was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe, returning 3/36 in nine overs. He was ably supported by Kyle Jarvis – 2/43.

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Earlier, after rain delayed the start, Zimbabwe limped to 20/2 in the sixth over after being asked to bat, courtesy some fantastic bowling by the 23-year-old right-arm pacer Adair. The youngster first removed Tinashe Kamunhukamwe’s middle stump with one that cut back in from an off-stump line and went through the gate. He followed it up with the wicket of captain Hamilton Masakadza for 15.

Balbirnie and Stirling shared a 105-run stand to stabilise Ireland

Craig Irvine then scored a measured 105 off 117 balls – his third ODI century – to hold the Zimbabwe innings together, even as wickets kept falling at the other end. He departed when Zimbabwe had 210 on the board, but 25-year-old Ryan Burl provided the impetus at the end and smashed a quick 49*, off 42 balls, to propel Zimbabwe to shore up the total.

The two sides will meet again at Stormont on Thursday, 4 July for the second ODI.

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